Sunday, September 29, 2013

The Sanctuary Study Help. "The Cross and its Shadow" by Stephen Haskell Chapter 1 and 2


Light in the Darkness
Chapter One in "Cross and Its Shadow" 
The Tabernacle
Chapter Two in "Cross and Its Shadow"by Stephen Haskell


The Heavenly Sanctuary
THERE is a house in heaven built,
The temple of the living God,
The tabernacle true, where guilt
Is washed away by precious blood.
Long since, our High Priest entered there,
Who knows the frailties of our frame,
Who loves to hear his people's prayer,
And offer to our God the same.
The daily ministry he bore,
Till ended the prophetic days;
He opened then the inner door,
To justify the sacred place.
Before the ark of ten commands,
On which the mercy-seat is placed,
Presenting his own blood, he stands,
Till Israel's sins are all erased.
–R. F. Cottrell.
CHAPTER I
Light In The Darkness
TO every voyager on the storm-tossed sea of life, the Lord has given a compass which, if rightly used, will safely guide him into the eternal haven of rest. It was given to our first parents at the gate of Eden, after they had admitted sin into this beautiful earth as well as into their own lives. The compass consists of the following words, which were spoken by the Lord to Satan:"I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed." (Gen. 3:15 In every heart God has planted an enmity to sin, which, if heeded, will lead to righteousness and eternal life. Any man, whatever his station or rank in life, who will absolutely follow the divine compass placed in his heart, will accept Christ as his Saviour and be led out into the sunlight of God's love and approval. (John 1:9)
As the result of our first parents' eating of the forbidden fruit, over all the earth hung the gloom of the divine decree, "In the day that thou eatest thereof dying thou shalt die." (Gen. 2:17) The marks of death and decay were soon seen in the falling leaves and withered flowers. There was no escaping the decree, "The wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23)
But a ray of light pierced the darkness when God spoke the following words to Satan:"It (the seed of the woman) shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.'' (Gen. 3:15) These words revealed the fact that for those who would cherish the enmity against sin which God had placed in the heart, there was a way of escape from death. They would live, and Satan would die; but before his death he would bruise the heel of the seed of the woman. This was necessary in order that the death of Satan might be made sure, and that mankind might escape eternal death. (Heb. 2:14)
Before man was placed on trial, the love of the Father and the Son for him was so great that Christ pledged His own life as a ransom if man should be overcome by the temptations of Satan. Christ was "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.'' (Rev. 13:8) This wonderful truth was made known to our first parents in the words spoken by the Lord to Satan, "It (the seed of the woman) shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel."
In order that man might realize the enormity of sin, which would take the life of the sinless Son of God, he was required to bring an innocent lamb, confess his sins over its head, then with his own hands take its life, a type of Christ's life. This sin-offering was burned, typifying that through the death of Christ all sin would finally be destroyed in the fires of the last day. (Mal 4:1-3)
It was difficult for man, surrounded by the darkness of sin, to comprehend these wonderful heavenly truths. The rays of light which shone from the heavenly sanctuary upon the simple sacrifices, were so obscured by doubt and sin, that God, in His great love and mercy, had an earthly sanctuary built after the divine pattern, and priests were appointed, who "served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things." (Heb. 8:5) This was done that man's faith might lay hold of the fact that in heaven there is a sanctuary whose services are for the redemption of mankind.
The prophet Jeremiah grasped this great truth, and exclaimed, "A glorious high throne from t h e beginning is the place of our sanctuary.'' (Jer. 17:12)
David knew of God's dwelling place in heaven, and when writing for the generations to come, he said, "He (God) hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth." (Ps. 102:19) The faithful ones have always understood that when they sought God with all the heart, "their prayer came up to His holy dwelling-place, even unto heaven." (2 Chr. 30:27)
All the worship in the earthly sanctuary was to teach the truth in regard to the heavenly sanctuary. While the earthly tabernacle was standing, the way into the heavenly tabernacle was not made manifest; (Heb. 9:8) but when Christ entered heaven to present His own blood in man's behalf, God revealed through His prophets much light in regard to the sanctuary in heaven.
To John, the beloved disciple, were given many views of that glorious temple. He beheld the golden altar, on which, mingled with fragrant incense, the prayers of earthly saints are offered up before God. In vision he saw the candlestick with its seven lamps of fire burning before the throne of God. The veil into the most holy was lifted, and he writes, "The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament." (Rev. 11:19)
It is in this "true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man," that Christ pleads His blood before the Father in behalf of sinful men. (Heb. 8:2) There is the throne of God, surrounded by myriads of the angelic hosts, all waiting to obey His commands; (Ps. 103:19,20) and from there they are sent to answer the prayers of God's children here on earth. (Dan. 9:21-23)
The heavenly sanctuary is the great power-house of Jehovah, whence all the help necessary to overcome every temptation of Satan is sent to each one who is connected with it by faith.
The heavily laden electric car, with its slender arm reaching up to the wire above, through which it receives strength from the power-house miles away, is a fitting illustration of the Christian. As long as the connection is unbroken, through the darkest night, the car runs smoothly up and down hill alike, not only shedding light on the immediate track ahead, but casting its bright rays of light into the darkness far and near. But the instant the connection is broken, how great is the change! The car remains in darkness, unable to go forward.
So it is that Christ, our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, reaches His hand down over the battlements of heaven to clasp the hand of every one who will reach up by faith and take hold of the proffered help. The one whose faith lays hold of that help, can pass securely over the steepest hills of difficulty, his own soul filled with light while diffusing light and blessing to others. As long as he by faith keeps a firm hold of God, he has light and power from the sanctuary above; but if he allows doubt and unbelief to break the connection, he is in darkness, not only unable to go forward himself, but a stumbling-block in the way of others.
The one who allows nothing to break his connection with heaven becomes an earthly dwelling-place for the Most High; "for thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." (Isa. 57:15) He who separates from sin and puts it far from him, becomes a temple of the Holy Ghost. (1 Cor. 6:19,20) God loves to dwell in the hearts of His people, (Eph. 3:17-20) but sin cherished in the heart prevents His Spirit from abiding there. (1 John 3:15) Christ knocks at the door of every heart, inviting all to exchange sin for righteousness, that He may come in and abide with them. (Rev. 3:20)
There are three temples brought to view in the Bible,– the heavenly temple, the dwelling-place of the Most High, where Christ intercedes in our behalf; the temple of the human body, where God's Spirit rules and reigns; and the earthly temple, with its typical services, designed to teach mankind how to receive divine help from the great storehouse above, so that God can honor them by abiding with them continually. The earthly sanctuary with its types and symbols is like the powerful lenses of the telescope, which make it possible to view heavenly bodies that otherwise would be invisible. To the eye of the ignorant those wonderful lenses appear like ordinary glass; but the astronomer, who longs to know of the wonders of the heavens, is filled with rapture as he gazes through them.
In like manner the Christian who will study the typical service of the earthly sanctuary, not as a collection of dry, lifeless relics of ancient worship, but as a wonderful art gallery, where, by the hand of a master-artist, the different parts of the marvelous plan of redemption are portrayed, will be astonished at the beauty revealed. The figures fairly-speak to him, as it were, from the canvas. They tell the beautiful story of the Saviour's love until his very soul is filled with rapture as he gazes upon them. He sees the vivid picture of the priest in snow-white robe leading the red heifer out to the rough uncultivated valley, there to offer it a sacrifice for sin. He sees him sprinkle its blood on the rough stones of the valley, to teach that Christ died for the most worthless, for the veriest outcast. Who can gaze on that picture without having his heart filled with love for such a compassionate Redeemer?
Again he views a picture of the destitute sinner, longing to be free from sin; and beholding his wealthy brethren pass with their lambs for sin-offerings, the poor ones with their pigeons and doves, he sinks back into despondency, for he has no living thing to offer. Then the light of hope springs into his face as one tells him, "Only a handful of flour will answer." And as the sinner watches the priest offer the crushed wheat as an emblem of the blessed body to be broken for him, and hears him say, "Thy sin is forgiven," his heart leaps for joy, as did the heart of the poor man by the pool of Bethesda, who had no one to help him, when the blessed Master told him to take up his bed and walk. (John 5:2-9)
If the one who longs to know more of Christ and His infinite love, will study the types and symbols of the earthly sanctuary, connecting each with its glorious antitype, his soul will be filled with rapture. Like the lenses of the telescope, they reveal, wondrous beauties in the character of our blessed Redeemer, beauties that are revealed in no other way.
There is a separate and distinct heavenly lesson taught by each of the different types and symbols of the earthly sanctuary service; and when they are all viewed together, they form a wonderful Mosaic painting of the divine character of Christ as none but a heavenly artist could portray it.
Names given the heavenly sanctuary by different Bible writers.
"Thy dwelling-place,"................................. Solomon,........... 2 Chron, 6:39.
"A palace,".................................................. David,............... Psalm 48:3.
"His holy temple,"....................................... David,................ Psalm 11:4.
"Temple of God,"........................................ John,................. Rev. 11:19.
"Habitation of Thy holiness,"....................... Isaiah,.............. Isa. 63:15.
"True tabernacle which the Lord pitched,".. Paul,.................. Heb. 8:2.
"My Father's house,"................................. Jesus,............... John 14:2.
"Place of His habitation,".......................... David,................. Psalm 33:14.
"His holy habitation,"................................ Jeremiah,............ Jer. 25:30.
" The sanctuary,"........................................ Paul,.................. Heb. 8:2.
" Holiest of all,".......................................... Paul,.................... Heb. 9:8.
Names given the earthly sanctuary.
"A worldly sanctuary,"............................ Heb. 9:1.
"The first tabernacle,"............................ Heb. 9:8.
"A figure for the time then present,"....... Heb. 9:9.
"Patterns of things in the heavens,"....... Heb. 9:23.
"Not the very image of the things,"......... Heb. 10:1.
"Holy places made with hands".............. Heb. 9:24.
"Figures of the true,"............................... Heb. 9:24.
"The temple,"......................................... 1 Cor. 9:13.
The body of the Christian is called the temple.
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. . . He spake of the temple of His body." John 2:19,21.
"Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?" 1 Cor. 6:19.
"If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Cor. 3:17.



CHAPTER TWOThe Tabernacle
The tabernacle as pitched in the wilderness was a beautiful structure. Around it was a court enclosed with linen curtains, which were suspended by silver hooks from pillars of brass trimmed with silver. Viewed from any side, the tabernacle was beautiful. The north, south, and west sides were formed of upright boards, ten cubits high, covered with gold within and without, and kept in position by silver sockets underneath, and by bars overlaid with gold, which passed through golden rings, and extended around the building. (Ex. 26:15-30)
The front, or east end, was enclosed by a curtain "of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer." (Ex. 36:37) It was hung upon five. pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold, and added much to the beauty of the entrance. The rich rainbow tints of the curtain, inwrought with cherubim, which formed the door of the building where God promised to dwell, was a beautiful "shadow" of the entrance to the heavenly sanctuary. Here, with a rainbow of glory encircling His throne, the Father sits, while ten thousand times ten thousand angels pass to and fro at His command. (Rev. 4:2-4; 5:11)
The roof, or covering, of the tabernacle consisted of four curtains of cloth and skins. The inside curtain, like that at the entrance of the tabernacle, was of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, with golden cherubim wrought in it by a cunning embroiderer. (Ex. 26:1) This formed the ceiling, which was a faint representation of the canopy of glory above the throne of God, with the myriads of angels ready to fulfil His commands. (Eze. 1:28)
Over this was a curtain of goats' hair, above that a covering of rams' skins dyed red, and over all a covering of badgers' skins, all forming a perfect protection from the weather. (Ex. 26:1-14) The different colors in the coverings, blending with the golden wall and the gorgeous entrance curtain, or veil, as it was called, combined to make a structure of surpassing glory.
Over the tabernacle rested the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, which guided the Israelites in all their wanderings. (Ex. 40:38) In the midst of the desert heat there was a cool, refreshing shelter beneath the shade of the cloudy pillar for those who served in the tabernacle or worshiped in its court, while without was the scorching heat of the desert. (Isa> 32:2) What a beautiful type of the covering God spreads over His people in the midst of this wicked world, so that it is possible to dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty One (Ps. 91:1) while in the midst of the turmoil and strife of this wicked world.
At night, when the intense heat abated and darkness covered the desert, then above the holy tabernacle hung the cloud, now a great pillar of fire, "in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys." (Ex. 40:38) God's immediate, visible presence lighted up the entire encampment, so that all could walk safely through the darkness. What an expressive type was thus given of the Christian's walk! There may be no visible light; but when the light of God's presence surrounds him, his pathway is light. David knew this when he wrote, "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound:they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance.'' (Ps. 89:15)
The weakest trusting child of God can have the blessed privilege of being guided by the light of God's countenance, safe from the pitfalls of Satan, if he will surrender his heart to God.
Within the golden walls of the tabernacle, priests of divine appointment performed a work representing in types and symbols the plan of redemption.
The work of Christ has two distinct phases, one performed in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, the other in the second apartment. He offers salvation free to every one. Many accept and start out on the Christian pathway. Christ reaches down His infinite arm to encircle and support every one who calls upon His name, and no power of earth or Satan can force a child of God out of His protecting care. (John 10:28,29) The only way any can be lost is by letting go their hold upon that infinite hand. Like Peter, if they take their gaze from Christ and fix it upon the sea of life, they sink, unless, like him, they cry out, "Lord, save me," and are rescued by the Saviour. (Matt. 14:28-31)
The work of Christ is illustrated by the parable of the marriage of the king's son. All the guests, both bad and good, are gathered at the marriage; but when the king comes in to examine the guests, all are ejected except those who are clothed with the wedding garment of Christ's righteousness. "Many are called, but few are chosen." (Matt. 22:1-14)
There were two apartments in the sanctuary, or tabernacle. In the first apartment a service was performed daily throughout the year which typified the work of inviting the guests and gathering them to the marriage. On one day at the end of the year a service was performed in the second apartment which typified the work of choosing out from among the many that have accepted the call, those who are worthy of eternal life, as illustrated in the parable by the king examining the guests.


TypeHeb. 8:1-5. The earthly sanctuary was a shadow of the heavenly sanctuary.
Heb. 9:1-3. The earthly sanctuary had two apartments.
AntitypeRev. 11:19. There is a temple in heaven.
Heb. 9:24. The heavenly sanctuary also has two apartments.




"The Cross and Its Shadow" Chapters One and Two, pp. 19-32
Stephen Haskell was first introduced to Sabbath keeping Adventist in 1853 at the age of 22. He served as an Adventist evangelist, church administrator, missionary, writer, and Bible teacher over the next 67 years.




Friday, September 27, 2013

The Heavenly Sanctuary Lesson 1 Sept 28-Oct 4 2013


Quarter 4, 2013

The Picture of Salvation

by: Martin Pröbstle
Unquestionably, the greatest revelation of the love and character of God was at the cross, where the Lord offered Himself in the person of Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for the sins of a world that never had to sin to begin with. To help us to understand better what this great sacrifice meant, God devised the earthly sanctuary, a pictorial representation of the plan of salvation. This earthly sanctuary, however, only modeled the heavenly one, which is the true center of God’s presence and of His activity in the universe.
When God established the sanctuary on earth, He used it as a teaching tool. The Israelite sanctuary and its services displayed important truths about redemption, about the character of God, and about the final disposition of sin.
The sanctuary formed the template to help us to understand Jesus as our Sacrifice and High Priest. When John the Baptist told his disciples that Jesus was the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:2936, NKJV), they understood what John meant because they understood something of the sanctuary. The book of Hebrews presupposed a knowledge about the ancient Israelite priesthood so that the original recipients of the letter could grasp what Jesus was doing for them in heaven. Sanctuary terminology was also used to teach truths about Christian living. In short, knowledge of the sanctuary system became a foundation for the new message of salvation in Christ.
However, throughout much of the Christian era, the sanctuary message was largely forgotten. Not until the middle of the nineteenth century, when Seventh-day Adventists began to appreciate God’s paradigm of salvation anew including the message of the pre-Advent judgment, was a fresh emphasis placed on the sanctuary.
“The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 423.
As the key for a complete system of truth, the sanctuary and Christ’s priestly ministry became the basis for the Seventh-day Adventist faith—and still remains so. In fact, the sanctuary message is the Adventists’ unique doctrine. At the same time, no other doctrine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (with the possible exception of the Sabbath) has faced so many challenges. Fortunately, throughout the years, these challenges have not only been withstood, they have increased our understanding of this crucial teaching and have made us, as a people, stronger in our understanding of salvation.
Ellen G. White recommended focusing our highest attention on the sanctuary because “the sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects.”— The Great Controversy, p. 488. Thus, we can “exercise the faith which is essential at this time” and “occupy the position which God designs [us] to fill.”— The Great Controversy, p. 488.
The sanctuary discloses the heart of God. Studying the sanctuary will bring us close to the presence of the Supreme and to the personality of our Savior, and draw us into a deeper personal relationship with Him.
Hence, our study for this quarter: God’s sanctuary, both His earthly model and the heavenly original.
Martin Pröbstle lives with his wife, Marianne, and their two sons, Max and Jonathan, in Austria. He is a professor of Hebrew Bible at Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen, Austria.

Lesson 1September 28–October 4

The Heavenly Sanctuary


SABBATH AFTERNOON
Read for This Week’s Study: Jer. 23:23-24Ps. 89:14Revelation 4 and 5Ps. 11:4–7Deut. 25:1Heb. 8:1-2.
Memory Text: “ ‘Then hear in heaven Your dwelling place their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause’ ” (1 Kings 8:49, NKJV).

Where does God live?”

The innocent question of a six-year-old could be quite perplexing. This question could easily lead to more difficult ones, such as, “If God lives in one place, how is it possible that He is everywhere?” Or, “Does God need a dwelling place?” Or, “If He doesn’t need one, why does He have one?” Or, “If He does need one, why does He need it?”
Good questions, and, given the little we know (and the lot we don’t), they are not so easy to answer. Nevertheless, we can answer with what we do know. As Seventh-day Adventists, we know from the Bible that God dwells in heaven, that He is actively working in our behalf “up there,” and that the center of His work is in the heavenly sanctuary.
Scripture is clear: the heavenly sanctuary is a real place, and from it we can learn truths about the character and work of our God. Thus the focus of this week’s lesson is the heavenly sanctuary and what God is doing there for us, because what He is doing in the sanctuary is, indeed, for us.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 5.
SundaySeptember 29

God’s Residence

We often say that “God is everywhere.” Or that He is “omnipresent,” which means that He is present throughout the universe. “ ‘Am I a God near at hand, . . . and not a God afar off? . . . Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ ” (Jer. 23:23-24, NKJV). David understood, too, that nobody can flee from God (Psalm 139). Indeed, as Paul argues, God is close to everyone, at least in a spiritual sense (Acts 17:27-28).
Complementing God’s attribute of omnipresence is His eternal existence. God has neither beginning nor end (Ps. 90:2). He has always been and will always be (Jude 1:25).
Read 1 Kings 8:49 and Psalm 102:19. What do they teach us about the place where God dwells? How are we to understand what this means? Can we understand it?


The Scriptures are full of statements about God’s residence being in heaven (1 Kings 8:304349). Does this mean that God is more present in heaven than He is anywhere else? God obviously dwells in heaven in a special way, in His glorious presence and pure holiness. The greatest manifestation of God’s presence exists in heaven.
There is a difference, however, between God’s “general presence” and His “special presence.” God is generally present everywhere; yet, He chooses to reveal Himself in a special way in heaven and, as we will see, in the heavenly sanctuary.
Of course, we have to admit that we are limited in our understanding of His physical nature. He is spirit (John 4:24) and as such cannot be contained in any structure or dimension (1 Kings 8:27). Even so, the Bible presents heaven (John 14:1–3) and the heavenly sanctuary as real places (Heb. 8:2) where God can be seen (Acts 7:55-56Rev. 4:2-3). We have to believe that even heaven and the heavenly sanctuary are places where God condescends to meet His creation.
There are many things that are difficult for us to imagine or understand, such as the dwelling place of God. Yet, the Bible says that this dwelling place is real. How can we learn to trust in all that the Bible teaches us, no matter how hard it is sometimes to understand? Why is it important for us to learn to trust even when we don’t understand?
MondaySeptember 30

Throne Room

Read Psalms 47:6–993:1-2103:19. What do these texts teach us about God and His throne?


Several visions of the heavenly throne occur in the Bible. Most depict a kind of heavenly assembly, with God as King. Interestingly enough, most of them are concerned with human affairs, usually presenting God as acting for or speaking in behalf of the righteous.
The Bible also reveals God as sovereign. For instance, the kingship of the Lord is a recurring theme in the Psalms. God is not only King in heaven but also “King of all the earth” (Ps. 47:7, NKJV), and not only in the future but already in the here and now (Ps. 93:2).
That God’s throne is established in heaven has several ramifications. One of them is that God is independent and superior to the rest of the universe.
Read Psalms 89:1497:2. What do these texts teach us about the character of God and how He rules?


God’s rule encompasses righteousness and justice as well as love and truthfulness. These moral qualities describe how He acts in the human world and underscore His position in the entire universe. These qualities, which compose His rule, are the same as those that He wants His people to manifest in their lives (Mic. 6:8, compare Isa. 59:14), and it is our sacred privilege to do so.
“As in obedience to His natural laws the earth should produce its treasures, so in obedience to His moral law the hearts of the people were to reflect the attributes of His character.”—Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, p. 144.
How can we better manifest goodness, righteousness, and justice in a world filled with evil, unrighteousness, and injustice? Why must we do these things?
TuesdayOctober 1

Worship in Heaven

Read Revelation 4 and 5. What do these two chapters teach us about the heavenly dwelling place of God? In what way is the plan of salvation revealed in these texts, as well?


The vision of the heavenly throne room is a vision of the heavenly sanctuary. This is made evident from the language referring to the Hebrew religious system. For instance, the words for door and trumpet in Revelation 4:1 appear often in the Septuagint (an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament) in reference to the sanctuary. The three precious stones in Revelation 4:3 are part of the High Priest’s breastplate. The seven lampstands are reminiscent of the lampstands in Solomon’s temple. The twenty-four elders remind us of the twenty-four divisions of service for the temple priests throughout the year, and their prayer offering in the golden bowls of “incense” (Ps. 141:2). All of these verses point back to the Old Testament worship service, which centered around the earthly sanctuary.
Finally, the slain Lamb of Revelation 5 points, of course, to Christ’s sacrificial death. Christ, the Lamb, is the only mediator of divine salvation and is accounted worthy because of His triumph (Rev. 5:5), His sacrifice (Rev. 5:912), and His divinity (Rev. 5:13).
“Christ took upon Himself humanity, and laid down His life a sacrifice, that man, by becoming a partaker of the divine nature, might have eternal life.”—Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 3, p. 141.
What we see in these two chapters, centering around God’s throne, is a depiction of God’s work for the salvation of humanity. We can see, too, that this work has unfolded before the other intelligent beings in heaven, a key theme in The Great Controversy motif.
Think about what it means that Christ, as God Himself, took on our humanity and died as our Substitute; that is, whatever wrongs you have done and for which you yourself should be punished, fell on Him instead. Why should this truth motivate everything that you do?
WednesdayOctober 2

Court Room

Read Psalm 11:4–7 and Habakkuk 2:20. What else does God do in His heavenly temple, and why is this important for us to know?


Many Psalms reveal that the Lord is not indifferent to the needs of the righteous or to the injustices that they often face. He will react to the issues that cry out for redress, and He will “ ‘justify the righteous and condemn the wicked,’ ” just as any good judge would do (Deut. 25:1, NKJV).
When God judges, the throne room becomes a courtroom, and the heavenly throne, a judgment seat. The One enthroned is the One who judges (see Ps. 9:4–8), a concept known in the ancient Near East, where kings often functioned as judges, as well.
Divine judgment involves both the wicked and the righteous. While the wicked receive a punishment similar to that received by Sodom and Gomorrah, the upright “will behold His face” (Ps. 11:6-7, NASB). The classic combination of throne room and judgment appears in Daniel 7:9–14 (a significant passage that we will study later). There again, the judgment consists of two strands: a verdict of vindication for the saints and a sentence of condemnation for God’s enemies.
In the book of Habakkuk, after Habakkuk asks God why He is silent about injustice (Habakkuk 1), God answers that that He will certainly judge (Hab. 2:1–5). While idols have no “breath” or “spirit” (Hab. 2:19), the Creator God is enthroned in His temple, the heavenly sanctuary, and He is ready to judge.
The prophetic appeal is, “ ‘Let all the earth be silent before Him’ ” (Hab. 2:20, NASB). The appropriate attitude toward God’s ruling and judging is awed silence and hushed reverence.
The place where God reveals His special presence and where He is worshiped by the heavenly beings is the same place where He is rendering righteous judgment for all humans: the sanctuary in heaven. God is just, and all our questions about justice will be answered in God’s time, not ours.
However much we cry out for justice, we so often don’t see justice in the present. Why, then, must we trust in God’s justice? Without that promise, what hope do we have?
ThursdayOctober 3

Place of Salvation

Read Hebrews 8:1-2. What is Christ doing at the throne of God?


The book of Hebrews teaches that Christ is ministering in the heavenly sanctuary as our High Priest. His work there is focused on our salvation, for He appears “in the presence of God for us” (Heb. 9:24, NASB). He sympathizes with us, giving us assurance that we will not be rejected, but instead, receive mercy and grace (Heb. 4:15-16) because of what Jesus has done for us. As in the earthly sanctuary, the heavenly is the location where “atonement” (or “reconciliation”) is made for the sins of the believers (Heb. 2:17). The Jesus who died for us is the One now ministering in heaven “for us,” as well.
Read Revelation 1:12–208:2–611:19, and 15:5–8. What sanctuary imagery appears in these passages?


The verses in today’s study are just some of the places in the book of Revelation where sanctuary imagery appears. In fact, most of the major sections of the book often begin with or contain a sanctuary scene.
The first introductory scene shows Christ, clothed as high priest, walking among the seven lampstands (Rev. 1:12–20). The second shows the heavenly throne room, and the verses reveal a wide variety of sanctuary imagery: throne, lamps, sea, slain Lamb, blood, golden bowls of incense (Revelation 4 and 5). The third scene refers to the continual service of intercession in the context of the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary (Rev. 8:2–6). The fourth and central scene gives us a glimpse of the Ark of the Covenant in the second apartment (Rev. 11:19). The fifth scene brings the entire tabernacle in heaven into view (Rev. 15:5–8). The sixth scene is unique in that it does not contain any explicit references to the sanctuary, perhaps to illustrate that Christ’s work there is finished (Rev. 19:1–10). The final scene is all about the glorious holy city on earth, which is portrayed as the tabernacle “coming down out of heaven”(Rev. 21:1–8, NASB).
A careful study of these scenes reveals that they are interconnected, showing an internal progression in the salvation accomplished by God: from Christ on earth, to His heavenly ministry in the first and second apartments, to His High Priestly ministry’s end, and finally to the new earth tabernacle.
FridayOctober 4
Further Study: “Paul had a view of heaven, and in discoursing on the glories there, the very best thing he could do was to not try to describe them. He tells us that eye had not seen nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for those that love Him. So you may put your imagination to the stretch, you may try to the very best of your abilities to take in and consider the eternal weight of glory, and yet your finite senses, faint and weary with the effort, cannot grasp it, for there is an infinity beyond. It takes all of eternity to unfold the glories and bring out the precious treasures of the Word of God.”—Ellen G. White, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1,107.
“The abiding place of the King of kings, where thousand thousands minister unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stand before Him (Daniel 7:10); that temple, filled with the glory of the eternal throne, where seraphim, its shining guardians, veil their faces in adoration, could find, in the most magnificent structure ever reared by human hands, but a faint reflection of its vastness and glory. Yet important truths concerning the heavenly sanctuary and the great work there carried forward for man’s redemption were taught by the earthly sanctuary and its services.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 414.

Discussion Questions:

  • Look at the last quote in Friday’s study from Ellen G. White. What does she mean when she says that many “important truths” for our salvation were taught in the earthly sanctuary and its services? What are some of those truths, and why are they important?
  • What does it mean that God “dwells” in heaven? How do you understand that concept?
  • This week’s lesson touched on the idea that the onlooking universe sees the work that God is doing in behalf of humanity. Why is that a crucial concept to grasp? How does this concept help us to understand The Great Controversy motif and what that motif means in the whole plan of salvation? What does it tell us about the character of God that He would leave His ways open to the scrutiny of beings that He, Himself, created?
Inside Story~  ECD Division: DRC

The Rude Neighbor

Jules and some choir members were going door-to-door to share their faith in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. As they approached one home, a man yelled angrily, “I don’t want you here! Get out!” Jules tried to talk to the man, but he shouted angry threats at them. Quietly the believers left and went next door. The neighbor, Mangu, listened to the choir members sing several spiritual songs. He thanked them and accepted a pamphlet they offered.
On Sabbath Jules and his friends returned to Mangu’s home to sing and share their faith again. Simon, the neighbor who had been so rude to the young people, saw the visitors in Mangu’s yard and walked over to see what was happening. Mangu showed Simon the Bible study pamphlet.
Simon asked Mangu for the pamphlet. “This one is mine,” Mangu said. “Ask for your own.” Simon swallowed his embarrassment and invited the Adventists to come to his house.
“I saw the Bible lesson you gave Mangu,” Simon said. “I want to read it too. I want to know what’s so special about Adventists.”
Simon listened to Jules and his friends talk about Jesus. The young people invited Simon and his family to join the choir’s Bible-study group. “I’d like one of these pamphlets for my wife and each of my children,” Simon said quietly.
Jules smiled as he pulled out more Bible pamphlets. “Could we have Bible studies here in our home?” Simon asked. Jules agreed. He and one other young man returned to Simon’s home every week for a month. Then Simon and his wife and children joined the Bible-study group at the church.
When the church announced evangelistic meetings, Simon and his family attended every meeting. Simon and his wife asked to be baptized, and later the couple’s three teenage children joined the church as well.
Simon, the once-rude neighbor who wouldn’t allow the youth into his home, now shares his faith with anyone who will listen. He urged his neighbor, Mangu, to check out the Adventists, and Mangu now attends the Bible study group every week.
Our mission offerings help reach people in difficult places such as Kinshasa, where less than one in a thousand is an Adventist Christian. Thank you for sharing.
Jules Tshiamalenga shares his faith in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission.  email:  info@adventistmission.org   website: www.adventistmission.org

Friday, September 20, 2013

LESSON 13 The Promised Revival Sept 21-27

Lesson 13September 21-27

The Promised Revival: God’s Mission Completed


SABBATH AFTERNOON
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 28:18-20James 5:78Zech. 10:1Matt.3:11Rev. 18:119:11-16.
Memory Text: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:78, NKJV).
The challenge of preaching the gospel in the context of the three angels’ messages to the entire world may seem impossible. Although the Seventh-day Adventist Church is growing rapidly, it is not keeping up with the population. There are multiple areas of the world where the name “Seventh-day Adventist” (much less our message) is not known.
The reality of this harsh fact leads to serious questions. Is it possible for the gospel to be preached to the entire world in this generation? Will there be some unusual breakthrough that will dramatically speed up the proclamation of the three angels’ messages? There is always one thing to keep in mind when we discuss this topic: the mission is God’s, and He will accomplish it. At the same time, however, we must remember that we have been called to a crucial role in that final work, as well.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 28.
SUNDAYSeptember 22

The Promised Power

Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is accompanied by His great promise. What is that promise, what does it mean in a practical sense, and how can we draw comfort from it? Why is that promise so important to us?


The disciples preached not in their strength but in Christ’s. According to Paul, in fact, the gospel was preached to every creature under heaven in just a few short years (Col. 1:23). Although some might question the precise meaning of Paul’s words, it is undeniable that the gospel made a powerful impact on first century society. It changed the world. Christ promised His disciples that He would “‘send the Promise of My Father’” and they would receive “‘power from on high’”(Luke 24:49, NKJV). The Savior added, “‘But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth’” (Acts 1:8, NKJV).
No matter how challenging the task, the promises of God are sure. Jesus’ statement that “‘this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come’” (Matt. 24:14, NKJV) is a promise . The proclamation of the gospel to the entire world may seem impossible, but God’s power will overcome every obstacle. Every person on planet Earth will have a reasonable opportunity to hear and understand God’s message of love and truth before the return of our Lord (See Rev. 18:1).
“I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere.”-Ellen G. White, Early Writings, p. 277.
God will finish His work. He will pour out His Spirit in mighty power and accomplish what seems impossible according to all human planning.
What are ways that you can, in your immediate sphere, be a more effective witness for the Lord? That is, what can you do to help see the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14?
MONDAYSeptember 23

The Early and Latter Rain

Both the Old and New Testament use the symbolism of water to represent the Holy Spirit. The prophet Isaiah quotes the words of our Lord, “‘“I will pour water on him who is thirsty. . . . I will pour My Spirit on your descendants”’” (Isa. 44:3, NKJV). Isaiah uses a common Hebrew literary device called parallelism. The second phrase in the passage explains the first. The prophet Joel also discusses the symbolism of water. God promises to water Israel’s fields, then declares, “‘And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh’” (Joel 2:28, NKJV). Jesus uses the symbolism of water to represent the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).
What are the two symbols that each of the following texts use regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?Joel 2:21-2428-32James 5:78. How are we to understand what they mean?


In Bible times, sowing and plowing took place from the middle of October, shortly after the falling of the early rains. These early rains brought the seed to germination and nurtured its early growth. The latter rain came in the late spring to bring the ripening fruit to harvest. The barley harvest and other grain harvests were spring events, followed by the fruit harvest in the summer and fall.
God uses the symbolism of the early and latter rain in two ways. The early rain of the Spirit fell upon the disciples at Pentecost in order to launch the Christian mission. The latter rain will be poured out on God’s church at the end of time in order to complete His mission on earth. The term the “early rain” also refers to the daily work of God’s Spirit convicting, instructing, guiding, and empowering each believer. The “latter rain” is a term used to describe a special endowment of God’s Holy Spirit on Christ’s church just before the coming of Jesus.
“Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s church. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. . . .
“But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest ‘in the time of the latter rain.’”-Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles , pp. 54, 55.
TUESDAYSeptember 24

Prerequisites for the Latter Rain

What do the following texts tell us about the preparation needed in order to receive the Holy Spirit’s power in its fullness? Acts 1:14Zech. 10:1Acts 3:18-204:31Ps. 119:25John 6:63.


The Scriptures invite us to ask God for the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). The disciples believed Christ’s promise, waited in unity, and prayed for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:814). The reason that God asks us to pray for the Holy Spirit is not because He is unwilling to give us the Spirit but because we are not prepared to receive it. As we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God works on our hearts to lead us to deeper repentance. Praying in small groups with other church members draws us into a closer bond of unity and fellowship. Both prayer and Bible study prepare our minds to be sensitive to the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
What is the natural result of spiritual renewal in our lives? Where does all spiritual revival and reformation lead? Ps. 51:10-13Acts 4:13205:338:4.


All spiritual revival and genuine reformation lead to a passionate desire to witness. When our hearts are filled with a deep appreciation for everything that Jesus has done for us, then, like Peter and John “‘we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:20, NKJV). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the early rain on the day of Pentecost empowered the disciples to effectively witness. Their witness was so powerful that a rebellious mob in Thessalonica screamed in fear that “‘these who have turned the world upside down have come here too’” (Acts 17:6, NKJV).
Just as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost enabled the disciples to be a formidable witness to their generation, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in latter-rain power will empower God’s church to reach the world in the final generation. It will take nothing less than latter-rain power to complete God’s mission on earth, and God offers nothing less. Heaven’s most precious gift is offered in infinite supply in order to accomplish the most urgent and important task ever entrusted His church.
The early disciples turned the world “upside down” with their preaching and witness. Why isn’t that said of us?
WEDNESDAYSeptember 25

The Baptism of Fire

Both the Old and New Testaments use a variety of symbols, such as water, wind, and oil, to describe the work of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist links another image, that of fire, to the work of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11Luke 3:16).
There are many who have misunderstood John’s statement. The passage does not say, “‘He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit or with fire’” (NKJV) . It says, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” The second expression, “‘and with fire,’” explains the first expression, “the baptism of the Holy Spirit.” The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the baptism of fire. The word baptism in the New Testament is used 80 times and refers to total immersion.
Read the following passages and describe what the symbolism of fire represents in the Bible. Exod. 3:2-4;24:171 Kings 18:24Mal. 3:2-3Acts 2:1-4Heb. 12:29.


The symbolism of fire is a symbol of the glory, presence, and power of God manifest in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. To be baptized with fire is to be immersed in the glory of God’s presence through the Holy Spirit in order to witness in His power. Moses met God at the burning bush and then left the glory of His presence in order to witness to Pharaoh. Elijah witnessed to Israel in the glory of God’s fiery presence on Mount Carmel. When tongues of fire fell on Pentecost, the disciples witnessed in languages that they had never before known. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is immersion in the presence and power of God in order that we can effectively witness of His glory. Once again, in the last days of earth’s history, God’s people will be immersed in His presence, filled with His power, and sent out to witness of His glory to the world.
The earth will be filled with the glory of God. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14, NKJV). In prophetic vision, John saw an angel messenger descend from heaven and “the earth was illuminated with his glory” (Rev. 18:1, NKJV).
God’s glory, His loving character, will be revealed through the power of the Holy Spirit to a waiting world and a watching universe. Every person on planet Earth will have the opportunity to both hear and understand God’s last-day message.
God’s glory, His loving character, will be revealed to the world. How can you, right now, in your own sphere, reveal that glory in your life? What will that require on your part?
THURSDAYSeptember 26

The Great Controversy Ended

The entire book of Revelation can be summarized in just a few words: Jesus wins, Satan loses .
Read Revelation 12:1717:13-1419:11-16. What is the central message of these passages?


Here is good news: the same Jesus who defeated Satan on the cross will come again and triumph over the powers of hell and put a full end to evil (Rev. 19:19-21Ezek. 28:18-19). Evil will not have the last word. Poverty and pestilence will not have the last word. Sickness and suffering will not have the last word. Chaos and crime will not have the last word. Disease and death will not have the last word.
Instead, God will.
Until then, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are doing everything possible to reach every person. God’s heart aches over a lost world. Soon His people will reveal to the world, in both the witness of their words and their works, Jesus’ amazing grace and truth.
Of course, Satan will do everything in His power to oppose this witness. The final crisis will break upon this world. Jesus will pour out His Spirit in latter-rain power, and the work of God on earth will be finished.
“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 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.”-Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 612.
The work of God on earth will be finished. Jesus will come. All heaven and earth will rejoice. There is no more important priority in our lives than experiencing a revival of God’s grace in our hearts daily and inviting His Holy Spirit to make us into His image (1 John 3:1-3).
Our world is falling apart. Who can’t see that? Is there anything that matters more than opening our hearts to Jesus and pleading for the revival and reformation so needed, not just by each one of us individually but by our church as a whole? What would happen if our own hearts were totally surrendered to Him and we were completely devoted to spreading this message to the world?
FRIDAYSeptember 27
Further Study: “The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in 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 more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord’s side.”-Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 612.

Discussion Questions:

  • In the quote above, Ellen G. White wrote: “The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God.” In class, discuss what you think that means. What does it not mean? After all, our message is very logical, very reasonable, and it comes with some very powerful arguments in its favor. How are we to understand, then, what she is telling us?
  • What spiritual application do the promises God gave to His people in the Old Testament have for His church today? Deut. 11:13-18Hos. 6:1-310:12.
  • Dr. Stephen Hawking, one of the world’s greatest scientists, called the concept of an afterlife a “fairy story for people afraid of the dark.” Why does a statement like that show just how crucial and hopeful our message is for a world that knows neither God nor His love?
  • Though we don’t know when Jesus is going to come back, we do know that we want Him to and that we want this sin-sick world to end and a new sinless world to begin. That’s why we believe revival and reformation are so crucial to us as a people, and it’s why our leaders are calling us to it. In the end, though, it will not come by anything other than the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, and that will not happen until we, as individuals, make a conscious choice to surrender ourselves with all our hearts and souls and minds to the Lord. How can we, without judging others, without comparing ourselves among ourselves, do our part to encourage each other to be prepared for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
Inside Story~  North American Division: United States

I Want to Serve!

Marquan loves Jesus and wants everyone to know about Him. When he was 5, he wanted to learn to read so he could read the Bible for himself. One day he asked his pastor for a job at church. The pastor invited him to tell the children’s story. Marquan did a good job and was invited to speak more often. Then one day the pastor asked him to preach.
“Me? I’m only 8 years old,” Marquan said, surprised.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are,” the pastor smiled. “God can use anyone if they’re willing.” I’m just a kid, he thought. What would I preach about? Would people even listen to a child? Marquan promised to pray about it.
Marquan’s grandmother told him that the prophet Jeremiah had thought he was too young to preach too, but God had told him that he must share the love of God with everyone God sent him to. Marquan decided that God was asking him to preach. His father helped him write his first sermon, and then Marquan memorized it.
Marquan felt a little nervous on the day he was to preach. But he remembered God’s words to the prophet Isaiah, “I have put my words in your mouth” (Isaiah 51:16, NIV). Marquan knew that God was with him, and his nervousness went away.
People at other churches in his town heard about the boy’s sermon, and they invited him to speak at their churches. Marquan accepted the invitations, for he had promised God that he would do whatever God asked him to do. He prayed that his sermons would be a blessing to everyone who heard them.
When Marquan was 12, his pastor offered him a new challenge. “The church is planning a three-week Revelation Seminar, and we would like you to lead it,” the pastor said. Preparing and preaching 21 sermons was a huge commitment for a young boy. But Marquan prayed about it and felt sure that God wanted him to do it.
The church held the meetings in a rented hall. On opening night some 250 people came. Many returned each night to hear a young boy preach God’s word.
“I’ve learned that if we’re willing, God can use anyone to tell others about Jesus,” Marquan said. “It doesn’t matter how old you are; Jesus just wants you to be willing to tell others about Him.”
God has blessed us with truths millions don’t know. It’s our duty to share these truths. We can tell others, we can pray for them, and we can give mission offerings so that those we may never meet will have a chance to hear that Jesus loves us.
Marquan Buchanan shares his faith in his hometown in Arkansas, United States.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission.  email:  info@adventistmission.org   website: www.adventistmission.org