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FOREWORD
The Sabbath Bible Lessons for this quarter are based on the sub-
ject, Preparing to Meet the Judge, referring to the work taking place both
in heaven and on earth during the course of the antitypical day of atone-
ment in which we are now living.
In the course of these lessons, only a slight emphasis will be placed
on all the various details involved in the historic background of the present
truth. (To gain a comprehensive knowledge of the history of the three-
fold angels' message, thorough study in the book The Great Controversy
is strongly recommended.) And instead of attempting to squeeze a rich
history into a relatively brieflesson format, our focus here will be to bring
out several practical aspects of the truth and examine how they directly
relate to us, in our everyday lives.
Few persons today realize the solemnity of what it really means to
take the name "Christian." While multitudes profess the name of Christ,
and certainly a good number anticipate with gladness the Saviour's soon
return, few actually understand the depth of the atonement and the im-
portance of the sacred work that our High Priest is performing at this
very moment in our behalf.
As we approach the end of time, it is easy to see how society is be-
coming increasingly materialistic and irreverent, having a form of reli-
gion but denying God's sanctifying power. Does the fervor of the pio-
neers burn in our hearts today? The Lord's coming is nearer than when
we first believed. Are we hungering and thirsting after righteousness
that we may be filled? Are flawless purity of heart and perfect peace with
God our constant priorities in life? How eager are we to take part in the
finishing of God's work on earth? Do we treat the momentous task at
hand as worthy of our best energies and most fervent dedication?
For the next three months, as we study these lessons on what it truly
means to live for Christ in the antitypical day of atonement, may the heart
.yearnings of the psalmist be our own: "0 God, thou art my God; early
will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in
a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory,
so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary" (Psalm 63:1,2).
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
"Without the cross, man could have no connection with the Father. On
it hangs our every hope. In view of it the Christian may advance with the
steps of a conqueror; for from it streams the light of the Saviour's love."-
The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1133.
o Sunday
THE CONSTITUTION OF GOD'S GOVERNMENT June 29
1. How can the constitution of God's government be summarized?
Matthew 22:36-40. Recite the commandments which specifically
focus on our relationship with Him. Exodus 20:1-11. What do the
Tell Commandments reveal about God?
"'The ten holy precepts spoken by Christ upon Sinai's mount were the
revelation of the character of God, and made known to the world the fact
that He had jurisdiction over the vlhole human heritage. That law of ten pre-
cepts of the greatest love that can be present~d to man is the voice of God
from heaven speaking to the soul in promise, This do, and you will not come
under the dominion and control of Satan.' There is not a negative in that
law, although it may appear thus. It is DO, and Live."-The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1105.
"The first four of the Ten Commandments are summed up in the one
great precept, 'ThOll shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.' The
last six are included in the other, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.'
Both these comnlandments are an expression of the principle of love. The
first cannot be kept and the second broken, nor can the second be kept while
the first is broken. When God has His rightful place on the throne of the
heart, the right place will be given to our neighb·or. We shall love him as
ourselves. And only a~ we love God supremely is it possible to love our neigh-
bor impartially.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, July-Septentber 1997 5
"And since all the commandments are summed up in love to God and
man, it follows that not one precept can be broken without violating this
principle. Thus Christ taught His hearers that the law of God is not so many
separate precepts, some of which are of great importance, while others are
'of small importance and may with impunity be ignored. Our Lord presents
the first four and the last six commandments as a divine whole, and teaches
that love to God will be shown by obedience to all His commandments."-
The Desire ofAges, p. 607.
o Monday
REPAIRING A BROKEN CONNECTION June 30
3. Why has a separation resulted between God and man? Isaiah 59: 1,
2; Psalm 66: 18; Proverbs 28:9. How does the Bible define iniq-
uity-or sin? 1 John 3:4; James 4:17.
"Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is 'the
transgression of the law;' it is the outworking of a principle at war with the
great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government."-The
Great Controversy, p. 493.
"Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy
while willfully violating one of God's requirements. The commission of a
known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul
from God."-Ibid., p. 472.
"By sin man was shut out from God. Except for the plan of redemption,
eternal separation from God, the darkness of unending night, would have
been his. Through the Saviour's sacrifice, communion with God is again
made possible. We may not in person approach into His presence; in our
sin we may not look upon His face; but we can behold Him and commune
with Him in Jesus, the Saviour."-Education, p. 28.
o Tuesday
THE ONLY MEDIATOR July 1
5. Why did Christ have to shed His blood for us, and how was this
represented to ancient Israel? Leviticus 1 7: 11; Hebrews 9:22.
"There is only one channel and that is accessible to all, and through
that channel a rich and abundant forgiveness awaits the penitent, contrite
soul and the darkest sins are forgiven.
"These lessons were taught to the chosen people of God thousands of
years ago, and repeated in various symbols and figures, that the work of
6. How does Christ offer hope for the sinner? 1 Peter 3: 18.
"God is approached through Jesus Christ, the Mediator, the only way
through which He forgives sins. God cannot forgive sins at the expense of
His justice, His holiness, and His truth. But He does forgive sins and that
fully. There are no sins He will not forgive in and through the Lord Jesus
Christ. This is the sinner's only hope, and if he rests here in sincere faith,
he is sure of pardon and that full and free."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.
G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 912,913.
"Men have only one Advocate, one Intercessor, who is able to pardon
transgression. Shall not our hearts swell with gratitude to Him who gave
Jesus to be the propitiation for our sins? Think deeply upon the love the
Father has manifested in our behalf, the love that He has expressed for us.
We cannot measure this love. Measurement there is none. We can only point
to Calvary, to the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."-Ibid.,
p.914.
o Wednesday
POWER FROM HEAVEN July 2
"When the sinner reaches the cross, and looks up to the One who died
to save him, he may rejoice with fullness of joy; for his sins are pardoned.
Kneeling at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can
attain. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God is revealed in the face
of Jesus Christ; and the words of pardon are spoken: Live, 0 ye guilty sin-
ners, live. Your repentance is accepted; for I have found a ransom."-The
SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1133.
"[Christl will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who real-
izes that he cannot save himself. He will look upon no trembling suppliant
without raising him up. He who through His own atonement provided for
man an infinite fund of moral power, will not fail to employ this power in
our behalf. We may take our sins and sorrows to His feet; for He loves us.
His every look and word invites our confidence. He will shape and mold
our characters according to His own will."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 157.
"As the sinner looks upon the Saviour dying on Calvary, and realizes
that the sufferer is divine, he asks why this great sacrifice was made, and
the cross points to the holy law of God which has been transgressed. The
death of Christ is an unanswerable argument as to the immutability and righ-
teousness of the law."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 323.
10. Explain how, before the universe, believers are to bear witness to
the essence of full reconciliation with God through Christ. Romans
5:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5: 18-21.
"We are to reveal to the universe, to the world fallen and to worlds
unfallen, that there is forgiveness with God, that through the love of God
we may be reconciled to God. Man repents, becomes contrite in heart, be-
lieves in Christ as His atoning sacrifice, and realizes that God is reconciled
to him."-Fundamentals o/Christian Education, p. 370.
"We are to turn in faith to Jesus Christ, and show our love to God through
obedience to His commands."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Com-
ments], vol. 5, p. 1142.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS July 4
"In patriarchal times the sacrificial offerings connected with divine wor-
ship constituted a perpetual reminder of the coming of a Saviour, and thus
it was with the entire ritual of the sanctuary services throughout Israel's
history."-Prophets and Kings, p. 684.
o Sunday
THE DIVINE PLAN July 6
"In the building of the sanctuary as a dwelling place for God, Moses
was directed to make all things according to the pattern of things in the
heavens. God called him into the mount, and revealed to him the heavenly
things, and in their similitude the tabernacle, with all that pertained to it,
was fashioned.
"So to Israel, whom He desired to make His dwelling place, He revealed
His glorious ideal of character. The pattern was shown them in the mount
when the law was given from Sinai and when God passed by before Moses
.and proclaimed, 'The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-
suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.' Exodus 34:6.
"But this ideal they were, in themselves, powerless to attain. The rev-
elation at Sinai could only impress them with their need and helplessness.
Another lesson the tabernacle, through its service of sacrifice was to teach-
the lesson of pardon of sin, and power through the Saviour for obedience
unto life."-Education, pp. 35,36.
"In the ministration of the tabernacle, and of the temple that afterward
took its place, the people were taught each day, by means of types and shad-
ows, the great truths relative to the advent of Christ as Redeemer, Priest,
and King; and once each year their minds were carried forward to the clos-
ing events of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, the final pu-
rification of the universe from sin and sinners."-Prophets and Kings,
pp. 684,685.
"In the holy place was the candlestick, on the south, with its seven lamps
giving light to the sanctuary both by day and by night; on the north stood
the table of shewbread; and before the veil separating the holy from the
most holy was the golden altar of incense."- The Great Controversy, p. 412.
"The most important part of the daily ministration was the service per-
formed in behalf of individuals. The repentant sinner brought his offering
to the door of the tabernacle, and, placing his hand upon the victim's head,
confessed his sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the in-
nocent sacrifice. By his own hand the animal was then slain, and the blood
was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil,
behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed.
By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to
the sanctuary."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 354.
12 Sabbath Bible Lessons, July-September 1997
6. Describe the daily service performed in behalf of the congregation
and explain its significance. Exodus 29:38-41; Hebrews 9:6.
"Every morning and evening a lamb of a year old was burned upon the
altar, with its appropriate meat offering, thus symbolizing the daily conse-
cration of the nation to Jehovah, and their constant dependence upon the
atoning blood of Christ."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 352.
"In this custom Christians have an example for morning and evening
prayer. While God condemns a mere round of ceremonies, without the spirit
of worship, He looks with great pleasure upon those who love Him, bowing
morning and evening to seek pardon for sins committed and to present their
requests for needed blessings."-Ibid., p. 354.
"The ministration of the priest throughout the year in the first apart-
ment of the sanctuary, 'within the veil' which formed the door and sepa-
rated the holy place from the outer court, represents the work of ministra-
tion upon which Christ entered at His ascension."-The Great Controversy,
p.420.
o Wednesday
YEARLY SERVICE July 9
7. What solemn service was performed in the most holy place once a
year, and why was this necessary for purification? Hebrews 9:7;
Exodus 30:10; Leviticus 16:12-14.
"N 0 mortal eye but that of the high priest was to look upon the inner
apartment of the sanctuary. Only once a year could the priest enter there,
and that after the most careful and solemn preparation. With trembling he
went in before God, and the people in reverent silence awaited his return,
their hearts uplifted in earnest prayer for the divine blessing. Before the
mercy seat the high priest made the atonement for Israel; and in the cloud
of glory, God met with him. His stay here beyond the accustomed time filled
them with fear, lest because of their sins or his own he had been slain by
the glory of the Lord." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 352.
"Every man was to afflict his soul while the work of atonement was go-
ing forward. All business was laid aside, and the whole congregation of Is-
rael spent the day in solemn humiliation before God, with prayer, fasting,
and deep searching of heart."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 355.
o Thursday
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS July 10
9. What took place after the high priest came out of the most holy
place? Leviticus 16:20, 21.
10. What important truths were taught by this yearly service? Leviticus
16:34.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTION July 11
"At the death of Christ the typical service ended. The 'true tabernacle' in
heaven is the sanctuary of the new covenant."-The Great Controversy, p. 417.
o Sunday
LIGHT FROM PBOPHECY July 13
1. Explain the Old Testament prophecy giving the actual year when
Christ the Messiah was to be anointed for His ministry. Daniel 9:24,
25 (compare Luke 3:1-3,21,22).
"The time of the first advent and of some of the chief events clustering
about the Saviour's lifework was made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel.
[Daniel 9:24 quoted.] A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers
14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. The seventy weeks, or four hundred and ninety days, rep-
resent four hundred and ninety years. A starting point for this period is given:
'Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command-
ment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall
be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks' (Daniel 9:25), sixty-nine
weeks, or four hundred and eighty-three years. The commandment to re-
store and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes
Longimanus, went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. See Ezra 6:1; 7:1, 9.
From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn
of A.D. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Mes-
siah, the Anointed One. In A.D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anoint-
ing of the Holy Spirit and soon afterward began His ministry. Then the mes-
sage was proclaimed, 'The time is fulfilled.' Mark 1: 15."-Prophets and Kings,
pp. 698, 699.
"Said the angel, 'He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week
[seven years].' For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry,
the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half
Sabbath Bible Lessons, July-September 1997 15
years by Christ Himself, and afterward by the apostles. 'In the midst of the
week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.' Daniel 9:27. In
the spring of A.D. 31, Christ, the true Sacrifice, was offered on Calvary. Then
the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and
significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for
the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.
"The one week-seven years-ended in A.D. 34. Then by the stoning
of Stephen the Jews finally sealed their rejection of the gospel."-Prophets
and Kings, p. 699.
o Monday
A BETTER PRIESTHOOD AND COVENANT July 14
o Tuesday
LOCATED IN HEAVEN July 15
5. What relation exists between the earthly tabernacle and the heav-
enly sanctuary, where Christ is ministering in our behalf? Hebrews
8:1,2,4,5; 9:24.
7. How can we confirm that, upon His ascension, Jesus went to minis-
ter in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary? Hebrews 9: 11,
12; Revelation 1:12,13; 4:1, 2, 5. Describe this first apartment-
the holy place-in heaven.
"In the first apartment I saw the candlestick with seven lamps, the table
of shewbread, the altar of incense, and the censer. All the furniture of this
apartment looked like purest gold and reflected the image of the one who
entered the place."-Early Writings, pp. 251,252.
8. What has the incense always symbolized? Hebrews 7:25 (last part);
Revelation 5:8; 8:3.
"It is our privilege and duty to bring the efficacy of the name of Christ
into our petitions, and use the very arguments that Christ has used in our
behalf. Our prayers will then be in complete harmony with the will of God.
Then it is that Christ clothes the contrite suppliant with His own priestly
vestments, and the human petitioner approaches the altar holding the holy
censer, from which ascends the incense of the fragrance of the merit of
Christ's righteousness."-The Signs o/the Times, June 18, 1896.
"As we acknowledge before God our appreciation of Christ's merits, fra-
grance is given to our intercessions. As we approach God through the vir-
tue of the Redeemer's merits, Christ places us close by His side, encircling
us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of
the infinite. He puts His merits, as sweet incense, in the censer in our hands,
in order to encourage our petitions. He promises to hear and answer our
supplications."-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 178.
10. Explain the meaning of the answer that the angel gave to the prophet.
Daniel 8:14; 1 Peter 4:17; 2 Corinthians 5:10.
"At the termination of the 2300 days, in 1844, no sanctuary had existed
on earth for many centuries; therefore the sanctuary in heaven must be the
one brought to view in the declaration, [Daniel 8:14 quoted.] But how could
the sanctuary in heaven need cleansing? Turning again to the Scriptures,
the students of prophecy learned that the cleansing was not a removal of
physical impurities, for it was to be accomplished with blood, and there-
fore must be a cleansing from sin. Thus says the apostle: 'It was therefore
necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with
these [the blood of animals]; but the heavenly things themselves with bet-
ter sacrifices than these [even the precious blood of Christ].' Hebrews
9:23."- The Story ofRedemption, pp. 377, 378. [Author's insertions.]
"Those who followed in the advancing light of the prophetic word saw
that instead of coming to the earth at the termination of the 2300 days in
1844, Christ then entered the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary,
into the presence of God, to perform the closing work of atonement, prepa-
ratory to His coming."-Ibid.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS July 18
"The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who
are backslidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great
light and love. Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our Advo-
cate stands at God's right hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that
has been committed to Him. We may trust in our Advocate; for He pleads
His own merits in our behalf. Hear His prayer before His betrayal and trial.
Listen to His prayer for us; for He had us in remembrance.
"He will not forget His church in the world of temptation. He looks upon
His tried and suffering people, and prays for them.... Yes, He beholds His
people in this world, which is a persecuting world, and all seared and marred
with the curse, and [He] knows that they need all the divine resources of
His sympathy and His love. Our Forerunner hath for us entered within the
veil, and yet by the golden chain of love and truth, He is linked with His
people in closest sympathy.
"In all our acts of true devotion, we fix our eye of faith upon our Advo-
cate, who is standing between man and the eternal throne, waiting to meet
our every effort, and by His Spirit assist us to a more perfect knowledge of
God."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 948.
o Tuesday
DISCERNING A COUNTERFEIT PRIESTHOOD July 22
"By their treatment of His Word the popes have exalted themselves above
the God of heaven. This is the reason that in prophecy the papal power is
specified as the 'man of sin.' Satan is the originator of sin. The power that
he causes to alter anyone of God's holy precepts, is the man of sin. Under
Satan's special direction the papal power has done this very work.
"Although those standing at the head of the Papacy claim to have great
love for God, He looks upon them as haters of Him. They have turned the
truth of God into a lie. Tampering with God's commandments and placing
in their stead human traditions, is the work of Satan, and will divorce the
religious world from God."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments],
vol. 7, p. 911.
o Wednesday
A PROPHECY FOR THE LAST DAYS July 23
7. In the ancient tabernacle of God's true worship, what was placed on
the side of the north? Exodus 40:22, 23. Whom does the bread
represent? John 6:47, 48. How are many in the professed churches
of today being deprived of this bread? Isaiah 4: 1.
"Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their
hands, kindled from the hellish torch of Satan. If doubts and unbelief are
9. How is the character of our High Priest and His ministry best
discerned and summarized? Psalm 72:2; Isaiah 11: 1-5; Hebrews
2:17.
"It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation full and
complete."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1072.
10. While Christ is making intercession in our behalf, what spirit should
we cultivate? John 13:34, 35.
"God teaches that we should assemble in His house to cultivate the at-
tributes of perfect love. This will fit the dwellers of earth for the mansions
that Christ has gone to prepare for all who love Him."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 368.
"When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love,
they show the working of an influence that is above every human influence.
Where this oneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being re-
stored in humanity, that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows
that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the supernatural agen-
cies of evil, and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness inherent in
the natural heart. This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the
wrath of Satan."-The Desire 0/Ages, p. 678.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS July 25
o Sunday
JUDGMENT SHOWN IN THE BIBLE July 27
"As anciently the sins of the people were by faith placed upon the sin
offering and through its blood transferred, in figure, to the earthly sanctu-
ary, so in the new covenant the sins of the repentant are by faith placed upon
Christ and transferred, in fact, to the heavenly sanctuary. And as the typi-
cal cleansing of the earthly was accomplished by the removal of the sins by
which it had been polluted, so the actual cleansing of the heavenly is to be
accomplished by the removal, or blotting out, of the sins which are there
recorded. But before this can be accomplished, there must be an examina-
tion of the books of record to determine who, through repentance of sin
and faith in Christ, are entitled to the benefits of His atonement. The cleansing
of the sanctuary therefore involves a work of investigation-a work of judg-
ment. This work must be performed prior to the coming of Christ to redeem
His people; for when He comes, His reward is with Him to give to every
man according to his works."-The Great Controversy, pp. 421,422.
"The grand judgment is taking place, and has been going on for some
time. Now the Lord says, Measure the temple and the worshipers thereof.
Remember when you are walking the streets about your business, God is
measuring you; when you are attending your household duties, when you
engage in conversation, God is measuring you. Remember that your words
and actions are being daguerreotyped [photographed] in the books of heaven,
as the face is reproduced by the artist on the polished plate....
3. What evidence shows that those who are ignorant of the truth cannot
be judged by the same standard as those who have received much
light? John 9:41; Psalm 87:4-6.
4. What provision does God have for those who do not know the truth?
Romans 2:14-16. What words will some of them hear from the lips
of the Saviour? Matthew 25:34-40.
"Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have known little
of theology, but they have cherished His principles. Through the influence
of the divine Spirit they have been a blessing to those about them. Even
among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of kindness;
before the words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the
missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives. Among
the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light
is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though
ignorant of the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to
them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works
are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are rec-
ognized as the children of God."-The Desire ofAges, p. 638.
o Tuesday
TRUE JUSTICE INVOLVES ACCOUNTABILITY July 29
5. Besides the redeemed, who else will stand clear of blame in the
judgment? Romans 3:4; Revelation 15:3, 4.
"In the day of final judgment, every lost soul will understand the na-
ture of his own rejection of truth. The cross will be presented, and its real
bearing will be seen by every mind that has been blinded by transgression.
Before the vision of Calvary with its mysterious Victim, sinners will stand
condemned. Every lying excuse will be swept away. Human apostasy will
appear in its heinous character. Men will see what their choice has been.
Every question of truth and error in the long-standing controversy will then
have been made plain. In the judgment of the universe, God will stand clear
24 Sabbath Bible Lessons, July-September 1997
of blame for the existence or continuance of evil. It will be demonstrated
that the divine decrees are not accessory to sin. There was no defect in God's
government, no cause for disaffection. When the thoughts of all hearts shall
be revealed, both the loyal and the rebellious will unite in declaring, [Rev-
elation 15:3,4 quotedl."-The Desire ofAges, p. 58.
6. What assurance does the Bible give that all men are accountable to
God? Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:13, 14; Romans 14:12. What is exam-
ined in the judgment?
"In the judgment the use made of every talent will be scrutinized. How
have we employed the capital lent us of Heaven? Will the Lord at His com-
ing receive His own with usury? Have we improved the powers entrusted
us, in hand and heart and brain, to the glory of God and the blessing of the
world? How have we used our time, our pen, our voice, our money, our in-
fluence? What have we done for Christ, in the person of the poor, the af-
flicted, the orphan, or the widow? God has made us the depositaries of His
.holy word; what have we done with the light and truth given us to make
men wise unto salvation? No value is attached to a mere profession of faith
in Christ; only the love which is shown by works is counted genuine."- The
Great Controversy, p. 487.
o Wednesday
DETERMINING GUILT OR INNOCENCE July 30
7. According to what standard will men stand or fall in the heavenly
judgment? Romans 2: 12; James 2: 12.
"The law of God is the standard by which the characters and the lives
of men will be tested in the judgment."- The Great Controversy, p. 482.
"The only.question asked in the judgment will be, 'Have they been obe-
dient to My commandments?' "-Gospel Workers, p. 315.
10. Why is there increased accountability in the judgment for those who
profess the name of Christ? Luke 12:45-48.
"For all that we might become through the right use of our talents God
holds us responsible. We shall be judged according to what we ought to
have done, but did not accomplish because we did not use our powers to
glorify God. Even if we do not lose our souls, we shall realize in eternity
the result of our unused talents. For all the knowledge and ability that we
might have gained and did not, there will be an eternalloss."-Christ's Ob-
ject Lessons, p. 363.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS August 1
I
I
I Sabbath, Au~ust 2, 1997
I
Special Mission Offering
for a Headquarters in Indonesia
I
I Lesson 6 Sabbath, Au{;!ust 9, 1997
I
The Books of Record
"I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books
were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life:
and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the
books, according to their works" (Revelation 20: 12).
"How solemn is the thought! Day after day, passing into eternity, bears
its burden of records for the books of heaven."- The Great Controversy, p. 486.
o Sunday
A LEDGER IN HEAVEN August 3
1. What takes place wIlen we receive Christ, renounce the world, enter
into a covenant relationship with God, and become members of His
family? Luke 10:20.
"The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, powers infinite and omni-
scient, receive those who truly enter into covenant relation with God. They
are present at every baptism, to receive the candidates who have renounced
the world and have received Christ into the soul temple. These candidates
have entered into the family of God, and their names are inscribed in the
Lamb's book of life." -The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments],
vol. 6, p. 1075.
''When we become children of God, our names are written in the Lamb's
book of life, and they remain there until the time of the investigative judg-
ment. Then the name of every individual will be called, and his record ex-
amined, by Him who declares, 'I know thy works.' If in that day it shall ap-
pear that all our wicked deeds have not been fully repented of, our names
will be blotted from the book of life, and our sins will stand against us."-
The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 987.
o Monday
NARRATIVES OF VICTORY August 4
3. How are the good deeds of God's faithful people recorded in heaven?
Nehemiah 13:14; Malachi 3:16. Describe the role of this book in
the judgment, as depicted by the Spirit of Prophecy.
"A book of remembrance is written of those who do not forsake the as-
sembling of themselves together, but speak often one to another. The rem-
nant are to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testi-
mony."-Early Writings, p. 114.
"In the book of God's remembrance every deed of righteousness is im-
mortalized. There every temptation resisted, every evil overcome, every
word of tender pity expressed, is faithfully chronicled. And every act of sac-
rifice, every suffering and sorrow endured for Christ's sake, is recorded."-
The Great Controversy, p. 481.
o Tuesday
TRAGIC HISTORIES August 5
5. Besides the book of remembrance, describe the records contained
in another book in the judgment. Isaiah 65:6, 7; Matthew 10:33.
"Another book was opened, wherein were recorded the sins of those
who profess the truth. Under the general heading of selfishness came ev-
ery other sin. There were also headings over every column, and underneath
these, opposite each name, were recorded, in their respective columns, the
lesser sins.
"Under covetousness came falsehood, theft, robbery, fraud, and avarice;
under ambition came pride and extravagance; jealousy stood at the head of
m·alice, envy, and hatred; and intemperance headed a long list of fearful
crimes, such as lasciviousness, adultery, indulgence of animal passions, etc.
As I beheld I was filled with inexpressible anguish and ex.claimed: 'Who can
be saved? who will stand justified before God? whose robes are spotless?
who are faultless in the sight of a pure and holy God?'
"As the Holy One upon the throne slowly turned the leaves of the ledger,
and His eyes rested for a moment upon individuals, His glance seemed to burn
into their very souls, and at the same moment every word and action of their
lives passed before their minds as clearly as though traced before their vision
in letters of fire."- Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 384,385. [E. G. White's italics.]
30 Sabbath Bible Lessons, July-September 1997
6. With what warnings do Christ and Paul clearly inform us about the
existence ofthis particular book? Matthew 12:36, 37; 1 Corinthians
4:5.
"Every man's work passes in review before God and is registered for
faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each name in the books of heaven
is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, ev-
ery unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling.
Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved
opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-
reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel."- The Great Con-
troversy, p. 482.
o Wednesday
THE STEP AFTER FORGIVENESS August 6
7. How does Jesus illustrate in a parable that a person may have had
sins forgiven at some time, yet still not blotted out? Matthew 18:23-
35. How is the blotting out of our sins crucial to our eternal destiny?
Exodus 32:33; Ezekiel 18:24.
"As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who
have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those
who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each suc-
cessive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned,
every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When
any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and
unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record
of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God's remembrance."-
The Great Controversy, p. 483.
"Sins that have not been repented of and forsaken will not be pardoned
and blotted out of the books of record, but will stand to witness against the
sinner in the day of God. He may have committed his evil deeds in the light
of day or in the darkness of night; but they were open and manifest before
Him with whom we have to do. Angels of God witnessed each sin and regis-
tered it in the unerring records."-Ibid., p. 486.
"Time is fast hastening on, and every work will soon be brought into
judgment, and either our sins or our names will be blotted out of the Book
of Life."-Sons and Daughters ofGod, p. 49.
8. How only can our individual sins be blotted out? Isaiah 43:25; Acts
3:19.
"All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of
Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names
in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteous-
ness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the
9. What warning should we take from the fact that all our actions are
recorded? Galatians 6:9; Philippians 1:6.
"God judges every man according to his work. Not only does He judge,
but He sums up, day by day and hour by hour, our progress in welldoing."-
The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 987.
"In the heavenly courts the roll is called, on which every name is regis-
tered, and the heavenly agencies respond to the call. The service given by
every human being upon earth is there recorded. If any are negligent, it is
recorded; if diligent, the same is reported; if idlers, the fact stands against their
names. In all the great mass of humanity, not one is lost sight of."-Ibid.
10. How has the message of the atonement always been a message of
good news? Micah 7:18, 19.
"By virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly peni-
tent will be blotted from the books of heaven. Thus the sanctuary will be
freed, or cleansed, from the record of sin. In the type, this great work of
atonement, or blotting out of sins, was represented by the services of the
Day of Atonement-the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary, which was ac-
complished by the removal, by virtue of the blood of the sin offering, of the
sins by which it had been polluted.
"As in the final atonement the sins of the truly penitent are to be blot-
ted from the records of heaven, no more to be remembered or come into
mind, so in the type they were borne away into the wilderness, forever sepa-
rated from the congregation."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 357,358.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS August 8
"By the first angel, men are called upon to 'fear God, and give glory to
Him' and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In
order to do this, they must obey His law."-The Great Controversy, p. 436.
o Sunday
A MESSAGE FOR OUR DAYS August 10
1. With what words does the Bible teach that the judgment of the
"house of God" must precede the return of Christ? Luke 20:35;
Revelation 22:12.
2. What is the first angel's message? Revelation 14:6, 7. When did the
proclamation of this message begin, and how long is it to continue?
"In order to be prepared for the judgment, it is necessary that men should
keep the law of God. That law will be the standard of character in the judg-
ment. ... Faith is essential in o'rder to the keeping of the law of God; for
'without faith it is impossible to please Him.' And 'whatsoever is not of faith
is sin.' Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23."-The Great Controversy, p. 436.
4. How does the first angel shed light upon the truth about God's
~abbath? Isaiah 58: 12, 13.
"This message [of the first angel], if heeded, will call the attention of
every nation and kindred and tongue and people to a close examination of
the Word, and to the true light in regard to the power that has changed the
seventh-day Sabbath to a spurious sabbath....
"In the first angel's message men are called upon to worship God, our
Creator, who made the world and all things that are therein. They have paid
homage to an institution of the Papacy, making of no effect the law of Jeho-
vah, but there is to be an increase of knowledge on this subject."-Selected
Messages, book 2, pp. 105, 106.
o Tuesday
GIVEN BY WHOM AND FOR WHOM? August 12
5. For over 150 years now, who has been responsible for spreading the
angelic messages recorded in Revelation 14, and who must hear
them? Matthew 28: 19, 20.
"In different lands were found isolated bodies of Christians [in 1840-
44], who, solely by the study of the Scriptures, had arrived at the belief that
the Saviour's advent was near. In some portions of Europe, where the laws
"When God sends to men warnings so important that they are repre-
sented as proclaimed by holy angels flying in the midst of heaven, He re-
quires every person endowed with reasoning powers to heed the message."-
The Great Controversy, p. 594.
"The angel that proclaims the everlasting gospel proclaims the law of
God; for the gospel of salvation brings men to obedience of the law, whereby
their characters are formed after the divine similitude."-Selected Messages,
book 2, p. 106.
8. In what way does the first angel's appeal to us to worship God as the
Creator stand in contrast to the degrading evolutionary theories
regarding His works? Psalms 8:4, 5; 33:6-10. How is a whole-
hearted acceptance of the biblical record of creation to bring us
closer to the Creator? Psalm 19: 1-3.
9. What shows that even many professed Advent believers have not yet
fully accepted the first angel's message-and what gives evidence of
its full acceptance? John 1 7:21; Ephesians 4:3.
''The first angel's message of Revelation 14, announcing the hour of God's
judgment and calling upon men to fear and worship Him, was designed to
Sabbath Bible Lessons, July-September 1997 35
separate the professed people of God from the corr,upting influences of the
world and to arouse them to see their true condition of worldliness and back-
sliding. In this message, God had sent to the church a warning, which, had
it been accepted, would have corrected the evils that were shutting them
away from Him. Had they received the message from heaven, humbling their
hearts before the Lord and seeking in sincerity a preparation to stand in
His presence, the Spirit and power of God would have been manifested among
them. The church would again have reached that blessed state of unity, faith,
and love which existed in apostolic days, when the believers 'were of one
heart and of one soul,' and 'spake the word of God with boldness,' when 'the
Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.' Acts 4:32, 31; 2:47.
"If God's professed people would receive the light as it shines upon them
from His word, they would reach that unity for which Christ prayed, that
which the apostle describes, 'the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.' "-
The Great Controversy, p. 379.
"The first and second messages were given in 1843 and 1844, and we
are now under the proclamation of the third; but all three of the messages
are still to be proclaimed. It is just as essential now as ever before that they
shall be repeated to those who are seeking for the truth. By pen and voice
we are to sound the proclamation, showing their order, and the application
of the prophecies that bring us to the third angel's message. There cannot
be a third without the first and second. These messages we are to give to
the world in publications, in discourses, showing in the line of prophetic
history the things that have been, and the things that will be."-Counsels to
Writers and Editors, pp. 26, 27.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS August 15
a. Why was timing a major factor for the first angel's message?
b. Explain the significance of this message.
c. How does Inspiration emphasize the importance of the message?
d. Explain how the first angel's message relates to character develop-
ment.
e. In what ways can we as Seventh-day Adventists manifest a deeper
understanding of the first angel's message than we ever have mani-
fested before? •
"By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Himft-om
we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon
Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin."-The Desire ofAges,
p.300.
o Sunday
ATTENDING HOLY CONVOCATIONS August 17
1. What was the duty of the Israelites on the typical day of atonement?
Numbers 29:7; Leviticus 23:27, 28. Explain the importance of
attending camp meetings in these last days. Hebrews 10:24, 25.
"Never entertain the thought that you can be Christians and yet with-
draw within yourselves. Each one is a part of the great web of humanity,
and the nature and quality of your experience will be largely determined
by the experiences of those with whom you associate."-Testimonies, vol. 7,
p.190.
"It is important that the members of our churches should attend our
camp meetings. The enemies of truth are many; and because our numbers
are few, we should present as strong a front as possible."-Ibid., vol. 6, p. 38.
"Let all who possibly can, attend these yearly gatherings. All should feel
that God requires this of them. If they do not avail themselves of the privi-
leges which He has provided for them to become strong in Him and in the
power of His grace, they will grow weaker and weaker, and have less and
less desire to consecrate all to Him."-Ibid., vol. 2, p. 600.
o Monday
AFFLICTING OUR SOULS August 18
3. During the typical day of atonement the Lord called for the people to
afflict their souls. How do the apostles explain true affliction of
soul? James 4:8-10; 2 Corinthians 13:5 (first part); Hebrews 10:22.
How can this be particularly emphasized within the context of a holy
convocation?
o Tuesday
IN THE SIGHT OF A HOLY GOD August 19
5. Describe the kind of service God has always required of His people.
Romans 6:16-18. What is the first key in rendering acceptable
service? Hebrews 11:6.
7. Since fasting was enjoined as part of afflicting one's soul (see Joel
1: 14), what is the fast which God calls for today? 1 Corinthians
9:25-27. (Compare Revelation 3:7, 8; Isaiah 22:22, 12-14.)
"Will the people who are preparing to become holy, pure, and refined,
that they may be introduced into the society of heavenly angels, continue
to take the life of God's creatures and subsist on their flesh and enjoy it as a
luxury? From what the Lord has shown me, this order of things will be
changed, and God's peculiar people will exercise temperance in all things. "-
Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 63.
"The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence
from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple
food, which God has provided in abundance."-Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 90.
"Your trials and temptations borne in God will purify and humble, but
will not destroy or endanger you."-Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 93.
"All trials that are received as educators will produce joy."-Ibid., vol. 6,
p.365.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS August 22
"Were it not that the world is hopelessly intoxicated with the wine of
Babylon, multitudes would be convicted and converted by the plain, cut-
ting truths of the word of God."-The Great Controversy, p. 389.
o Sunday
CHARACTERISTICS OF BABYLON August 24
1. Relate the origin behind the term "Babylon." Genesis 11: 1-9. How
did the Babylonians counterfeit God's sacrificial system?
''The Lord first established the system of sacrificial offerings with Adam
after his fall, which he taught to his descendants. This system was corrupted
before the Flood, and by those who separated themselves from the faithful
followers of God and engaged in the building of the tower of Babel. They
sacrificed to gods of their own make instead of the God of heaven."-The Story
ofRedemption, p. 149.
''The men of Babel had determined to establish a government that should
be independent of God.... Had they gone on unchecked, they would have
demoralized the world in its infancy. Their confederacy was founded in re-
bellion; a kingdom established for self-exaltation, but in which God was to
have no rule or honor. Had this confederacy been permitted, a mighty power
would have borne sway to banish righteousness-and with it peace, happi-
ness, and security-from the earth. For the divine statutes, which are 'holy
and just and good' (Romans 7: 12), men were endeavoring to substitute laws
to suit the purpose of their own selfish and cruel hearts."-Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 123.
4. Why did the first angel's message result in a separation within the
Christian community? Matthew 10:34-36.
"The [advent] message which God had sent for the testing and purifi-
cation of the church revealed all too surely how great was the number who
had set their affections on this world rather than upon Christ. The ties which
bound them to earth were stronger than the attractions heavenward. They
chose to listen to the voice of worldly wisdom and turned away from the
heart-searching message of truth.
"In refusing the warning of the first angel, they rejected the means which
Heaven had provided for their restoration. They spurned the gracious mes-
senger that would have corrected the evils which separated them from God,
and with greater eagerness they turned to seek the friendship of the world."-
The Great Controversy, p. 380.
"The anger of the churches was kindled; they were determined not to
listen to evidence, and to shut the testimony out of the churches, so the
others could not hear it. Those who dared not withhold from others the light
which God had given them, were shut out of the churches; but Jesus was
with them, and they were joyful in the light of His countenance. They were
prepared to receive the message of the second angel."-Early Writings, p. 237.
o Tuesday
PURE BECOMING CORRUPTED August 26
"The message of the second angel did not reach its complete fulfillment
in 1844. The churches then experienced a moral fall, in consequence of their
refusal of the light of the advent message; but that fall was not complete.
As they have continued to reject the special truths for this time they have
fallen lower and lower."-The Great Controversy, p. 389.
o Wednesday
DETECTING WINE ON THE BREATH August 27
"The great sin charged against Babylon is, that she 'made all nations
drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.' This cup of intoxication
which she presents to the world, represents the false doctrines which she
has accepted as the result of her unlawful connection with the great ones
of the earth. Friendship with the world corrupts her faith, and in her turn
she exerts a corrupting influence upon the world by teaching doctrines which
are opposed to the plainest statements of the word of God.
"Prominent among these false doctrines is- that of the temporal
millenium-a thousand years of spiritual peace and prosperity, in which the
world is to be converted, before the coming of Christ. This siren song has
lulled thousands of souls to sleep over the abyss of eternal ruin.
"The doctrine of the natural immortality of the soul has opened the way
for the artful working of Satan through modern Spiritualism; and besides
the Romish errors, purgatory, prayers for the dead, invocation of saints, etc.,
which have sprung from this source, it has led many Protestants to deny
the resurrection and the Judgment, and has given rise to the revolting her-
esy of eternal torment, and the dangerous delusion of Universalism."- The
Spirit ofProphecy, vol. 4, pp. 234, 235.
8. Name some additional errors of Babylon and explain how this wine
affects secular powers. Proverbs 14:34; Revelation 17:18.
10. What will many of these souls soon realize? Psalm 11 :3; Amos 3:3.
"It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ's righteous-
ness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which
Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments."-Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 319.
o Sunday
THE MIDNIGHT CRY August 31
1. What is the midnight cry, and how does it involve all who believe in
Christ's soon return? Matthew 25: 1-7.
"Near the close of the second angel's message, I saw a great light from
heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright
as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, 'Behold, the Bridegroom
cometh; go ye out to meet Him!' This was the midnight cry, which was to
give power to the second angel's message."-Early Writings, p. 238.
"All who wait for the heavenly Bridegroom are represented in the par-
able as slumbering because their Lord delayed His coming; but the wise
roused themselves at the message of His approach, and responded to the
message, and their spiritual discernment was not all gone, and they sprang
into line. As they took hold of the grace of Christ, their religious experi-
ence became vigorous and abundant, and their affections were set upon
things above. They discerned where was the source of their supply, and ap-
preciated the love that God had for them. They opened their hearts to re-
ceive the Holy Spirit, by which the love of God was shed abroad in their
hearts. Their lights were trimmed and burning, and sent forth steady rays
into the moral darkness of the world. They glorified God, because they had
the oil of grace in their hearts, and did the very work that their Master did
before them-went forth to seek and to save those who were lost."-The
SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1099.
2. What warning should we take from the attitude of the foolish vir-
gins? Matthew 25:8-13; Ezekiel 33:31.
"For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient
Israel from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of
modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan. In neither case were the prom-
ises of God at fault. It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and
strife among the Lord's professed people that have kept us in this world of
sin and sorrow so manyyears."-Evangelism, p. 696.
6. How can we be spiritually filling our lamps with oil during the brief
preparation time remaining? 1 John 4: 19-21.
"It is the love of God continually transferred to man that enables him to
impart light. Into the hearts of all who are united to God by faith the golden
oil of love flows freely, to shine out again in good works, in real, heartfelt
service for God."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 419.
o Wednesday
THE MARRIAGE FEAST September 3
7. How does the parable of the man without the wedding garment
confirm the pre-advent investigative judgment? Matthew 22: 1-14.
"By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spot-
less character which Christ's true followers will possess."-Christ's Object
Lessons, p. 310.
o Thursday
PUTTING ON THE WEDDING GARMENT September 4
9. What will characterize the attitude of the vast majority of pro-
fessedly Christian churches in the last days? Isaiah 4: 1. What
should every believer bear in mind? Isaiah 55:8, 9; 64:6.
"The names of all those who have once given themselves to God are
written in the book of life, and their characters are now passing in review
before Him. Angels of God are weighing moral worth. They are watching
the development of character in those now living, to see if their names can
be retained in the book of life. A probation is granted us in which to wash
our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Who
is doing this work? Who is separating from himself sin and selfishness?"-
The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 960.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS September 5
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the com-
mandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14: 12).
"Two parties are developed, those who 'worship the beast and his im-
age,' and receive his mark, and those who receive 'the seal of the living God,'
who have the 'Father's name written in their foreheads.' This is not a vis-
ible mark."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 980.
o Sunday
A LIFE AND DEATH MESSAGE September 7
1. With what words does the third angel proclaim the most fearful
denunciation ever given to mortals? Revelation 14:9-11.
"If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing the Sabbath
of the fourth commandment, and showing that there is no foundation in the
Word of God for Sunday observance, and yet you still cling to the false sab-
bath, refusing to keep holy the Sabbath which God calls 'My holy day,' you
receive the mark of the beast. When does this take place? When you obey
the decree that commands you to cease from labor 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 receive the mark
of the beast, and refuse the seal of God.
"If we receive this mark in our foreheads or in our hands, the judgments
pronounced against the disobedient must fall upon us."- The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 980.
"The apostle Paul declared, looking down to the last days: 'The time
will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.' 2 Timothy 4:3. That
time has fully come. The multitudes do not want Bible truth, because it in-
terferes with the desires of the sinful, world-loving heart; and Satan sup-
plies the deceptions which they love."-The Great Controversy, pp. 594, 595.
4. What trial will come to those who faithfully honor God's true sev-
enth-day Sabbath? Revelation 13: 11, 15-17. What should we bear
in mind when Sundaykeeping is enforced? Romans 12: 18.
"God is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals here and
there, one believing this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the
work committed to their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying
\ a people, and they should move with him unitedly. Some run ahead of the
angels that are leading this people; but they have to retrace every step, and
meekly follow no faster than the angels lead. I saw that the angels of God
"When we put away our sins and come to [Jesus] in faith, He takes our
names on His lips, and presents them to His Father.... And the command
goes forth to the angels to protect them.... What are the chambers in which
they are to hide?-They are the protection of Christ and holy angels."- The
SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1143.
10. Describe the character of the 144,000 sealed saints, and the impor-
tance of striving to be among them. Revelation 14: 1-5.
"The third angel ... is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or
bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the
whole mind, the whole attention.' "-Early Writings, p. 118.
"Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the
hundred and forty-four thousand."-The Review and Herald, March 9,1905.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS September 12
''The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great
work of the third angel's message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people
of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are
soon to meet."-Early Writings, p. 277.
o Sunday
THE LAODICEAN CONDITION September 14
"It is a solemn and terrible truth that many who have been zealous in
proclaiming the third angel's message are now becoming listless and indif-
ferent! The line of demarcation between worldlings and many professed
Christians is almost indistinguishable. Many wh,o once were earnest
Adventists are conforming to the world-to its practices, its customs, its
selfishness. Instead of leading the world to render obedience to God's law,
the church is uniting more and more closely with the world in transgres-
sion. Daily the church is becoming converted to the world."-Testimonies,
vol. 8, pp. 118, 119.
3. What reformatory message has the Lord sent to help those who want
to come out of the Laodicean condition? Revelation 3: 18-20. How
does a wholehearted acceptance of the message to Laodicea relate
to the work of the angel of Revelation 18?
"A work must be done for the people, or many will not be prepared to
receive the light of the angel sent down from heaven to lighten the whole
earth with his glory."-Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 468, 469.
"I saw that this message [to Laodiceal would not accomplish its work in
a few short months. It is designed to arouse the people of God, to discover
to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may
be favored with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the
third angel." -Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 186.
4. What do prophecy and history say about the reinforcement that God
has promised to send for the finishing of the work? Revelation 18: 1.
"The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people
through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more promi-
nently before the world 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 of Christ, which is made manifest in obedi-
ence to all the commandments of God."-Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 91,92.
"The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has
already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-
pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose
glory shall fill the whole earth."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 363.
o Tuesday
CONSECRATED HUMAN AGENTS September 16
6. How and why does God call for a clear departure from worldliness
and ecumenism? 2 Corinthians 6: 14-18.
7. What duty is before us, since God still has a people in Babylon?
Revelation 18:4.
"God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of His judg-
ments these faithful ones must be called out, that they partake not of her
sins and 'receive not of her plagues.' Hence the movement symbolized by
the angel coming down from heaven."-The Great Controversy, p. 604.
9. How does God teach us that numbers do not play the most important
role in His work? Judges 7:2-7.
"Not in numbers, but in the perfect trust and unity with Christ, one can
chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. Let us not form un-
holy bonds of union with the friends of the world; for God has pronounced
His curse upon all such unions. Let the people of-God take their stand firmly
for truth and for righteousness."-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 277.
"God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking
the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple
means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteous-
ness."-Ibid., p. 300.
10. In view of the spiritual darkness that covers the earth, what is God's
plan for and through His people? Isaiah 60: 1, 2.
'The third angel's message must go over the land, and awaken the people,
and call their attention to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Another angel unites his voice with the third angel, and the earth is lighted
with its glory. The light increases, and it shines out to all the nations of the
earth. It is to go forth as a light that burneth. It will be attended with great
power, until its golden beams have fallen upon every tongue, every people,
and every nation upon the face of the whole earth. Let me ask you, What
you are doing to prepare for this work? Are you building for eternity? You
must remember that this angel represents the people that have this mes-
sage to give to the world. Are you among that people?"-The Review and Her-
ald, August 18, 1885.
o Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS September 19
"What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation?"- Tes-
timonies, vol. 5, p. 216.
o Sunday
DEEPER CONSECRATION September 21
"Now is the tiine to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon
the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the
forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed
upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts.
All who receive the seal must be without spot before God-candidates for
heaven."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 216.
"Men and women professing to revere the Bible and follow its teach-
ings fail in many respects to perform its requirements. In the training of
children they follow their own perverse natures rather than the revealed
will of God. This neglect of duty involves the loss of thousands of souls.
The Bible lays down rules for the correct discipline of children. Were these
requirements of God heeded by parents, we should today see a different
class of youth coming upon the stage of action."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 313.
o Monday
SEEKING GOD'S GLORY September 22
3. What can we learn from the way Moses was deeply impressed by a
revelation of God's glory? Exodus 33:17,18,21,22; 34:6-8.
"It was when Moses was hidden in the cleft of the rock that he beheld
the glory of God. It is when we hide in the riven Rock that Christ will cover
us with His own pierced hand, and we shall hear what the Lord saith unto
His servants."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 162.
Sabbath Bible Lessons, July-September 1997 59
4. What words of Christ should help us reevaluate our personal priori-
ties in these last days? Matthew 6:19-21; 19:29.
"Belief in the near coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven
will not cause the true Christian to become neglectful and careless of the
ordinary business of life. The waiting ones who look for the soon appear-
ing of Christ will not be idle, but diligent in business. Their work will not
be done carelessly and dishonestly, but with fidelity, promptness, and thor-
oughness. Those who flatter themselves that careless inattention to the things
of this life is an evidence of their spirituality and of their separation from
the world are under a great deception. Their veracity, faithfulness, and in-
tegrity are tested and proved in temporal things. If they are faithful in that
which is least they will be faithful in much."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 309.
o Tuesday
GOD'S GLORY IN EARTHEN VESSELS September 23
5. What aspects of our communion with God are essential for our
translation? Matthew 5:6, 8; John 15:4, 5; Zephaniah 2:3.
"The more one sees of the character of God, the more humble he be-
comes, and the lower his estimation is of himself. This indeed is the evi-
dence that he beholds God, that he is in union with Jesus Christ. Unless we
are meek and lowly, we cannot in truth claim that we have any conception
of the character of God. Men may think that they possess superior qualifi-
cations. Their splendid talents, great learning, eloquence, activity, and zeal,
may dazzle the eye, delight the fancy, and awaken the admiration of those
who cannot read beneath the surface; but unless humility and modesty
is linked with these other gifts, self-glorification and self-exaltation will be
seen.... Those whose hearts are melted and subdued, who have seen the
glorious manifestation of God's character, will show no heedless pre-
sumption.... Self will be lost in the consciousness they have of God's
wonderful glory, and their own utter unworthiness. All who value a happy
and holy walk with God ... will leave nothing undone if only they may gain a
glimpse of His glory. In every place and under every circumstance, they
will pray to God that they may be allowed to see Him. They will cherish
that meek and contrite spirit that trembles at the word of God."-Sons and
Daughters ofGod, p. 68.
"God has a church. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national
establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who
love God and keep His commandments."-The Upward Look, p. 315.
o Wednesday
THE LOUD CRY AND LATTER RAIN September 24
"1 saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were
looking to the time of 'refreshing' and the 'latter rain' to fit them to stand in
the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many 1saw in the time
of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation;
therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them
to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the proph-
ets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, 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 to
be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do
it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father.... 1 saw that
none could share the 'refreshing' unless they obtain the victory over every
besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong
word and action."-Early Writings, p. 71.
"What was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit upon the Day of
Pentecost? The glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to the utmost
bounds of the inh·abited world."- Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 19.
"The disciples did not ask for a blessing for themselves. They were
weighted with the burden of souls."-Ibid., p. 21.
8. Give evidence how, under the power of the latter rain, the Holy Spirit
is not to bring some ecstatic feeling to the new converts, but rather
conviction of sin and deep repentance. John 16:7, 8. In what way
will both the genuine and the false be operating simultaneously?
Mark 16:20; 2 Corinthians 11:14.
"Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy con-
secration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from
heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given.
Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed', and signs and wonders
will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bring-
9. What marks the end of Christ's mediatorial phase in the great day of
atonement? Daniel 12:1; Revelation 22:11.
"Many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of
the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble.
Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time
of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully."-Early Writings, p. 71.
10. What recognition will Christ receive not only from the redeemed
butalso from His persecutors? Revelation 1:7; Zachariah 13:6.
"The life of Christ had ever been without worldly wealth, honor, or dis-
play. His humility and self-denial.had been in striking contrast to the pride
and self-indulgence of the priests and elders. His spotless purity was a con-
tinual reproof of their sins. They despised Him for His humility, holiness
and purity. But those who despised Him here will one day see Him in the
grandeur of heaven and the unsurpassed glory of His Father."-Early Writ-
ings, p. 178.
"Jesus will present His hands with the marks of His crucifixion. The marks
of this cruelty He will ever bear. Every print of the nails will tell the story of
man's wonderful redemption and the dear price by which it was purchased."-
Ibid., p. 179.
o
Friday
THOUGHT AND REVIEW QUESTIONS September 26
* Today, this would include all who believe in the three angels'
messages, regardless of denominational affiliation.