Sabbath Bible Lessons

THE LAST EVENTS

Lesson Titles Page

1 The Two Beasts 52 The Present Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3 The Three Angels' Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 134 That Other Angel 175 The Sabbath-The Great Issue 216 The Sealing of the 144,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 257 The Latter Rain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29

8 The Short Time of Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 339 The Mark of the Beast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38

10 The Peace and Safety Cry 4111 The Close of Probation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4412 The Time of]acob's Trouble 4813 God's People Delivered 51

Volume 66 Number 4

The Sabbath Bible Lessons (USPS 005-118) is published quarterly by the SeventhDay Adventist Reform Movement General Conference,Sabbath School Department,5248 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048. Telephone (703) 362-1800.

Annual subscriptions: U.S.A. $7.00. Other countries $8.00.

It is printed and distributed by Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A. Telephone (703) 366-9400.

Send subscription requests and payments in United States currency to the addressbelow. Second-class postage paid at Roanoke, Virginia 24022-9998.

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FOREWORD

The lessons for this quarter concern The Last Events. Theycover a period of time which extends from the beginning of thefirst angel's message to the second coming of Christ. Theselessons make a brief survey of the Advent Movement-the joys,disappointments, struggles and victories experienced in the past;the circumstances prevailing at present; and· the final outcome ofthe controversy, in the light of divine prophecy. The dangers andsnares that Satan has prepared for the children of God are alsoconsidered, and all should especially weigh their urgent needs,both as individuals and as a body of believers. History and proph­ecy have always been two important subjects of study among thepeople of the Lord. In this connection it would be well to give specialattention to the following instructions of the Spirit of Prophecy:

"My ministering brethren, as you stand before the people,speak those things that are essential, those things that will in­struct. Teach the great practical truths that must be brought intothe life. Teach the saving power of Jesus, 'in whom we haveredemption ... even the forgiveness of sins' (Col. 1:14). Strive tomake your hearers comprehend the power of truth.

"Ministers should present the sure word of prophecy as thefoundation of the faith of Seventh-day Adventists. ' '-Gospel Workers,pp. 147, 148.

"Satan's efforts to hinder the work and to destroy the work­men have not ceased; but God has had a care for his servants andfor His work.

"We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shallforget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our pasthistory."-Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 196.

Our prayers go with these lessons, that the Lord may blessthe students with additional enlightenment, and that His HolySpirit may impress their hearts with the need of seeking a moregenuine experience with the Lord, as they meditate upon thetruths herein.

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

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Special Project Offering

for Chapels in Romania

Romania-the country in which we have the largest member­ship in Europe-saw a radical change in 1989-1990.

After World War II our brethren in Romania enjoyed only afew years of liberty, during which our church there grew rapidlyand reached over 4,000 members. Before long, the religious acti­vities of our people were restricted and the most important of alltheir human rights-religious freedom-came to an end. Then thebrethren went through a long period of fearful oppression andpersecution. Our meetings were forbidden, our church propertieswere confiscated, and many of our members had to answer fortheir faith before the authorities. A good number of our leadingbrethren were sentenced to a long term of imprisonment, andsome of them never came out alive. Even in recent years some ofour people were put in jail when they were surprised-holdingworship in small numbers in private homes.

God heard the prayers and cries of His oppressed childrenand brought a change in the political situation in Romania,1989-1990, when the heroic Romanian people stood up in a trium­phant revolution.

This event opened the door for a new beginning in the procla­mation of the Reform message in that country. After 40 years ofoppression, our people there were aroused and filled with new zeal.

Our church in Romania is incorporated and our people areunited. They are printing and distributing books and great quan­tities of pamphlets. Our workers are also giving public lectures ingovernment halls and private homes, and many spiritually hungrypeople are listening to the present truth.

Since the Reform Movement was proscribed and our meetingswere forbidden, our people in Romania, 3,500 members at pres­ent, have no chapels. They will start building some now that theyare free. Therefore, they are hereby making an appeal for aspecial offering in behalf of this project. As we want to help themdevelop their work, we ask our members and friends around theworld to please remember the needs of our Romanian brethrenand make a special sacrifice at the end of this quarter. The Lordwill certainly bless the donors and their gifts.

R. Ludwig, regional secretary for Europe

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Lesson 1 Sabbath, October 5, 1991

THE TWO BEASTS

"Prophecy represents Protestantism as having lamblike horns, but speakinglike a dragon."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments]. vol. 7. p. 975.

KEY TEXT: "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose namesare not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the founda­tion of the world" (Revelation 13:8).

THE FIRST BEASTo Sunday

September 29

A NAME OF BLASPHEMY

1. From where does the first beast come up? What do waters represent in theBible? Revelation 13:1; 17:15.

"In Revelation 17 an angel explained that waters represent 'peoples, and multi­tudes, and nations, and tongues.' Revelation 17:15. Winds are a symbol of strife."- The Great Controversy, p. 440.

2. What is this beast like, and from whom does he get his power and authority?Revelation 13:2.

"In the sixth century the papacy had become firmly established. Its seat of powerwas fixed in the imperial city, and the bishop of Rome was declared to be the headover the entire church. Paganism had given place to the papacy. The dragon had givento the beast 'his power, and his seat, and great authority.' Revelation 13:2."-The GreatControversy, p. 54.

"In chapter 13 (verses 1-10) is described another beast, 'like unto a leopard,' towhich the dragon gave 'his power, and his seat, and great authority.' This symbol, asmost Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the powerand seat and authority once held by the ancient Roman empire."-Ibid., p. 439.

o MondaySeptember 30

3. What does the symbolic beast do? Revelation 13:5 (first part), 6; Daniel7:25 (first part).

"By substituting human law for God's law, Satan will seek to control the world.This work is foretold in prophecy. Of the great apostate power which is the represen-

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A PERIOD OF PERSECUTION

tative of Satan, it is declared, 'He shall speak great words against the Most High, andshall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: andthey shall be given into his hand.' Dan. 7:25."-The Desire of Ages, p. 763.

4. What is blasphemy against God? Mark 2:5-7; John 10:31-33.

"Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternalsalvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom hedelegated authority." - The Great Controversy, p. 55.

"The people were also taught that by the payment of money to the church theymight free themselves from sin, and also release the souls of their deceased friendswho were confined in the tormenting flames."-Ibid., p. 59.

"Christ gave no ecclesiastical right to forgive sin, nor to sell indulgences, thatmen may sin without incurring the displeasure of God, nor did He give His servantsliberty to accept a gift or bribe for cloaking sin, that it may escape merited censure.Jesus charged His disciples to preach the remission of sin in His name among all na­tions; but they themselves were not empowered to remove one stain of sin from thechildren of Adam."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1151.

D TuesdayOctober 1

5. How long would the beast continue persecuting the saints? Revelation 13:5(last part); Daniel 7:25 (last part).

"The forty and two months are the same as the 'time and times and the dividingof time,' three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7-the time during which thepapal power was to oppress God's people."-The Great Controversy, p. 439.

6. What happened to this power at the end of the forty-two prophetic monthsor 1260 years? Revelation 13:3, 10.

"This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began with the supremacy of thepapacy, A.D. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time the pope was made captive bythe French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction wasfulfilled, 'He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.' "-The Great Controversy,p.439.

THE SECOND BEASTo Wednesday

October 2

7. From where does the second beast come up, and whom does he represent?Revelation 13:11.

"But the beast with lamblike horns was seen 'coming up out of the earth.' In­stead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus representedmust arise in territory previously unoccupied and grow up gradually and peacefully.It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of t:le OldWorld-that turbulent sea of 'peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.' Itmust be sought in the Western Continent.

"What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise ofstrength and greatness, and attracting the attention of the world? The application of

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the symbol admits of no question. One nation, and only one, meets the specificationsof this prophecy; it points unmistakably to the United States of America."-The GreatControversy, p. 440.

" 'And he had two horns like a lamb.' The lamblike horns indicate youth, in­nocence, and gentleness, fitly representing the character of the United States whenpresented to the prophet as 'coming up' in 1798."-Ibid., p. 441.

8. Although this beast shows innocence, how will he speak and what work willhe do? Revelation 13:12-14 (first part).

"Republicanism and Protestantism became the fundamental principles of the na­tion. These principles are the secret of its power and prosperity. The oppressed anddowntrodden throughout Christendom have turned to this land with interest andhope. Millions have sought its shores, and the United States has risen to a placeamong the most powerful nations of the earth."-The Great Controversy, p. 441.

"The lamblike horns and dragon voice of the symbol point to a striking con­tradiction between the professions and the practice of the nation thus represented.The 'speaking' of the nation is the action of its legislative and judicial authorities. Bysuch action it will give the lie to those liberal and peaceful principles which it has putforth as the foundation of its policy. The prediction that it will speak 'as a dragon' andexercise 'all the power of the first beast' plainly foretells a development of the spirit ofintolerance and persecution that was manifested by the nations represented by thedragon and the leopardlike beast. And the statement that the beast with two horns'causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast' indicatesthat the authority of this nation is to be exercised in enforcing some observance whichshall be an act of homage to the papacy."-Ibid., p. 442.

THE IMAGE OF THE BEASTo Thursday

October 3

9. What is the image of the beast and what will be said to all the inhabitants ofthe earth? Revelation 13:14 (last part), 15.

"But what is the 'image to the beast'? and how is it to be formed? The image ismade by the two-horned beast, and is an image to the beast. It is also called an imageof the beast. Then to learn what the image is like and how it is to be formed we muststudy the characteristics of the beast itself-the papacy."- The Great Controversy, p. 443.

"The 'image to the beast' represents that form of apostate Protestantism whichwill be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil powerfor the enforcement of their dogmas."-Ibid., p. 445.

10. How does the image threaten all classes of people dwelling on earth? Revela­tion 13:16, 17.

"Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth,uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that 'all, both small andgreat, rich and poor, free and bond' (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to the customsof the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance willbe visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that they are deserving ofdeath." - The Great Controversy, p. 604.

"As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the people are calledto God's downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only

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REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts toshut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their com­mand they .will endeavor to suppress the discussion of thes.e vital questions. Thechurch appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, ·in this work, papists and Pro­testants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold anddecided, the law will be invoked. against commmandment keepers. They will bethreatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of in­fluence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith.But their steadfast answer is: 'Show us from the word of God our error'-the sameplea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances. Those who are arraignedbefore the courts make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them areled to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God."-Ibid., p. 607.

o FridayOctober 4

a. What do the dragon and the leopard·like beast symbolize?

b. What blasphemous power does the papacy presume to have?

c. What period of religious oppression is foretold in Bible prophecy?

d. Name three distinct features of the second beast.

e. How will the Protestant churches bring about that great and final apostasyin which all professed Christians will unite? •

•"Prophecy represents Protestantism as

having lamblike horns, but speaking like adragon. Already we are beginning to hear thevoice of the dragon. There is a satanic forcepropelling the Sunday movement, but it isconcealed. Even the men who are engaged inthe work, are themselves blinded to the re­sults which will follow their movement."

- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 975.

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Lesson 2 Sabbath, October 12, 1991

THE PRESENT TRUTH

" "There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is 'pres­ent truth' that the flock needs now."-Early Writings, p. 63.

KEY TEXT: "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembranceof these things, though ye know them, and be established in the pres­ent truth" (2 Peter 1:12).

o SundayTHE TRUTH IN WHICH WE ARE TO BE ESTABLISHED October 6

1. Of all truth revealed in the Bible, what particular truth is of special impor­tance to us? 2 Peter 1: 12.

"Different periods in the history of the church have each been marked by the de­velopment of some special truth, adapted to the necessities of God's people at that time.Every new truth has made its way against hatred and opposition; those who wereblessed with its light were tempted and tried. The Lord gives a special truth for thepeople in an emergency. Who dare refuse to publish it?"- The Great Controversy, p. 609.

2. In what direction does the truth increase and for what purpose? Proverbs4:18.

"No truth is more clearly taught in the Bible than that God by His Holy Spiritespecially directs His servants on earth in the great movements for the carrying for­ward of the work of salvation. Men are instruments in the hand of God, employed byHim to accomplish His purposes of grace and mercy. Each has his part to act; to eachis granted a measure of light, adapted to the necessities of his time, and sufficient toenable him to perform the work which God has given him to do." - The Great Controver­sy, p. 343.

THE MEASURE OF TRUTH REVEALEDo Monday

October 7

3. How does the Lord reveal the truth to His children? How much truth is reovealed at a time? Isaiah 28:10.

"God permitted great light to shine upon the minds of these chosen men, reveal­ing to them many of the errors of Rome; but they did not receive all the light that wasto be given to the world. Through these, His servants, God was leading the people outof the darkness of Romanism; but there were many and great obstacles for them to

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meet, and He led them on, step by step, as they could bear it. They were not preparedto receive all the light at once. Like the full glory of the noontide sun to those whohave long dwelt in darkness, it would, if presented, have caused them to turn away.Therefore He revealed it to the leaders little by little, as it could be received by thepeople. From century to century, other faithful workers were to follow, to lead thepeople on still further in the path of reform."- The Great Controversy, p. 103.

4. How does the apostle Peter show that the children of God could understandonly as much as was necessary for their time? 1 Peter 1:10-12.

"Even the prophets who were favored with the special illumination of the Spiritdid not fully comprehend the import of the revelations committed to them. The mean-ing was to be unfolded from age to age, as the people of God should need the instruc- ..tion therein contained."- The Great Controversy, p. 344.

TRUTH REVEALED TO THE PATRIARCHSD Tuesday

October 8.,

5. In what way was the plan of redemption revealed to Adam and Eve, and toAbraham? Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:8; John 8:56.

"To man the first intimation of redemption was communicated in the sentencepronounced upon Satan in the garden. The Lord declared, 'I will put enmity betweenthee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, andthou shalt bruise his heel.' Genesis 3:15. This sentence, uttered in the hearing of ourfirst parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, itdeclared that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken."-Patriarchsand Prophets, pp. 65, 66.

"Through type and promise God 'preached before the gospel unto Abraham.'Galatians 3:8. And the patriarch's faith was fixed upon the Redeemer to come. SaidChrist to the Jews, 'Your father Abraham rejoiced that he should see My day; and hesaw it, and was glad.' John 8:56, R.V., margin. The ram offered in the place of Isaacrepresented the Son of God, who was to be sacrificed in our stead. When man wasdoomed to death by transgression of the law of God, the Father, looking upon HisSon, said to the sinner, 'Live: I have found a ransom.' "-Ibid., p. 154.

6. How much of the plan of salvation did the Lord reveal to Jacob and in whatway? Genesis 28:11-14.

"In this vision the plan of redemption was presented to Jacob, not fully, but insuch parts as were essential to him at that time. The mystic ladder revealed to him inhis dream was the same to which Christ referred in His conversation with Nathanael.Said He, 'Ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descendingupon the Son of man.' John 1:51. Up to the time of man's rebellion against the govern­ment of God, there had been free communion between God and man. But the sin ofAdam and Eve separated earth from heaven, so that man could not have communionwith his Maker. Yet the world was not left in solitary hopelessness. The ladderrepresents Jesus, the appointed medium of communication. Had He not with His ownmerits bridged the gulf that sin had made, the ministering angels could have held nocommunion with fallen man. Christ connects man in his weakness and helplessnesswith the source of infinite power."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 184.

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REVELATION IN THE CHRISTIAN ERAD Wednesday

October 9

PRESENT TRUTH IN OUR TIME

7. What was present truth in the time of the disciples? Why did the Lord notaccept the title of "Good Master" as given by the rich young man? Mark1:15; Luke 24:25-27; Matthew 19:16, 17.

"Christ Himself had sent them forth with the message: 'The time is fulfilled, andthe kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.' Mark 1:15. Thatmessage was based on the prophecy of Daniel 9. The sixty-nine weeks were declaredby the angel to extend to 'the Messiah the Prince.' "-The Great Controversy, p. 345.

8. What was present truth in the time of Luther? Romans 1:16, 17.

"By a recent decretal an indulgence had been promised by the pope to all whoshould ascend upon their knees 'Pilate's staircase,' said to have been descended byour Saviour on leaving the Roman judgment hall and to have been miraculously con­veyed from Jerusalem to Rome. Luther was one day devoutly climbing these steps,when suddenly a voice like thunder seemed to say to him: 'The just shall live by faith.'Romans 1:17."-The Great Controversy, p. 125.

"There was a present truth in the days of Luther-a truth at that time of specialimportance; there is a present truth for the church today. He who does all things ac­cording to the counsel of His will has been pleased to place men under various cir­cumstances and to enjoin upon them duties peculiar to the times in which they liveand the conditions under which they are placed. If they would prize the light giventhem, broader views of truth would be opened before them."-Ibid., pp. 143, 144.

D ThursdayOctober 10

9. What is the present truth in our day and what responsibility do we have forit? Revelation 14:6-12; 18:1-4.

"The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people throughElders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently before theworld the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented jus­tification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness ofChrist, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Manyhad lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person,His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into Hishands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His ownrighteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded tobe given to the world. It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with aloud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure."-Testi­monies to Ministers. pp. 91, 92.

10. Why is it so important to have the present truth? 1 Timothy 4:16.

"Precious light has come, appropriate for this time. It is Bible truth, showing theperils that are right upon us. This light should lead us to a diligent study of the Scrip­tures and a most critical examination of the positions which we hold. God would have allthe bearings and positions of truth thoroughly and perseveringly searched, with prayer

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and fasting. Believers are not to rest in suppositions and ill-defined ideas of what con­stitutes truth. Their faith must be firmly founded upon the word of God so that whenthe testing time shall come and they are brought before councils to answer for theirfaith they may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in them, with meekness andfear."- Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 707. 708.

"In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of Godas revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception ofHis character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None butthose who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through thelast great conflict."- The Great Controversy, pp. 593, 594.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

a. Why did the Lord reveal different truths to His people?

b. Why did not God give them all the light at once?

o FridayOctober 11

•

c. To whom was the gospel revealed in the patriarchal dispensation?

d. If all professed Christians would truly appreciate the light given them, whatwould follow?

e. What was a special truth in Luther's time and is still very important~~~ .

•"In His Word God reveals what He can do for

human beings. He molds and fashions after the divinesimilitude the characters of those who will wear Hisyoke. Through His grace they are made partakers ofthe divine nature, and are thus enabled to overcomethe corruption that is in the world through lust. It isGod who gives us power to overcome. Those who hearHis voice and obey His commandments are enabled toform righteous characters. Those who disregard Hisexpressed commands will form characters like thepropensities that they indulge." - The SDA Bible Commentary

[E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 943.

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Lesson 3 Sabbath, October 19, 1991

"

THE THREE ANGELS' MESSAGES

"I was shown three steps - the first, second, and third angels' messages. Saidmy accompanying angel, 'Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin ofthese messages: "-Early Writings, p. 258.

KEY TEXT: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world fora witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew24:14).

THE EVERLASTING GOSPELD SundayOctober 13

THE FIRST ANGEL'S MESSAGE

1. What messages constitute a part of the everlasting gospel? Revelation14:6-12.

"To prepare a people to stand in the day of God, a great work of reform was tobe accomplished. God saw that many of His professed people were not building foreternity, and in His mercy He was about to send a message of warning to arouse themfrom their stupor and lead them to make ready for the coming of the Lord.

"This warning is brought to view in Revelation 14. Here is a threefold messagerepresented as proclaimed by heavenly beings and immediately followed by the com­ing of the Son of man to reap 'the harvest of the earth.' "-The Great Controversy, p. 311.

2. To whom was the proclamation of the everlasting gospel entrusted?Romans 10:14, 15.

"This message is declared to be a part of 'the everlasting gospel.' The work ofpreaching the gospel has not been committed to angels, but has been entrusted tomen. Holy angels have been employed in directing this work, they have in charge thegreat movements for the salvation of men; but the actual proclamation of the gospel isperformed by the servants of Christ upon the earth."- The Great Controversy, p. 312.

D MondayOctober 14

3. What is the first angel's message and when was it first proclaimed? Revela­tion 14:7.

"A great religious awakening under the proclamation of Christ's soon coming isforetold in the prophecy of the first angel's message of Revelation 14. An angel is

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seen flying 'in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto themthat dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.''With a loud voice' he proclaims the message: 'Fear God, and give glory to Him; forthe hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, andthe sea, and the fountains of waters.' Verses 6, 7."-The Great Controversy, p. 355.

"To William Miller and his colaborers it was given to preach the warning inAmerica. This country became the center of the great advent movement. It was herethat the prophecy of the first angel's message had its most direct fulfillment. Thewritings of Miller and his associates were carried to distant lands. Wherever mis­sionaries had penetrated in all the world, were sent the glad tidings of Christ's speedyreturn. Far and wide spread the message of the everlasting gospel: 'Fear God, andgive glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.' "-Ibid., p. 368.

"In 1833 Miller received a license to preach, from the Baptist Church, of whichhe was a member."-Ibid., p. 332.

4. What was the result of the proclamation of the first angel's message? John3:19,20.

"As his [Miller's] work tended to build up the churches, it was for a time regardedwith favor. But as ministers and religious leaders decided against the advent doctrineand desired to suppress all agitation of the subject, they not only opposed it from thepulpit, but denied their members the privilege of attending preaching upon the sec­ond advent, or even of speaking of their hope in the social meetings of the church.Thus the believers found themselves in a position of great trial and perplexity. Theyloved their churches and were loath to separate from them; but as they saw thetestimony of God's word suppressed and their right to investigate the propheciesdenied they felt that loyalty to God forbade them to submit. Those who sought to shutout the testimony of God's word they could not regard as constituting the church ofChrist, 'the pillar and ground of the truth.' Hence they felt themselves justified inseparating from their former connection. In the summer of 1844 about fifty thousandwithdrew from the churches."-The Great Controversy, p. 376.

THE SECOND ANGEL'S MESSAGED TuesdayOctober 15

5. What was the message of the second angel and when was it proclaimed forthe first time? Revelation 14:8.

"The message of Revelation 14 announcing the fall of Babylon, must apply toreligious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this messagefollows the warning of the Judgment, it must be given in the last days, therefore itcannot refer to the Romish Church, for that church has been in a fallen condition formany centuries. Furthermore, in the eighteenth chapter of the Revelation, in amessage which is yet future, the people of God are called upon to come out ofBabylon."- The Great Controversy, p. 383 (1888 edition).

"The second angel's message of Revelation 14 was first preached in the summerof 1844, and it then had a more direct application to the churches of the United States,where the warning of the judgment had been most widely proclaimed and mostgenerally rejected, and where the declension in the churches had been most rapid."-Ibid., p. 389.

6. What other voice was heard together with the second angel's message? Mat·thew 25:6.

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"Near the close of the second angel's message, I saw a great light from heavenshining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright as the sun. And Iheard the voices of angels crying. 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meetH· l'1m.

"This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel'smessage. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the discouraged saints and preparethem for the great work before them. The most talented men were not the first toreceive this message. Angels were sent to the humble, devoted ones, and constrainedthem to raise the cry, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!' "­Early Writings, p. 238.

THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGED Wednesday

October 16

7. What was .predicted by both the prophet Daniel and the apostle Paul thatthe "man of sin" would do with the law and the truth of God? Daniel 7:25;2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4.

"The special characteristic of the beast, and therefore of his image, is the break­ing of God's commandments. Says Daniel, of the little horn, the papacy: 'He shallthink to change times and the law.' Daniel 7:25, R.V. And Paul styled the same powerthe 'man of sin,' who was to exalt himself above God. One prophecy is a complementof the other. Only by changing God's law could the papacy exalt itself above God;whoever should understandingly keep the law as thus changed would be givingsupreme honor to that power by which the change was made. Such an act of obe­dience to papal laws would be a mark of allegiance to the pope in the place of God."­The Great Controversy, p. 446.

8. Against what does the third angel warn the inhabitants of the earth? Revela­tion 14:9-13.

"If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing the Sabbath of thefourth commandment, and showing that there is no foundation in the Word of God forSunday observance, and yet you still cling to the false sabbath, refusing to keep holythe Sabbath which God calls 'My holy day,' you receive the mark of the beast. Whendoes this take place? When you obey the decree that commands you to cease fromlabor on Sunday and worship God, while you know that there is not a word in the Bi­ble showing Sunday to be other than a common working day, you consent to receivethe mark of the beast, and refuse the seal of God."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.White Comments], vol. 7, p. 980.

THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE (continued)D Thursday

October 17

9. What is in reality the essence of the third angel's message? Exodus31:13-17.

"The keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, 'Him that madeheaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.' It follows that themessage which commands men to worship God and keep His commandments willespecially call upon them to keep the fourth commandment.

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REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

"In contrast to those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith ofJesus, the third angel points to another class, against whose errors a solemn and fear­ful warning is uttered: 'If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive hismark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath ofGod.' Revelation 14:9, 10."-The Great Controversy, p. 438.

10. What will be the final result of the proclamation of the third angel's mes­sage? Revelation 14:12.

"Although church and state will unite their power to compel 'all, both small andgreat, rich and poor, free and bond' (Revelation 13:16), to receive 'the mark of thebeast,' yet the people of God will not receive it. The prophet of Patmos beholds 'themthat had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, andover the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God' andsinging the song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2, 3."-The Great Controversy,p.450.

"These truths, as presented in Revelation 14 in connection with 'the everlastinggospel,' will distinguish the church of Christ at the time of His appearing. For as theresult of the threefold message it is announced: 'Here are they that keep the command­ments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' And this message is the last to be given before thecoming of the Lord. Immediately following its proclamation the Son of man is seen bythe prophet, coming in glory to reap the harvest of the earth."-Ibid., pp. 453, 454.

D FridayOctober 18

a. Why was it necessary for the Lord to send a message of warning beforeJesus' coming?

b. Narrate what you know about the work of William Miller.

c. What is the meaning of the message Babylon is fallen and to whom does it ap­ply?

d. What did the man of sin attempt to do? What was the result of his attempt?

e. How many 'classes of people will exist at the close of probation? What arethe characteristics of God's chosen people, and where did John see them? •

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..

Lesson 4 Sabbath, October 26, 1991

THAT OTHER ANGEL

"Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, tounite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message."-Early Writings, p. 277.

KEY TEXT: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risenupon thee" (Isaiah 60:1).

THE COMING OF THE ANGELo SundayOctober 20

,

1. How should the third angel's message be proclaimed? Revelation 14:9.

"The third angel's message is to be given with power. The power of the procla­mation of the first and second messages is to be intensified in the third. In the Revela­tion John says of the heavenly messenger who unites with the third angel: 'I sawanother angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was light­ened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice.' Revelation 18:1, 2."- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 60.

2. What happened with the message of the third angel in the hands of thosewho should proclaim it? Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31, 32.

"We are in danger of giving the third angel's message in so indefinite a mannerthat it does not impress the people. So many other interests are brought in that thevery message which should be proclaimed with power becomes tame and voiceless.At our camp meetings a mistake has been made. The Sabbath question has beentouched upon, but has not been presented as the great test for this time. While thechurches profess to believe in Christ, they are violating the law which Christ Himselfproclaimed from Sinai. The Lord bids us: 'Show My people their transgression, andthe house of Jacob their sins.' Isaiah 58:1. The trumpet is to give a certain sound."- Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 60, 61.

THE RIGHT TIMED MondayOctober 21

3. Describe that other angel: a) his coming; b) his voice; c) the result of hiswork. Revelation 18:1.

"The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has alreadybegun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer.

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This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth."­The Review and Herald, Nov. 22, 1892.

4. What relationship exists between the work of the fourth angel and themessage to Laodicea? Revelation 3:18-20.

"We thank the Lord with all the heart that we have precious light to presentbefore the people, and we rejoice that we have a message for this time which is pre­sent truth. The tidings that Christ is our righteousness has brought relief to many,many souls, and God says to His people, 'Go forward.' The message to the Laodiceanchurch is applicable to our condition. How plainly is pictured the position of thosewho think they have all the truth, who take pride in their knowledge of the word ofGod, while its sanctifying power has not been felt in their lives. The fervor of the loveof God is wanting in their hearts, but it is this very fervor of love that makes God'speople the light of the world....

"In every meeting since the General Conference, souls have eagerly acceptedthe precious message of the righteousness of Christ. We thank God that there aresouls who realize that they are in need of something which they do not possess-goldof faith and love, white raiment of Christ's righteousness, eyesalve of spiritualdiscernment. If you possess these precious gifts, the temple of the human soul willnot be like a desecrated shrine. Brethren and sisters, I call upon you in the name ofJesus Christ of Nazareth, to work where God works. Now is the day of gracious op­portunity and privilege."- The Review and Herald, July 23, 1889.

THE FIRST WORK OF THE ANGELo TuesdayOctober 22

5. What special work must be accomplished before the earth is fully enlightenedwith God's glory? Joel 2:12-17; Acts 3:19, 20.

"[The message to Laodicea] is designed to arouse the people of God, to discoverto them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may befavored with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the thirdangel."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 186.

"The question of most vital importance for this time is, 'Who is on the Lord'sside? Who will unite with the angel in giving the message of truth to the world? Whowill receive the light that is to fill the whole earth with its glory?' "-The Review andHerald, Nov. 5, 1889.

6. Besides making their own preparation, what else must God's people do?Isaiah 58:1; 2 Timothy 4:2-4.

"God has raised up men to meet the necessity of this time who will cry aloud andspare not, who will lift up their voice like a trumpet, and show My people their trans­gression and the house of Jacob their sins. Their work is not only to proclaim the law,but to preach the truth for this time-the Lord our righteousness."-The Review andHerald, Aug. 13, 1889.

"The rebuke of the Lord will rest upon those who would bar the way, thatclearer light shall not come to the people. A great work is to be done, and God seesthat our leading men have need of more light, that they may unite with themessengers whom He sends to accomplish the work that He designs shall be done.The Lord has raised up messengers, and endued them with His Spirit, and has said,

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'Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their trans­gression, and the house of Jacob their sins.' Let no one run the risk of interposing be­tween the people and the message of Heaven. This message will go to the people; andif there were no voice among men to give it, the very stones would cry out."­Gospel Workers, p. 304.

THE FINAL WORKo Wednesday

October 23

7. What will the "movement represented by the angel" of Revelation 18 ac­complish aided by the power of the latter rain? Revelation 18:2-4.

"Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven,lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a strong voice, announc­ing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard: 'Come out ofher, My people.' These announcements, uniting with the third angel's message, con­stitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth."-The Great Con­troversy, p. 604.

"The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep convictionof the Spirit of God.... Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seenin its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them.Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is moreprecious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, alarge number take their stand upon the Lord's side."-Ibid., p. 612.

8. What promise of the Lord will be fulfilled in the last phase of the work ofthat other angel? What is the glory that shall fill the whole earth? Numbers14:21; Habakkuk 2:14.

"The revelation of Christ by the Holy Spirit brought to them a realizing sense ofHis power and majesty, and they stretched forth their hands unto Him by faith, saying,'I believe.' Thus it was in the time of the early rain; but the latter rain will be moreabundant. The Saviour of men will be glorified, and the earth will be lightened withthe bright shining of the beams of His righteousness."-Christ Our Righteousness, p. 127.

"The whole earth, wrapped as it is in the darkness of sin, and sorrow, and pain,is to be lighted with the knowledge of God's love."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 418.

"The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed in the life testifiesthat God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour."-Ibid., p. 420.

THE REMNANT IDENTIFIEDo Thursday

October 24

9. By what special points of identification will the true remnant church beknown? Zephaniah 3: 12, 13; Revelation 12: 17.

"The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those whokeep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragonand his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects, he has gained control of theapostate churches; but here is a little company that are resisting his supremacy. If hecould blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. As he influenced theheathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wickedpowers of earth to destroy the people of God. All will be required to render obedience

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to human edicts in violation of the divine law. Those who will be true to God and toduty will be menaced, denounced, and proscribed. They will 'be betrayed both byparents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends.' "-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 472, 473.

"The spirit which actuated those priests and rulers is still manifested by manywho make a high profession of piety. They refuse to examine the testimony of theScriptures concerning the special truths for this time. They point to their own num­bers, wealth, and popularity, and look with contempt upon the advocates of truth asfew, poor, and unpopular, having a faith that separates them from the world."-TheGreat Controversy, p. 596.

10. Where was the remnant church seen by John the apostle? What are theirpeculiar characteristics? Revelation 14:1-5; 15:2,3.

"In holy vision the prophet saw the ultimate triumph of God's remnant church.He writes:

"I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten thevictory ... stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the songof Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelousare Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King ofsaints.' Revelation 15:2, 3.

"And I looked, and, 10, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him a hun­dred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads.'Revelation 14:1. In this world their minds were consecrated to God; they served Himwith the intellect and with the heart; and now He can place His name 'in theirforeheads.' 'And they shall reign for ever and ever.' Revelation 22:5. They do not goin and out as those who beg a place. They are of that number to whom Christ says,'Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foun­dation of the world.'°He welcomes them as His children, saying, 'Enter thou into thejoy of thy Lord.' Matthew 25:34, 21."-The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 590, 591.

..

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

October 25

a. What conditions demanded the coming of the angel of Revelation IS?

b. Through what messages has God pointed out the great need of the church?By what other names is this message known?

c. What are the two phases of the work of the angel of Revelation IS?

d. When the angel finishes his work preparing a people for the latter rain,what message will he give to the whole world?

e. How can the whole world be enlightened with the glory of God?

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•

Lesson 5 Sabbath, November 2, 1991

THE SABBATH-THE GREAT ISSUE

"Far more sacredness is attached to the Sabbath than is given it by many pro­fessed Sabbathkeepers."- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 353.

KEY TEXT: "Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layethhold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth hishand from doing any evil" (Isaiah 56:2).

REPAIRING THE BREACHD SundayOctober 27

•

1. Why are the people of God called "repairers of the breach" in these lastdays? Isaiah 58:12; 61:4.

"When the Sabbath was changed by the papal power, the seal was taken fromthe law. The disciples of Jesus are called upon to restore it by exalting the Sabbath ofthe fourth commandment to its rightful position as the Creator's memorial and thesign of His authority."- The Great Controversy, p. 452.

"The breach was made in the law of God when the Sabbath was changed by theRoman power. But the time has come for that divine institution to be restored. Thebreach is to be repaired and the foundation of many generations to be raised up."-Ibid., p. 453.

2. What was predicted by the prophet Isaiah, the apostle Peter and Sister E. G.White in reference to the restoration of the divine institutions? Isaiah 8: 16;Acts 3:19-21.

"In the time of the end every divine institution is to be restored. The breachmade in the law at the time the Sabbath was changed by man, is to be repaired. God'sremnant people, standing before the world as reformers, are to show that the law ofGod is the foundation of all enduring reform and that the Sabbath of the fourth com­mandment is to stand as a memorial of creation, a constant reminder of the power ofGod. In clear, distinct lines they are to present the necessity of obedience to all theprecepts of the Decalogue."-Prophets and Kings, p. 678.

THE SABBATH IN THE FAMILYo MondayOctober 28

3. What should parents and children keep in mind, both in and outside thesanctuary, on the Sabbath day? Leviticus 19:30.

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a) In the church:"The house of God is desecrated and the Sabbath violated by Sabbath believers'

children. They run about the house, play, talk, and manifest their evil tempers in thevery meetings where the saints have met together to glorify God and to worship Himin the beauty of holiness....

"Above everything, take care of your children upon the Sabbath. Do not let themviolate it, for you may just as well violate it yourself as to let your children do it. Whenyou suffer your children to play upon the Sabbath, God looks upon you as a command­ment breaker. You transgress His Sabbath."-Selected Messages, book 3, p. 257.

b) At home:"Before the setting of the sun let the members of the family assemble to read

God's word, to sing and pray. There is need of reform here, for many have beenremiss. We need to confess to God and to one another. We should begin anew tomake .special arrangements that every member of the family may be prepared tohonor the day which God has blessed and sanctified."-Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 356, 357.

"They [the entire family] come to the table without levity. Boisterous noise andcontention should not be allowed any day of the week; but on the Sabbath all shouldobserve quietness. No loud-toned commands should be heard at any time; but on theSabbath it is entirely out of place. This is God's holy day, the day He has set apart tocommemorate His creative works, a day He has sanctified and hallowed."-SelectedMessages, book 3, pp. 257, 258.

4. What things are improper to do on the Sabbath day? Isaiah 58:13. What arewe permitted to do on the Sabbath?

"God has given men six days wherein to labor, and He requires that their ownwork be done in the six working days. Acts of necessity and mercy are permitted onthe Sabbath, the sick and suffering are at all times to be cared for; but unnecessarylabor is to be strictly avoided. 'Turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thypleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord,honorable; and ... honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine ownpleasure.' Isaiah 58:13. Nor does the prohibition end here. 'Nor speaking thine ownwords,' says the prophet. Those who discuss business matters or lay plans on theSabbath are regarded by God as though engaged in the actual transaction of business.To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things ofa worldly character."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 307.

"When the Sabbath commences, we should place a guard upon ourselves, uponour acts and our words, lest we rob God by appropriating to our own use that timewhich is strictly the Lord's. We should not do ourselves, nor suffer our children to do,any manner of our own work for a livelihood, or anything which could have been doneon the six working days.... God requires not only that we refrain from physicallabor upon the Sabbath, but that the mind be disciplined to dwell upon sacred themes.The fourth commandment is virtually transgressed by conversing upon worldly thingsor by engaging in light and trifling conversation. Talking upon anything or everythingwhich may come into the mind is speaking our own words. Every deviation from rightbrings us into bondage and condemnation."-Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 702, 703.

..

POLLUTING THE SABBATHD TuesdayOctober 29

5. What promise is given to those who do not pollute the Sabbath? Isaiah 56:2,6,7.

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"We must be guarded, lest the lax practices that prevail among Sundaykeepersshall be followed by those who profess to observe God's holy rest day. The line ofdemarcation is to be made clear and distinct between those who bear the mark ofGod's kingdom and those who bear the sign of the kingdom of rebellion."-Testimonies,vol. 6, p. 353.

6. In the time of Israel, what was the penalty for transgression of the Sabbath?Numbers 15:32-36; Jeremiah 17:21,22,27.

"We should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath. Remember that every mo­ment is consecrated, holy time. Whenever it is possible, employers should give theirworkers the hours from Friday noon until the beginning of the Sabbath. Give them timefor preparation, that they may welcome the Lord's day with quietness of mind. By sucha course you will suffer no loss even in temporal things."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 356.

THE SABBATH-A TESTo Wednesday

October 30

7. How were the Israelites tested on the Sabbath question? Exodus 16:4,26-28. Under the third angel's message, since when have God's peoplebeen held accountable on this point?

"Then I was shown that the commandments of God and the testimony of JesusChrist relating to the shut door could not be separated, and that the time for the com­mandments of God to shine out with all their importance, and for God's people to betried on the Sabbath truth, was when the door was opened in the most holy place inthe heavenly sanctuary, where the ark is, in which are contained the ten command­ments. This door was not opened until the mediation of Jesus was finished in the holyplace of the sanctuary in 1844. Then Jesus rose up and shut the door of the holy place,and opened the door into the most holy, and passed within the second veil, where Henow stands by the ark, and where the faith of Israel now reaches.

"I saw that Jesus had shut the door of the holy place, and no man can open it; andthat He had opened the door into the most holy, and no man can shut it (Rev. 3:7, 8);and that since Jesus has opened the door into the most holy place, which contains theark, the commandments have been shining out to God's people, and they are beingtested on the Sabbath question.

"I saw that the present test on the Sabbath could not come until the mediation ofJesus in the holy place was finished and He had passed within the second veil. ...

"Because so many good Christians have fallen asleep in the triumphs of faith andhave not kept the true Sabbath, they were doubting about its being a test for usnow."-Early Writings, pp. 42, 43.

8. How does God consider occasional Sabbath breaking? Nehemiah 13:16,17.

"No one who disregards the fourth commandment, after becoming enlightenedconcerning the claims of the Sabbath, can be held guiltless in the sight of God.

"Brother K, you acknowledge the requirements of God to keep the Sabbath, butyour works do not harmonize with your declared faith. You give your influence to theside of the unbeliever, insofar as you transgress the law of God. When your temporalcircumstances seem to require attention, you violate the fourth commandmentwithout compunction. You make the keeping of God's law a matter of convenience,obeying or disobeying as your business or inclination indicates. This is not honoring

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the Sabbath as a sacred institution. You grieve the Spirit of God and dishonor yourRedeemer by pursuing this reckless course.

"A partial observance of the Sabbath law is not accepted by the Lord and has aworse effect upon the minds of sinners than if you made no profession of being a Sab­bathkeeper."-Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 247, 248.

PREPARATION FOR THE FINAL TESTo Thursday

October 31

9. What preparation must be made at this time and why? Jeremiah 12:5.

"The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confu­sion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There willbe gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those whohave rendered supreme homage to 'science falsely so called' will not be the leadersthen. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent will not then stand at thehead or rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have provedthemselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock. In the last solemnwork few great men will be engaged."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 80.

"The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark ofthe beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldlydemands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield tothe powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened im­prisonment, and death."-Ibid., vol. 5, p. 81.

10. What must the world hear and understand before the test? Mark 16:15, 16.

"Men will soon be forced to great decisions, and they must have opportunity tohear and to understand Bible truth, in order that they may take their stand intelligent­lyon the right side."-Evangelism, p. 25.

,

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

a. What is the foundation of every enduring reformation?

o FridayNovember 1

b. How does God look upon parents who allow their children to play aroundthe church on the Sabbath day?

c. In view of the Sabbath, what special consideration should be taken on Friday?

d. What relation exists between the year 1844, the Sabbath test and theheavenly sanctuary?

e. While the remnant people of God have been tested on the Sabbath questionsince 1844, who will be tested on this point in the near future? •

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Lesson 6 Sabbath, November 9, 1991

II

THE SEALING OF THE 144,000

"Only those who receive the seal of the living God will have the passportthrough the gates of the Holy City." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com­ments), vol. 7, p. 970.

KEY TEXT: "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal ofthe living God" (Revelation 7:2).

o SundayTHE SEAL November 3

1. What does the sealing angel hold in his hand? Revelation 7:2 (first part).Where do we find the seal of God in the ten commandments? Isaiah 8:16.

"The Lord commands by the same prophet: 'Bind up the testimony, seal the lawamong My disciples.' Isaiah 8:16. The seal of God's law is found in the fourth com­mandment. This only, of all the ten, brings to view both the name and the title of theLawgiver. It declares Him to be the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and thusshows His claim to reverence and worship above all others. Aside from this precept,there is nothing in the Decalogue to show by whose authority the law is given."-TheGreat Controversy, p. 452.

2. When did the sealing work commence? Revelation 14:9-12; 11:19. What iswritten of those who died under the third angel's message? Revelation14:13.

"The enemies of the present truth have been trying to open the door of the holyplace, that Jesus has shut, and to close the door of the most holy place, which Heopened in 1844, where the ark is, containing the two tables of stone on which are writ­ten the ten commandments by the finger of Jehovah.

"Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God'speople from the present truth and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that Godwas drawing over His people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soulthat was decided on the truth and was pure in heart was to be covered with the cover­ing of the Almighty."-Early Writings, p. 43.

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"God has begun to draw this covering over His people, and it will soon be drawnover all who are to have a shelter in the day of slaughter."-Ibid., p. 44.

"Dear Brother:"I hardly know what to say to you. The news of your wife's death was to me

overwhelming. 1could hardly believe it and can hardly believe it now. God gave me aview last Sabbath night which 1 will write....

"I saw that she was sealed and would come up at the voice of God and standupon the earth, and would be with the 144,000. 1saw we need not mourn for her; shewould rest in the time of trouble, and all that we could mourn for was our loss in beingdeprived of her company. 1 saw her death would result in good."-Selected Messages,book 2, p. 263.

HOLDING THE WINDSD Monday

November 4

3. What temporary restriction has been imposed on the four symbolic winds?Revelation 7: 1. What do winds represent in the Bible and the Spirit ofProphecy? Jeremiah 49:36; 51:1, 2.

"John sees the elements of nature-earthquake, tempest, and political strife­represented as being held by four angels. These winds are under control until Godgives the word to let them go. There is the safety of God's church."-Testimonies toMinisters, p. 444.

"I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what 1heard, and what the fourangels were about to do. He shewed me that it was God that restrained the powers,and that He gave His angels charge over things on the earth, and that the four angelshad power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let the fourwinds go, and while they had started on their mission to let them go, the merciful eyeof Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not all sealed, then He raised His hands tothe Father and plead with Him that He had spilled His blood for them. Then anotherangel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels, and bid them hold until theservants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads."- ThePresent Truth and Review and Herald, August, 1849.

4. How long will the angels hold the winds? Revelation 7:2 (last part), 3.

"I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work was donein the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues."-Early Writings, p. 36.

THE NUMBER OF THE SEALEDD TuesdayNovember 5

5. How many are sealed from the tribes of spiritual Israel? Revelation 7:4. Isthis a symbolic or a literal number?

"The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while thewicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake."-Early Writings, p. 15.

6. What was the great concern of Sister White for herself and her contem­poraries with reference to this numbered group? Including those faithfulpioneers, how many did John see in this group? Revelation 14:1.

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.'

"Let U$ strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundredand forty-four thousand."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7,p.970.

CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING THE SEAL

7. What should we do to be sealed? Ezekiel 9:4.

D WednesdayNovember 6

"The names of those who are steadfastly looking and waiting and watching forthe appearing of their Saviour-more earnestly and wishfully than they who wait forthe morning-will be numbered with those who are sealed."-Testimonies to Ministers,p.445.

"Jesus is in His holy temple and will now accept our sacrifices, our prayers, andour confessions of faults and sins and will pardon all the transgressions of Israel, thatthey may be blotted out before He leaves the sanctuary. When Jesus leaves the sanc­tuary, then they who are holy and righteous will be holy and righteous still; for alltheir sins will then be blotted out, and they will be sealed with the seal of the livingGod."-Ear(y Writings, p. 48.

8. What separation is required before we can receive the seal? 2 Timothy 2:19(last part); 2 Corinthians 6:17.

"The angel is to place a mark upon the forehead of all who are separated fromsin and sinners, and the destroying angel will follow, to slay utterly both old andyoung."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 505.

THERE IS A TIME LIMITD Thursday

November 7

9. What evidence shows that the door of mercy will not remain open forever?Isaiah 55:6; Jeremiah 8:20; Luke 13:23-27.

"Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of theliving God or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already a few drops of God'swrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the seven last plagues shall be poured outwithout mixture into the cup of His indignation, then it will be forever too late to re­pent and find shelter. No atoning blood will then wash away the stains of sin."-Testi­monies, vol. 5, p. 212.

10. What will be the fate of those who have not received the seal under the thirdangel's message? Ezekiel 9:5, 6.

"Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There are many evenamong those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in theirforeheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master's will, they understoodevery point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were sofamiliar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have acted theirfaith. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well­ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon thehuman heart."-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 213, 214.

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REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSD Friday

November 8

a. What has been the significance of the Sabbath truth since the door of theMost Holy place was opened in 1844?

b. What important event will take place when the angels let the winds blow?

c. What do we know about the number of the sealed ones and the early faithfulAdventists?

d. What are the conditions for receiving the seal of God?

e. What two alternatives does the sealing message place before each in-dividual? What will be the final consequences? •

•"The Israelites placed over their doors a

signature of blood, to show that· they wereGod's property. So the children of God in thisage will bear the signature God has appointed.They will place themselves in harmony withGod's holy law. A mark is placed upon everyone of God's people just as verily as a markwas placed over the doors of the Hebrewdwellings, to preserve the people from thegeneral ruin.... The Lord protects everyhuman being who bears His sign."

-SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, pp. 968, 969.

•

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Lesson 7 Sabbath, November 16, 1991

THE LATTER RAIN

"Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christianvirtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in thelatter rain." - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 507.

KEY TEXT: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blottedout, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of theLord" (Acts 3:19).

IN APOSTOLIC TIMESD Sunday

November 10

PREPARATION

1. What promise did Jesus make to the disciples just prior to His ascension toheaven? Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8.

"Christ's visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but anew endowment of power was to be theirs. The Holy Spirit was to be given them inits fullness, sealing them for their work. 'Behold,' the Saviour said, 'I send the prom­ise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be enduedwith power from on high.' Luke 24:49."-The Acts of the Apostles, p. 30.

2. How was the promise of Jesus fulfilled? Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:1-4; 12-18.

"The priests, determined to account for the miraculous power of the disciples insome natural way, declared that they were drunken from partaking largely of the newwine prepared for the feast. Some of the most ignorant of the people present seizedupon this suggestion as the truth, but the more intelligent knew it to be false; andthose who understood the different languages testified to the accuracy with whichthese languages were used by the disciples.

"In answer to the accusation of the priests Peter showed that this demonstrationwas in direct fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, wherein he foretold that such powerwould come upon men to fit them for a special work."-TheActs of the Apostles, pp. 40, 41.

D MondayNovember 11

3. What preparation did the apostles make in order to receive the promise?Acts 1:12-14.

"As the disciples waited for the fulfillment of the promise, they humbled theirhearts in true repentance and confessed their unbelief. As they called to remembrance

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CLOTHED WITH THE ARMOR

the words that Christ had spoken to them before His death they understood more ful­ly their meaning. Truths which had passed from their memory were again brought totheir minds, and these they repeated to one another. They reproached themselves fortheir misapprehension of the Saviour."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 36.

"Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when theywere no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. Theywere of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne ofthem after t;Je Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: 'The multitude ofthem that believed were of one heart and of one soul.' Acts 4:32. The Spirit of Himwho died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers."- Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 20, 21.

4. What is required of us in order that we may receive the Holy Spirit infullness? Joel 2:12-17. ~

"For the outpouring of the Spirit every lover of the cause of truth should pray.And as far as lies in our power, we are to remove every hindrance to His working.The Spirit can never be poured out while variance and bitterness toward one anotherare cherished by the members of the church. Envy, jealousy, evil surmising, andevilspeaking are of Satan, and they effectually bar the way against the Holy Spirit'sworking."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 42.

"Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have onespot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, tocleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us asthe early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost."-Ibid., vol. 5, p. 214.

o TuesdayNovember 12

5. What is an essential part of our preparation for the latter rain? Zechariah10:1; Luke 11:13.

"Since this is the means by which we are to receive power, why do we not hungerand thirst for the gift of the Spirit? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, and preachconcerning it? The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who serveHim than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the daily baptism of theSpirit every worker should offer his petition to God. Companies of Christian workersshould gather to ask for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know howto plan and execute wisely. Especially should they pray that God will baptize Hischosen ambassadors in mission fields with a rich measure of His Spirit. The presenceof the Spirit with God's workers will give the proclamation of truth a power that notall the honor or glory of the world could give."- The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 50, 51.

6. What power will the elect of God possess when they receive the Holy Spiritin fullness? Mark 16:15-18.

"I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. Ithad effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some childrenby their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth noweagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone wasexalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer andmore precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered,

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'It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of thethird angel.' "-Early Writings, p. 271.

"Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration,will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands ofvoices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, thesick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers."-The Great Con­troversy, p. 612.

THE LOUD CRYo Wednesday

November 13

7. What message will the remnant people of God proclaim under the power ofthe latter rain? Revelation 14:9-12; 18:1-3.

'! "Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes forit to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments,leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborerswill be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary in­stitutions."- The Great Controversy, p. 606.

8. What doctrinal point will then become clear to many honest people in Baby­lon? Mark 2:27,28.

"There are many who have never had an opportunity to hear the special truthsfor this time. The obligation of the fourth commandment has never been set beforethem in its true light. He who reads every heart and tries every motive will leave nonewho desire a knowledge of the truth, to be deceived as to the issues of the controver­sy. The decree is not to be urged upon the people blindly. Everyone is to have suffi­cient light to make his decision intelligently.

"The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especial­ly controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the lineof distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Himnot."- The Great Controversy, p. 605.

THE LOUD CRY (continued)D ThursdayNovember 14

•

9. While the door is closed for one class, how will the Lord look upon anotherclass? Romans 9:15, 16.

"Qh, that the people might know the time of their visitation! There are manywho have not yet heard the testing truth for this time. There are many with whom theSpirit of God is striving. The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercyfor those who have had no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lordlook upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save,while the door is closed to those who could not enter."-Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 97.

10. What last opportunity will then be extended to the people of God who arestill in Babylon? Revelation 18:4.

"There was a coming out, a decided separation from the wicked, an escape for life.So it was in the days of Noah; so with Lot; so with the disciples prior to the destruction ofJerusalem; and so it will be in the last days. Again the voice of God is heard in a messageof warning, bidding His people separate themselves from the prevailing iniquity....

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"As in the days of Noah and Lot, there must be a marked separation from sin andsinners."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 166, 167.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSD Friday

November 15

a. Describe the true gift of tongues manifested among the apostles.

b. What bars the way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?

c. Between the two special outpourings of the Holy Spirit (the former and thelatter rain), for what should Christians pray?

d. Before the decree is urged upon the people, what will God send them?

e. What special opportunity will be extended to those who have been honestlyignorant of the truth? •

•

/I

"God can breathe new life into every soulthat sincerely desires to serve Him, and cantouch the lips with a live coal from off thealtar, and cause them to become eloquentwith His praise. Thousands of voices will beimbued with the power to speak forth thewonderful truths of God's Word. The stam­mering tongue will be unloosed, and the timidwill be made strong to bear courageous testi- 9

mony to the truth."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White

Comments], vol. 6, p. 1055.

•-32-

Lesson 8 Sabbath, November 23, 1991

THE SHORT TIME OF TROUBLE

"And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with theHoly Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully."-EarlyWritings, p. 33.

KEY TEXT: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world fora witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew24:14).

THE MESSAGE PROCLAIMED IN HASTED Sunday

November 17

\.

1. In what sense does the Lord bid His servants to fulfill their commission,"compelling" men to come in? Luke 14:23.

"The command given in the parable, to 'compel them to come in,' has often beenmisinterpreted. It has been regarded as teaching that we should force men to receivethe gospel. But it denotes rather the urgency of the invitation, and the effectiveness ofthe inducements presented. The gospel never employs force in bringing men toChrist. Its message is 'Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.' Isa.55:1."-Chnst's Object Lessons, p. 235.

"Weare living in a time when the last message of mercy, the last invitation, issounding to the children of men. The command, 'Go out into the highways andhedges,' is reaching its final fulfillment. To every soul Christ's invitation will begiven. The messengers are saying, 'Come; for all things are now ready.' Heavenlyangels are still working in cooperation with human agencies. The Holy Spirit ispresenting every inducement to constrain you to come. Christ is watching for somesign that will betoken the removing of the bolts and the opening of the door of yourheart for His entrance. Angels are waiting to bear the tidings to heaven that anotherlost sinner has been found. The hosts of heaven are waiting, ready to strike theirharps and to sing a song of rejoicing that another soul has accepted the invitation tothe gospel ieast."-Ibid., p. 237.

2. What will be the extent of the proclamation of the threefold message?Romans 10:13-15, 18. How will the remnant church proclaim the messagein the time of the latter rain?

"The Spirit of the Lord will so graciously bless consecrated human instrumen­talities that men, women, and children will open their lips in praise and thanksgiving,

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,~

filling the earth with the knowledge of God, and with His unsurpassed glory, as thewaters cover the sea."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 984.

"As Christ was glorified on the day of Pentecost, so will He again be glorified inthe closing work of the gospel, when He shall prepare a people to stand the final test,in the closing conflict of the great controversy."-Ibid., p. 983.

THE RESU:::"T OF THE LOUD CRYo Monday

November 18

3. What events will characterize the final work of prophesied reformation? Mark16:18 (last part). How will the churches react through the civil powers?

"Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles werewrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the greatDay of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and openingbefore them the word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit,and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrownopen to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with theheavenly influence."- Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 126.

"The so-called Christian world is to be the theater of great and decisive actions.Men in authority will enact laws controlling the conscience, after the example of thepapacy. Babylon will make all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornica­tion. Every nation will be involved."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments],vol. 7, p. 949.

4. How will the proclamation of the third angel's message cover the earth?Who will take part in the finishing of God's work? Matthew 24:14; 2Timothy 4:2, 5.

"There will be a series of events revealing that God is master of the situation.The truth will be proclaimed in clear, unmistakable language. As a people we mustprepare the way of the Lord under the ov~rruling guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thegospel is to be given in its purity. The stream of living water is to deepen and widen inits course. In all fields, nigh and afar off, men will be called from the plow and fromthe more common commercial business vocations that largely occupy the mind, andwill be educated in connection with men of experience. As they learn to labor effec­tively they will proclaim the truth with power. Through most wonderful workings ofdivine providence, mountains of difficulty will be removed and cast into the sea. Themessage that means so much to the dwellers upon the earth will be heard and under­stood. Men will know what is truth. Onward and still onward the work will advanceuntil the whole earth shall have been warned, and then shall the end come."-Testi­monies, vol. 9, p. 96.

"The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power ,of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpour-ing of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latterrain at its close."-The Great Controversy, pp. 611, 612.

THE "OTHER SHEEP"o Tuesday

November 19

5. How is the Spirit of God preparing the hearts of many honest individuals inother churches? Malachi 3:16.

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"God has jewels in all the churches, and it is not for us to make sweeping denun­ciation of the professed religious world, but in humility and love, present to all thetruth as it is in Jesus. Let men see piety and devotion, let them behold Christlikenessof character, and they will be drawn to the truth."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1184.

6. How will the honest ones be drawn to the truth? Matthew 5:16.

"The work of the Holy Spirit is to convince the world of sin, of righteousness,and of judgment. The world can only be warned by seeing those who believe the truthsanctified through the truth, acting upon high and holy principles, showing in a high,elevated sense, the line of demarcation between those who keep the commandmentsof God and those who trample them under their feet."-TheSDA Bible Commentary [E.G.White Comments], vol. t, p. 980.

THE "OTHER SHEEP" (continued)o Wednesday

November 20

7. What will happen to the faithful children of God who will be found inBabylon and in the unreformed Laodicean church? John 10:16.

"I saw that God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the fallenchurches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and people will becalled out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth. Satan knows this;and before the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in thesereligious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think that God is withthem. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that God is still workingfor the churches. But the light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallenchurches, and take their stand with the remnant."-Early Writings, p. 261.

8. Under what circumstances will the inhabitants of the earth make their deci­sion for or against the truth? Amos 8:9; Joel 3:14.

"Not all in this world have taken sides with the enemy against God. Not all havebecome disloyal. There are a faithful few who are true to God; for John writes: 'Hereare they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' Revelation14:12. Soon the battle will be waged fiercely between those who serve God and thosewho serve Him not. Soon everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that thosethings that cannot be shaken may remain."-Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 15, 16.

to TWO CLASSESo ThursdayNovember 21

9. Why will the honest ones not remain in Babylon any longer? Revelation18:4-6,8.

"[I]n the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to thechurches. The second angel's message is, 'Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city,because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication' (Rev.14:8). And in the loud cry of the third angel's message a voice is heard from heavensaying, 'Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye

- 35-

receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath re­membered her iniquities' (Rev. 18:4, 5)."-Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 118.

10. How many classes of people will exist on earth just prior to the close of pro­bation, and who are they? Matthew 12:30; Revelation 12:17; 13:16.

"There are only two parties upon this earth-those who stand under the blood­stained banner of Jesus Christ and those who stand under the black banner of rebel­lion. In the twelfth chapter of Revelation is represented the great conflict between theobedient and the disobedient."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7,p.974.

"In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great classes-those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who wor­ship the beast and his image and receive his mark."-The Great Controversy, p. 450.

•

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS

a. What part do heavenly angels act in the closing of the work?

o FridayNovember 22

b. From where will many workers be called in the last great work of thegospel?

c. In what sense should we be careful when we speak of the apostasy of thechurches?

d. How will God's children in Babylon respond to the call? Why will it not bepossible to start a work of reformation under the final test?

e. Describe the two parties into which mankind will be divided.

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•

•

Lesson 9 Sabbath, November 30, 1991

THE MARK OF THE BEAST

"Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when thedecree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not regard theinstitution of the beast."-Early Writings, p. 67.

KEY TEXT: "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark inhis forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of thewrath of God" (Revelation 14:9, 10).

TWO DISTINCTIVE MARKSo Sunday

November 24

A THREAT AND A WARNING

"

1. What is the sign, mark, or seal of the living God? Ezekiel 20:12, 20.

"The sign, or seal, of God is revealed in the observance of the seventh-day Sab­bath, the Lord's memorial of creation."-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 117.

"The Sabbath is the sign between God and His people; and we are to make visi­ble our conformity to the law of God by observing the Sabbath. It is to be the mark ofdistinction between God's chosen people and the world."- The SDA Bible Commentary[E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 949.

2. What is the mark of the beast and where will it be placed? Revelation 13:16.

"The mark of the beast is the opposite of this-the observance of the first day ofthe week. This mark distinguishes those who acknowledge the supremacy of thepapal authority from those who acknowledge the authority of God."-Testimonies, vol.8, p. 117.

"The mark of the beast is the papal sabbath, which has been accepted by theworld in the place of the day of God's appointment."-Evangelism, p. 234.

"John was called to behold a people distinct from those who worship the beastand his image by keeping the first day of the week. The observance of this day is themark of the beast."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 979.

o MondayNovember 25

3. How does the beast threaten those who would not accept his mark? Revela­tion 13: 15, 17.

"The first day of the week, a common working day, possessing no sanctitywhatever, will be set up as was the image at Babylon. All nations and tongues and

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peoples will be commanded to worship this spurious sabbath. This is Satan's plan tomake of no account the day instituted by God, and given to the world as a memorial ofcreation."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol~ 7, p. 976.

4. What warning is given against receiving the mark of the beast? Revelation14:9,10.

"After the warning against the worship of the beast and his image the prophecydeclares: 'Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.'Since those who keep God's commandments are thus placed in contrast with thosethat worship the beast and his image and receive his mark, it follows that the keepingof God's law, on the one hand, and its violation, on the other, will make the distinctionbetween the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast." - The Great Controversy,pp. 445, 446.

"The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the thirdangel's message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God un­mingled with mercy. Men are not to be left in darkness concerning this importantmatter; the warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation ofGod's judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, and have opportuni­ty to escape them."-Ibid., pp. 449, 450.

SUNDAY LAWSD Tuesday

November 26

5. What terrible time is coming upon the inhabitants of the earth? Psalm119:125, 126; Matthew 24:9 (last part).

"There is a time coming when commandment keepers can neither buy nor sell.Make haste to dig out your buried talents. If God has entrusted you with money, showyourselves faithful to your trust; unwrap your napkin, and send your talents to the ex­changers, that when Christ shall come, He may receive His own with interest."-Counsels on Stewardship, p. 40. .

"The rulers of our nation will, by legislative enactments, enforce the Sundaylaw, and thus God's people be brought into great peril. When our nation, in itslegislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences of men in regard to theirreligious privileges, enforcing Sunday observance, and bringing oppressive power tobear against those who keep the seventh-day Sabbath, the law of God will, to all in­tents and purposes, be made void in our land; and national apostasy will be followedby national ruin."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 977.

6. What decision must all make in view of the controversy between Sabbathand Sunday? 1 Kings 18:21; Joel 3:14.

"The third angel's message has been sent forth to the world, warning menagainst receiving the mark of the beast or of his image in their foreheads or in theirhands. To receive this mark means to come to the same decision as the beast hasdone, and to advocate the same ideas, in direct opposition to the Word of God."-TheSDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 979.

"The great decision now to be made by everyone is, whether he will receive themark of the beast and his image, or the seal of the living and true God."-Ibid., p. 977.

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THE LAST ACT IN THE DRAMAD Wednesday

November 27

7. What will be the attitude of the popular ministers and the people in regardto the commandments of God? Psalm 119:53, 150; Matthew 15:8, 9.

"Ministers who deny the obligation of the divine law will present from the pulpitthe duty of yielding obedience to the civil authorities as ordained of God. In legislativehalls and courts of justice, commandment keepers will be misrepresented and con­demned. A false coloring will be given to their words; the worst construction will beput upon their motives."- The Great Controversy, p. 592.

"The time is coming when God's people will feel the hand of persecution be­cause they keep holy the seventh day. Satan has caused the change of the Sabbath inthe hope of carrying out his purpose for the defeat of God's plans. He seeks to makethe commands of God of less force in the world than human laws. The man of sin,who thought to change times and laws, and who has always oppressed the people ofGod, will cause laws to be made enforcing the observance of the first day of theweek."-Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 229, 230.

8. Which country will be the first to enforce Sunday-keeping and what will therest of the world do? What is the Sunday decree called in the Spirit of Proph­ecy? Revelation 13: 12.

"As America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with the papacy in forcingthe conscience and compelling men to honor the false sabbath, the people of everycountry on the globe will be led to follow her example. Our people are not half awaketo do all in their power, with the facilities within their reach, to extend the message ofwarning."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 18.

"This earth has almost reached the place where God will permit the destroyer towork his will upon it. The substitution of the laws of men for the law of God, the ex­altation, by merely human authority, of Sunday in place of the Bible Sabbath, is thelast act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal, God will revealHimself. He will arise in His majesty to shake terribly the earth. He will come out ofHis place to punish the inhabitants of the world for their iniquity, and the earth shalldisclose her blood and shall no more cover her slain."-Ibid., vol. 7, p. 141.

A CLEAR DISTINCTIOND ThursdayNovember 28

9. What distinction will be seen between the children of God and the followersof Satan in the final test? Malachi 3:18; 1 John 3:8-10.

"When the testing time shall come, those who have made God's word their ruleof life will be revealed. In summer there is no noticeable difference between ever­greens and other trees; but when the blasts of winter come, the evergreens remainunchanged, while other trees are stripped of their foliage. So the falsehearted pro­fessor may not now be distinguished from the real Christian, but the time is just uponus when the difference will be apparent. Let opposition arise, let bigotry and in­tolerance again bear sway, let persecution be kindled, and the halfhearted and hypo­critical will waver and yield the faith; but the true Christian will stand firm as a rock,his faith stronger, his hope brighter, than in days of prosperity."- The Great Controver­sy, p. 602.

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"While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receivethe mark of the beast, the other choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority,receive the seal of God."-Ibid., p. 605.

10. When Sunday-keeping is urged upon the inhabitants of the earth and allhave made their decision, what will happen immediately afterwards?Revelation 22:11.

"An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the finaltest has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal tothe divine precepts have received 'the seal of the living God.' Then Jesus ceases Hisintercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, 'Itis done;' and all the angelic host layoff their crowns as He makes the solemn an­nouncement: 'He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let himbe filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, lethim be holy still.' Revelation 22:11. Every case has been decided for life or death."­The Great Controversy, p. 613.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

November 29

a. Where in the ten commandments can we find the seal, stamp, sign, or markof God?

b. Why should the third angel's message be given with a loud voice, and when?

c. Although many were sealed in the past, when will the seal of God be im­pressed, and when will the mark of the beast be enforced?

d. When will the "last act in the drama" take place?

e. When an angel returns from the earth stating that the final test was broughtupon the world, what will take place in the heavenly sanctuary? •

•"In the Sabbath school, parents may be

learners as well as the children. Both parentsand children should seek to have a knowledge of

of the Scriptures. Other books should be sec­ondary to the word of God." -Counsels on Sabbath School

Work, p. 53.

•-40-

Lesson 10 Sabbath, December 7, 1991

THE "PEACE AND SAFETY" CRY

"Satan delights in war.... It is his object to incite the nations to war againstone another, for he can thus divert the minds of the people from the work ofpreparation to stand in the day of God." - The Great Controversy, p. 589.

KEY TEXT: "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked" (Isaiah 57:21).

THE SOURCE OF TRUE PEACED Sunday

December 1

..

1. Who alone can give us true peace? What is the difference between truepeace and that which the wicked offer? John 14:27.

"Shortly before His crucifixion Christ had bequeathed to His disciples a legacyof peace. 'Peace I leave with you,' He said, 'My peace I give unto you: not as theworld giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'John 14:27. This peace is not the peace that comes through conformity to the world.Christ never purchased peace by compromise with evil. The peace that Christ left Hisdisciples is internal rather than external and was ever to remain with His witnessesthrough strife and contention."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 84.

2. What is the cause of the lack of peace in the world, in families, and in thelives of individuals? Isaiah 48:18; Psalm 119:165.

" 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is har­mony with God. The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmitywith their Maker; and as a result they are at enmity with one another. But thepsalmist declares, 'Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall of­fend them.' Ps. 119:165. Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purifi­cation and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, becausethey do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peaceis the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil pas­sions that cause strife and dissension."- The Desire of Ages, pp. 302-305.

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FALSE PEACED MondayDecember 2

3. While the wicked speak of peace, for what are they preparing? Psalms55:21; 120:7; 140:2.

"Weare [tanding upon the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecies arefulfilling. Strange, eventful history is being recorded in the books of heaven. Every­thing in our world is in agitation. There are wars and rumors of wars. The nations areangry, and the time of the dead has come, that they should be judged. Events arechanging to bring about the day of God, which hasteth greatly."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 14.

4. What will many nations do in the very near future, and what will some ofthe small nations claim? Joel 3:9, 10.

"The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chap­ter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of troublespoken of in the prophecies will take place."- Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 14.

THE SPIRIT OF WARD TuesdayDecember 3

5. What is one of the signs of the soon coming of Jesus? Luke 21:9, 10.

"John ... was a witness of the terrible scenes that will take place as signs ofChrist's coming. He saw armies mustering for battle, and men's hearts failing themfor fear."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 982.

6. While the nations proclaim "peace and safety," what will befall them? 1Thessalonians 5:1-3.

"Already kingdom is rising against kingdom. There is not now a determinedengagement. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealedin their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the lastgreat battle. How carefully we should improve the little remaining period of our pro­bation!"-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 968.

THE SHAKING OF THE POWERS OF EARTHD Wednesday

December 4

7. What did both David and John write about the anger of the nations in theselast days? Psalm 46:1-3,6,8; Revelation 11:18 (first part).

"I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of God, and the time to judge thedead were separate and distinct, one following the other, also that Michael had notstood up, and that the time of trouble, such as never was, had not yet commenced.The nations are now getting angry, but when our High Priest has finished His work inthe sanctuary, He will stand up, put on the garments of vengeance, and then theseven last plagues will be poured out."-Early Writings, p. 36.

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8. Explain the meaning of the shaking of the powers of earth. Joel 3:16;Hebrews 12:26.

"I saw that the powers of earth are now being shaken and that events come inorder. War, and rumors of war, sword, famine, and pestilence are first to shake thepowers of earth, then the voice of God will shake the sun, moon, and stars, and thisearth also. I saw that the shaking of the powers in Europe is not, as some teach. theshaking of the powers of heaven, but it is the shaking of the angry nations."-EarlyWritings, p. 41.

THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDONo Thursday

December 5

9. Where and by whom will the armed forces of the nations be finally summonedfor the last world war? Revelation 16:13, 14, 16; Joel 3:11-13.

"The battle of Armageddon is soon to be fought. He on whose vesture is writtenthe name, King of kings, and Lord of lords, is soon to lead forth the armies of heaven.

"It cannot now be said by the Lord's servants. as it was by the prophet Daniel:'The time appointed was long.' Daniel 10:1. It is now but a short time till the wit­nesses for God will have done their work in preparing the way of the Lord."-Testi­monies, vol. 6, p. 406.

10. What are the other names for Armageddon? Revelation 14:20; Isaiah 63:3,4; Zechariah 12:11. Will Armageddon be a physical or a spiritual war, orboth?

"The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by theangels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble andanguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels, with their livingcargo, will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth willunite under the leadership of satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under controltill the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon." - The SDA Bible Commen­tary [E.G. White Comments]. vol. 7. p. 967.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

December 6

a. What would be the result if all men were obedient to God's commandments?

b. What is the difference between the peace of the world and the peace whichJesus offers us?

c. While the angels of God are holding the four winds, for what are the nationspreparing?

d. How are the powers of earth being shaken?

e. What will happen when the restraining power of God is removed from thisearth? •

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Lesson 11 Sabbath, December 14, 1991

A NEGLECTED WORK

THE CLOSE OF PROBATION

"When the work of the gospel is completed, there immediately follows theseparation between the good and the evil, and the destiny of each class isforever fixed:' - Christ's Object Lessons, p. 123.

KEY TEXT: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we mayobtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

o SundayDecember 8

1. What gracious invitation does the Lord extend to all those who are willingto be saved? Isaiah 55:6, 7.

"My brethren and sisters, seek the Lord while He may be found. There is a timecoming when those who have wasted their time and opportunities will wish they hadsought Him. God has given you reasoning faculties. He wants you to keep in the lineof reason and in the line of labor. He wants you to go forth to our churches to laborearnestly for Him."-Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 106, 107.

"There is help for us only in God. We must not wait for stronger persuasions, forbetter opportunities, or for holier tempers. We can do nothing of ourselves. We mustcome to Christ just'as we are."-Steps to Christ, p. 31.

2. What should we do in regard to the nearness of the end? Amos 4:12. Other­wise, what must we expect? Hebrews 2:3.

"I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking tothe time of 'refreshing' and the 'latter rain' to fit them to stand in the day of the Lordand to live in His sight. Oh, how many 1 saw in the time of trouble without a shelter!They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive therefreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those whorefuse to be hewed by the prophets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the wholetruth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is,will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed tobe hewed and squared for the building."-Early Writings, p.71.

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THE DAY OF SALVATIOND MondayDecember 9

3. What does Paul say about the day of salvation? Romans 13:11,12; 2 Corin­thians 6:2.

"The angels of God in their messages to men represent time as very short. Thusit has always been presented to me. It is true that time has continued longer than weexpected in the early days of this message. Our Saviour did not appear as soon as wehoped. But has the word of the Lord failed? Never! It should be remembered that thepromises and threatenings of God are alike conditional."-Selected Messages, book I, p. 67.

"Now is the hour of probation. Now is the day of salvation. Now, now, is God's.. time."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 102.

4. What is our present duty in view of the shortness of time? Hebrews3:12-15.

"Oh, that now, while it is called today, you would turn to the Lord! Your everydeed is making you either better or worse. If your actions are on Satan's side, theyleave behind them an influence that continues to work its baleful results. Only thepure, the clean, and the holy can enter the city of God. 'Today if ye will hear Hisvoice, harden not your hearts,' but turn to the Lord, that the path you travel may notleave desolation in its track."- The Adventist Home, p. 358.

SINS ARE BLOTTED OUTD Tuesday

December 10

5. What will be done with the sins of God's true children immediately beforethe times of refreshing? Acts 3:19.

"Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall ceasein the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator.Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the bloodof sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must beconquerors in the battle with evil. While the investigative judgment is going forwardin heaven, while the sins of penitent believers are being removed from the sanctuary,there is to be a special work of purification, of putting away of sin, among God's peo­ple upon earth."-The Great Controversy, p. 425.

6. What will be the fate of those whose sins are not blotted out before the closeof probation? Hebrews 10:26.

"As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who havebelieved on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first livedupon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, andcloses with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated.Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the booksof record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book oflife, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God's remem­brance."- The Great Controversy, p. 483.

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WE KNOW NOT THE HOURo Wednesday

December 11

7. As probation may close unexpectedly, what should we be doing? Mark13:35-37.

"Weare waiting and watching for the return of the Master, who is to bring themorning, lest coming suddenly He find us sleeping. What time is here referred to?Not to the revelation of Christ in the clouds of heaven to find a people asleep. No; butto His return from His ministration in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary,when he lays off His priestly attire and clothes Himself with garments of vengeance,and when the mandate goes forth: 'He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and hewhich is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still:and he that is holy, let him be holy still.' "-Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 190, 191.

8. Why is the time of mercy being extended? 2 Peter 3:9. Although the time ispast due, what should we know for sure? Hebrews 10:37.

"God is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish; but His forbearancehas a limit, and when the boundary is past, there is no second probation. His wrathwill go forth and He will destroy without remedy."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.White Comments], vol. 7, p. 946.

"AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT"o ThursdayDecember 12

9. What will indicate that Jesus' work is finished in the heavenly sanctuary?Revelation 8:5; 22:11.

"I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel with a writer's inkhorn byhis side returned from the earth and reported to Jesus that his work was done, and thesaints were numbered and sealed. Then I saw Jesus, who had been ministering beforethe ark containing the ten commandments, throw down the censer. He raised Hishands, and with a loud voice said, 'It is done.' And all the angelic host laid off theircrowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration, 'He that is unjust, let him be unjuststill: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him berighteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.' Every case had been decidedfor life or death."-Early Writings, pp. 279, 280.

10. What does the parable of the ten virgins teach us regarding the time of pro­bation? Matthew 25:8-10.

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

"It is in a crisis that character is revealed. When the earnest voice proclaimed atmidnight, 'Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,' and the sleepingvirgins were roused from their slumbers, it was seen who had made preparation for

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the event. Both parties were taken unawares; but one was prepared for the emergen­cy, and the other was found without preparation. So now, a sudden and unlooked-forcalamity, something that brings the soul face to face with death, will show whetherthere is any real faith in the promises of God. It will show whether the soul is sustainedby grace. The great final test comes at the close of human probation, when it will betoo late for the soul's need to be supplied."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 412.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

December 13

..

a. In the time of trouble, what will happen to those who neglected theirpreparation?

b. Although time has continued longer than the Advent people expected, ofwhat should we be sure?

c. When will the sins of the faithful people of God be removed from the sanc­tuary?

d. To what event does Mark 13:35-37 refer?

e. When will the final verdict be given and what will be impossible from thattime onward? •

•"When probation ends, it will come

suddenly, unexpectedly-at a time when weare least expecting it. But we can have a cleanrecord in heaven today, and know that Godaccepts us; and finally, if faithful, we shall begathered into the kingdom of heaven."-TheSDABible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 989.

•

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Lesson 12 Sabbath, December 21, 1991

THE TIME OF JACOB'S TROUBLE

"So when the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary has been pronounced andthe destiny of the world has been forever fixed, the inhabitants of the earthwill know it not."-The Great Controversy, p. 615.

KEY TEXT: "She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and theknees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces ofthem all gather blackness" (Nahum 2:10).

"

THE FOUR WINDSD Sunday

December 15

1. What will happen when the four angels cease to hold the four winds? Psalm46:1-3,6,8.

"As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealed in theirforeheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the last greatbattle."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 968.

2. What is another name for the blowing of the winds? Revelation 15:1; 16:1.

"The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, per­sistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they haveno protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earthinto one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fiercewinds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole worldwill be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of ald."- The Great Controversy,' p. 614.

"When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wraththreatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark(Revelation 14:9, 10), will be poured out."-Ibid., p. 627.

THE WICKED IN TROUBLED Monday

December 16

3. What will the ungodly do when it will be too late to be saved? Amos 8:11,12.

"Those who had not prized God's Word were hurrying to and fro, wanderingfrom sea to sea, and from the north to the east, to seek the Word of the Lord. Said theangel, 'They shall not find it. There is a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nora thirst for water, but for hearing the words of the Lord. What would they not give forone word of approval from God! but no, they must hunger and thirst on. Day after day

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•

"

have they slighted salvation, prizing earthly riches and earthly pleasure higher thanany heavenly treasure or inducement. They have rejected Jesus and despised Hissaints. The filthy must remain filthy forever.'

"Many of the wicked were greatly enraged as they suffered the effects of theplagues. It was a scene of fearful agony."-Early Writings, pp. 281, 282.

4. How did the prophet describe the time of trouble for the wicked? Isaiah28:21.

"Men are prone to abuse the long-suffering of God, and to presume on His for­bearance. But there is a point in human iniquity when it is time for God to interfere;and terrible are the issues. 'The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and willnot at all acquit the wicked' (Nahum 1:3). The long-suffering of God is wonderful,because He puts constraint on His own attributes; but punishment is nonetheless cer­tain. Every century of profligacy has treasured up wrath against the day of wrath; andwhen the time comes, and the iniquity is full, then God will do His strange work. Itwill be found a terrible thing to have worn out the divine patience; for the wrath ofGod will fall so signally and strongly that it is represented as being unmixed with mer­cy; and the very earth will be desolated."-Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 372, 373.

THE PLAGUESo Tuesday

December 17

5. Upon whom will the first plague be poured out? Revelation 16:2.

"When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wraththreatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark(Revelation 14:9, 10), will be poured out. The plagues upon Egypt when God wasabout to deliver Israel were similar in character to those more terrible and extensivejudgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God'speople. Says the revelator, in describing those terrific scourges: 'There fell a noisomeand grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon themwhich worshiped his image.' "-The Great Controversy, pp. 627, 628.

6. What will happen to the sea, the rivers and fountains of waters under the se­cond and third plagues? Revelation 16:3-7.

"The sea 'became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in thesea.' And 'the rivers and fountains of waters ... became blood.' Terrible as these inflic­tions are, God's justice stands fully vindicated. The angel of God declares: 'Thou artrighteous, 0 Lord, ... because Thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood ofsaints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.'Revelation 16:2-6. By condemning the people of God to death, they have as truly in­curred the guilt of their blood as if it had been shed by their hands. In like mannerChrist declared the Jews of His time guilty of all the blood of holy men which had beenshed since the days of Abel; for they possessed the same spirit and were seeking to dothe same work with these murderers of the prophets."-The Great Controversy, p. 628.

THE PLAGUES (continued)o Wednesday

December 18

7. What is the fourth plague? Revelation 16:8, 9. What was foretold already byIsaiah about the sun? Isaiah 30:26.

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"In the plague that follows, power is given to the sun 'to scorch men with fire.And men were scorched with great heat.' Verses 8, 9. The prophets thus describe thecondition of the earth at this fearful time: 'The land mourneth; ... because theharvest of the field is perished.... All the trees of the field are withered: because joyis withered away from the sons of men.' 'The seed is rotten under their clods, thegarners are laid desolate. . . . How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle areperplexed, because they have no pasture.... The rivers of water are dried up, andthe fire hath devo"lred the pastures of the wilderness.' 'The songs of the temple shallbe howlings in that day, saith the Lord God: there shall be many dead bodies in everyplace; they shall cast them forth with silence.' Joel 1:10-12, 17-20; Amos 8:3."-TheGreat Controversy, p. 628.

8. Where will the fifth plague be poured out and how will men react? Revela­tion 16:10, 11.

THE PLAGUES (concluded)o ThursdayDecember 19

9. Where will the sixth plague be poured out and what will be the result?Revelation 16:12-14.

10. What will the last plague be? Revelation 16:17-21.

"The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the throne of Godseems flashing through. The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and raggedrocks are scattered on every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea islashed into fury. There is heard the shriek of a hurricane like the voice of demonsupon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves ofthe sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Moun­tain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have becomelike Sodom for wickedness are swallowed up by the angry waters. Babylon the greathas come in remembrance before God, 'to give unto her the cup of the wine of thefierceness of His wrath.' Great hailstones, everyone 'about the weight of a talent,' aredoing their work of destruction. Verses 19, 21. The proudest cities of the earth arelaid low. The lordly palaces, upon which the world's great men have lavished theirwealth in order to glorify themselves, are crumbling to ruin before their eyes."-TheGreat Controversy, p. 637.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

December 20

a. When will the blowing of the winds or the outpouring of the plagues begin?

b. After the close of probation, who will feel the wrath of God in this time oftrouble and destruction?

c. Upon whom will the first plague be poured out? Describe the second and thethird plagues.

d. What will happen to crop and cattle under the fourth plague? What willunrepentant sinners do under the fifth plague?

e. Describe the sixth and seventh plagues.

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•

FEAR AND ANGUISH

•

Lesson 13 Sabbath, December 28, 1991

GOD'S PEOPLE DELIVERED

"The people of God will then [after the close of probation] be plunged intothose scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time ofJacob's trouble."-The Great Controversy, p. 616.

KEY TEXT: "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time ofJacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it" (Jeremiah 30:7).

o SundayDecember 22

1. Although none of the people of God will be destroyed in the time of trouble,through what experience do they have to go? Isaiah 26:20,21.

"The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted anddistressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food they will not be leftto perish."- The Great Controversy, p. 629.

"I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land,giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sab­bath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certaintime to put them to death. But in this hour of trial the saints were calm and composed,trusting in God and leaning upon His promise that a way of escape would be made forthem. In some places, before the time for the decree to be executed, the wicked rushedupon the saints to slay them; but angels in the form of men of war fought for them."­Early Writings, pp. 282, 283.

2. What sure promise of God is the hope of the remnant? Revelation 3:10.What will be the greatest anguish for God's people?

"Though God's people will be surrounded by enemies who are bent upon theirdestruction, yet the anguish which they suffer is not a dread of persecution for thetruth's sake; they fear that every sin has not been repented of, and that through somefault in themselves they will fail to realize the fulfillment of the Saviour's promise: I'will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world.'Revelation 3:10. If they could have the assurance of pardon they would not shrinkfrom torture or death; but should they prove unworthy, and lose their lives because oftheir own defects of character, then God's holy name would be reproached."-TheGreat Controversy, p. 619.

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DELIVERANCE AT THE VOICE OF GODo Monday

December 23

3. How and when will God deliver His people from their enemies? Revelation16:17-19.

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

"That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake,'such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and sogreat.' Verses 17,18.... Prison walls are rent asunder, and God's people, who havebeen held in bondage for their faith, are set free."-The Great Controversy, pp. 636, 637.

4. What will the saints do when the wicked rush to destroy them after hearingthe announcement of the day and hour of Jesus coming? Psalm 91:7,8.

"At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently upto lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, when we would stretch forth the hand inthe name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground. Then it was that thesynagogue of Satan knew that God had loved us who could wash one another's feetand salute the brethren with a holy kiss, and they worshiped at our feet."-Early Writ­ings, p. 15.

THE END OF TROUBLEo Tuesday

December 24

5. Describe the final deliverance of the saints from their spiritual anguish.Psalm 91:14, 15.

"Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had appeared,about half as large as a man's hand, which we all knew was the sign of the Son of man.We all in solemn silence gazed on the cloud as it drew nearer and became lighter,glorious, and still more glorious, till it was a great white cloud. The bottom appearedlike fire; a rainbow was over the cloud, while around it were ten thousand angels,singing a most lovely song; and upon it sat the Son of man. His hair was white andcurly and lay on His shoulders; and upon His head were many crowns. His feet hadthe appearance of fire; in His right hand was a sharp sickle; in His left, a silvertrumpet. His eyes were as a flame of fire, which searched His children through andthrough. Then all faces gathered paleness, and those that God had rejected gatheredblackness. Then we all cried out, 'Who shall be able to stand? Is my robe spotless?'Then the angels ceased to sing, and there was some time of awful silence, when Jesusspoke: 'Those who have clean hands and pure hearts shall be able to stand; My graceis sufficient for you.' At this our faces lighted up, and joy filled every heart. And theangels struck a note higher and sang again, while the cloud drew still nearer theearth."-Early Writings, pp. 15, 16.

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6. What event will take place when Jesus appears in the clouds of heaven? 1Thessalonians 4:15, 16; Isaiah 26:19.

"Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of thunder, thevoice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints. He looks upon the graves of therighteous, then, raising His hands to heaven, He cries: 'Awake, awake, awake, yethat sleep in the dust, and arise!' Throughout the length and breadth of the earth thedead shall hear that voice, and they that hear shall live. And the whole earth shall ringwith the tread of the exceeding great army of every nation, kindred, tongue, and peo­ple. From the prison house of death they come, clothed with immortal glory, crying:'0 death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory?' 1 Corinthians 15:55. ,Andthe living righteous and the risen saints unite their voices in a long, glad shout of vic­tory."- The Great Controversy, p. 644,

CHANGED FROM MORTAL TO IMMORTALo Wednesday

December 25

7. When will the living saints be vested with immortality? 1 Corinthians15:51,52.

"Sin defaced and almost obliterated the divine image; but Christ came to restorethat which had been lost. He will change our vile bodies and fashion them like untoHis glorious body. The mortal, corruptible form, devoid of comeliness, once pollutedwith sin, becomes perfect, beautiful, and immortal. All blemishes and deformities areleft in the grave....

"The living righteous are changed 'in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.' Atthe voice of God they were glorified; now they are made immortal and with the risensaints are caught up to meet their Lord in the air. Angels 'gather together His electfrom the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.' Little children are borne byholy angels to their mothers' arms. Friends long separated by death are united, never­more to part, and with songs of gladness ascend together to the City of God."-TheGreat Controversy, p. 645.

8. When the "sleeping saints" are raised immortal and the "living saints" re­ceive immortality, where will the two companies go? 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

"The 144,000 shouted, 'Alleluia!' as they recognized their friends who had beentorn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught uptogether with them to meet the Lord in the air.

"We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea ofglass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own right hand placed them onour heads. He gave us harps of gold and palms of victory. Here on the sea of glass the144,000 stood in a perfect square."-Early Writings, p. 16.

THE REWARD OF THE SAINTSo ThursdayDecember 26

9. Where were the victorious people of God seen by the apostle? Revelation15:2, 3; 14: 1.

"Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled withfire-so resplendent is it with the glory of God-are gathered the company that have

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'gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over thenumber of his name.' With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, 'having the harps of God,'they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from amongmen; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a greatthunder, 'the voice of harpers harping with their harps.' And they sing 'a new song'before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and fourthousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb-a song of deliverance. None but thehundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their ex­perience-an experience such as no other company have ever had."-The Great Con­troversy, pp. 648, 649.

10. What description do we have of the home of the saved? Isaiah 65:17;Revelation 21:1-5.

"In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called 'a country.' Hebrews 11:14-16.There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree oflife yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the na­tions. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving treescast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There thewide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear theirlofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God's people, solong pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home."-The Great Controversy, p. 675.

REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONSo Friday

December 27

a. Describe the twofold anguish of God's people in the time of Jacob's trouble.

b. From where will some of the saints be delivered when the earthquake oc­curs at midnight?

c. Will the saints be in anguish for a short time also after the partial resurrec­tion? When will their anguish come to an end?

d. At the partial resurrection (at the voice of God) the saints were glorified.When will they become immortal?

e. Describe the condition of the 144,000 on the sea of glass and on MountZion, and the home of the saved. •

is the day to remember our brethren inRomania with a generous offering.

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General meetings, Field Conference in Romania, June 1990.

Field Conference delegates in Romania, June 1990.

Baptism of 63 souls in Romania with 3,400 people in attendance, July 1990.

Workers' meeting in Romania, April 1990.