1/70

SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS

SENIOR DIVISION

First Quarter 1970.

Prophecies of th~ Last Days

 FOREWORD

'l'he perilous times on every hand should lead all to realize that
we arc living in the last days. All have hea.rd such wtlrnings over
the years but now the evidences compel us to recognize that the end
is hasting on apace. It is essential that everyone should be acquaint eli
with the prophecies that pertain to the time in which we are living
and the events that particularly l'elate to the church of God in the
closing scenes. The only thing that ia reliable in this time of uncertainty
is the sure word of prophecy. Therefol'e in order to help members and
f;l'iends who study in the Sabbath schools throughout the world, this
series of lessons has been prepared, "Prophecies of the Last Days."
It is our desire aJ1d prayer that as each one studies these lessons
they may draw near to the Lord and gain the spiritual and pmctical
preparation that will be needed to stand ill the perilous times ahead.
It is easy to apply lessons to others and yet not realhe the message
that the 8pirit of the Lord is trying to cOlllmunicate to us personally
and individually through both the Scripturea and the Sphit of Prophecy.
We would repeat two warnings given by our Master: " . . . He that
hath ears to hear, let him I,eal'," and "Let these sayings sink down
into your ears . . . " (Luke 8:8; 9:44). These words apply to us
both as individuals and as a Sabbath school and church.
"I saw that the remnant were not prepared for what is coming
upon the ea.rth. Stupidity, like lethargy, seemed to hang upon the
minds of most of those who profess to believe that we are having
the last message. My a.ccompanying angel cried out with awful
solemnity, 'Get ready! get ready! get ready! for the fierce anger
of the Lord is soon to come. His wrath is to be poured out, unmixed
with mercy, and ye are not ready. Hend the heart, and not the
garment. A great work must be done for the remnant . . . "-EW 119.
"I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and
were looking to the time of 'refreshing' and. the 'latter rain' to fit
them to stand in the day of the Lord and live in His sight. Oh, how
many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neg-
lected the needful preparation; therefore they could not l'eceive the
refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a
holy God . . ." -Ibid., page 71.
lH;Nl~HAL CONFERENCE SABBATH SCI-IOOT, DEPAHTMENT

8·ahbath 8chool Lpsson Qua rterly, "Prophecies of the Last Days" for
Jallllal'y to MaTch, 1fl70, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist
Heform Movement General Coderence. Mailing Address; 3031 Franklin
mvd. 8acramento, CA., 95817, USA.
nrc -., '69
 000 000 012 636
GC Archive

Lesson No. 1. Sabbath, Janua,ry 3, 1970.

THE LAST CRISIS

Key '1'ext: "For yet a little while, and he that shall cUllIe will come,
and will not tarry." -Hebrews 10:37.
QUESTIONS:

1. What do the fast-fulfilling signs declare? Matthew 24:33.

NU'1'J<;: "We are living in the time of the end. '1'he fast-fulfilling
signs of the times declare that the cuming of Christ is near at Illwd.
'l'he days in which we live are solemn alld lJllpurtant. The Spirit of
Gud is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues
and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace' of
God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the
alal'ms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of
the greatest magnitude." -9'1' 11.
2. While tlhese signs are fulfilling, what is the godless world a&king
in SCOirn? What do pleasure IOVCTS say? Z P'eter 3:4; Isaiah 56:12.
3. However, what does Christ say? Revelation 11>:15.
1\ U'l'J<;: ' 'The world, full of I'ioting, full of godless pleasure, is asleep,
asleep in cal'llal security. :Men are putting afar off the coming of the
Lord. They laugh at warnings . , . Vi'hen the sc,rner, the rejecter
of truth, has become presumptous; when the routine of work in the
various money-making lines is carried on without regard to principle:
when the studcnt is eagerly seeking knowledge of everything but his
Bible, Christ comes as a thief." -DA 635.

4. What are the agencies of evil doing and w;hat is their intent?
What is said concerning the final movements? Joel 3:11-14.

• ' U'l'J<;: '''1'he agencies of evil are combining their forces and con-
solidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great
changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final mu\rements
will be rapid ones." -9'1' 11.

5. What is frankly admitted by rulers, statesmen and thinking

men? Jeremiah 4:19,20,28.

NO'l'J<;: "The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living.

Hulers aJld statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority,
thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed
upon the events taking place about us. The:ll at hing he
•• •
lations that exist among the natiolls. They observe the intensity
tha t is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize
that something great and decisive is about to take plaee-that the
world is on the verge of a stupendous erisis." -PK 537.
6. Do present conditions indicate tjhat there is soon to be a cha~e
for the better in this world? Matthew 24:8.
7. Wbat cry will soon lull tjhe fears of thCi world? And wha.t will
actually hap.pen? 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

8. Where only can we find a trustwol"thy view of things to come?

Isai.ah 34: 16.

.NOTJ<.:: "The Bible, and the Bible only, gives a correct view of these
things. Here are revealed the gl'e,at final scenes in the history of our
world, events that already al'e casting their shadows before, the sound
of their approach causing the carth to tremble and men's hearts to fail
them for fear." -PK 537.
9. What do we know about the development of the controversy be-
tw~n truth and error? 2 Timothy 3: 13.
.NOTJ<.:: " . . . The contest will wax more and more fierce on the
part of Satan; for he is moved by a power from b.en,eath. As the
work of God's people moves forward with sanctified, resistless energy,
planting the staJIdard of Christ's righteousness in the church, moved
by a power from the throne of God, the great con,troversy, will wax
stronger and stronger, and will become more and more determined . ."
-'I'M 407.

10. What awaits the true people of G<ld amid the general shaking?
How will they stand aJId whlllt will they do in spite of the fea.rtul
situation? Isa.iah 24:11-16; Hebrews 12:26-29.

.NOTJ<.:: ".I!~eaIful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit
of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other.
But in the midst of the time of trOUble that is coming,-a time of
trouble such as has not been since there was a. natioll,-God's chosen
people will stand unmoved. Sa.tan and his host cannot destroy them,
for angels that excel in strength will protect them." -9'1' 17.
Lesson No.2. Sabbath, .Tanuary 10, 1970.

SIGNS IN THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND POUTICAL

WORLD
Key Text: "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things,
be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and
blameless." -2 Peter 3: 14.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is written of the men Who, by deceit and extortion, a·re
amassing great riches? .Tames 5:1-3.

NOTE: . . This is a picture of what exists today. By every

species of oppression and extortion, men are piling up colossal for-
tun.es, while the cries of starving humanity are coming up before God."
-COL 170.

2. What condition has the enemy of (ffid and man succeeded in

establishing? Isaiah 59 :14.
3. What is coming up before t.he Lord? .Tames 5:3.
N OTJ~: . . In the great cities there are multitudes living in
poverty and wretchedness, well·nigh destitute of food, shelter, and
clothing; while in the same cities are those who have more than heart
!'ould wish, who live luxuriously, spending their money all richly
furnishd houses, on personal adornment, or worse still, upon the grati-
fication of sensual appetites, upon liquor, tobacco, and other things
that destroy the powers of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase
the soul. The cries of stat'ving humanity are coming up before God,
while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up
col08sal fot·tunes." -9'1' 12.
4. liince t.here is no change in 1Jhe hearts of ambitious men, what
a·re they unable to avoid? Isaiah 24:10,12.
NOTJ~: "I am instructed that when the Lord's tilEe comes, should
110 change have taken place in the hearts of proud, ambitious human
being.s, men will find that the hand that had been strong to save
will be strong to destroy. No earthly power can stay the hand of God.
No material can be used in the erection of buildings that will preserve
them fr0111 destruction when God's appointed time comes to send
retributiotl on men for their disregfud of His law and for their selfish
ambition." -9'1' 13.
5. Wllat problem has become a very serious one in our days? .Toel1:2-4.
6. What frequent and widespread occurrence has been a scour!e to
sUffe'ring mankind? Matthew 24: 7 (last part).

-5-
 7. WlJy are educators, statesmen, nl1ers, and religious leaders unabl&
to solve the prGblems that' perplex the world? Hosea. 4:2,61-12;
John 15:5.
NO'l'~: . Behold 1'obberies are of frequent occurence. Strikes
are common, Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men
possessed of demons are taking the lives of men, women, and lit.tle
children. Men have become infatuated with vice, and every species
of evil preva,ils." 9'1' 11.
, 'There are not many, eve1l a mong educators and statesmen, who
comprehend the causes t.hat underlie the present state of society.
I... hose who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the
problem of mOl'al eOJ'J'upt.ion, poverty, pauperism, and increa'sing crime.
'rhey nrc st.ruggling in vain to place business operat.ions on a more
secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God's
'1'0]'(1, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them."
-Ibid., page 13.
8. What was proplhesietd about the relationship that would exist
between the nations in the latter days? Rev. 11:18; Mat. 24:6,7.
NO'rl'> "The world is stined with the spirit of wa.r. The propheey
of the eleventh e,hnpter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete ful-
fillment. Soon the scenes of trouhle spoken of in the prophecies will
take place." -9'1' 14.
9. WlJat is meant by the four winds of the earth and why are they
being held back? Daniel 7:2; Rev. 7:1; Jer. 25:31-33.
NO'l'~: " . . . The foul' winds of heaNen striving upon the great
sea represent the terrible scenes of conquest and revolution by which
kingdoms have attained to power." -GO 440.
" . . . I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of God,
and the time to judge the dead were separate and distinct, one following
the other, also that Michael had not stOOd up, and that the time of
trouble, such as never was, had not yet commenced. The nations are
now getting angry, but when our ~igh Priest has finished His work
in the sanctuary, He will stand up, put on the garments of vengeance,
and then the seven last plagues will be poured out.
"I saw that the foul' angels would hold the four winds until
Jesus' work was done in the sanctual'~', and then will come the seven
last plagues . , , ." -EW 36.
10. How is the final overthrow of all earthly dominions plainly fore-
1l01d? Daniel 2:34,35,44.
11. WlJo is to have the crown of universal dominion once lost by
Israel? Ezekiel 21:26,217.

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NOT1£: •• ']'he crown removed from 1sra.el passed successively to the
kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, GI'eece, and Rome. God says,
'it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give
it Him.'
"'l'hat time is at hand. Today the signs of the times declare that
we are st::mding on the thresh hold of great and solemn events "
-1£ducation 179.

Lesson NI}, 3. Sabbath, January 17, 1970.

SIGNS IN THE RELIGIOUS WORLD

Key Text: "FOI' tIle time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine .. -2 Timothy 4:3.
QUESTIONS:

1. What comparison did Christ make as He foretold the state of

backsliding 1i.hat would exist in our days? Luke 17: 26'-30.
NO'l'E: "When the Saviour pointed out to His followers the signs
of His return, He foretold the state of backsliding that would exist
just prior to His sccond advent. Therc would be, aB in thc days of
l\1oah, the activity and stir of worldly business and pleasure seeking
- buying, selling, planting, building, marrying, a1Id giving in marriage
---with forgetfulness of God and the future life . . " -GO 309.
2. What doeg Christ, say concerning the condition of the nominal
churche1l at this time? Revelation 3:1.
3. How does Isaiah describe the spiriltual position of the so-called
Christian denominations today? Isaiah 4:1.
4. What tenn is used in the Bible to indentify both the Roman
church and the Prote1ltant denominations? Why? Revelation 17: 1-5.
NOTE: "Babylon is said to be 'the mother of harlots.' By her
daugthers must he symb()li~ec1 churches thn,t cling to her doctrines
:nlll tJ aditions, :md follow hel' example of sar.rificing the truth and the
n,pproval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world ..
"Many of the Protestant churches aTe following Rome's example
of iniquitous connection with 'the kings of the earth' - the state
rhurches, h? their relation to secular governments; and other denomin-
ationR, b:Y seeking the favor of the world. And the term 'Babylon'
--confusion-may be appropriately applied to these bcdies, . . . "
-Great Controversy, pages 382,383.

-7-
5. What was wrong with the Protestant churches even before the
third angel's message was first giVelJl.? James 4:4.
NOTE: " . . . While blindly clinging to the creed of their fathers
and refusing to accept any truth in advance of what they saw, the
children of the reformers depart widely from their example of humility,
self-denial, and renunciation of the world. Thus' the first simplicity
disappears.' A worldly flood, flowing into the church, carries 'with
it its customs, practices !lnd idols.'" -GC 385.
6. What other characteristics are seen in Babylon? Rev. 18:3.
NO'l'E: "Besides a sinfnl union with the world, the churches that
sepamted from Rome present other of her characteristics." -GC 383.
•• . . . The fallen denominational churches are Babylon. Babylon
has been fostering poison'Jus doctrines, the wine of error. This wine
of errol' is made up of false ductrines; such as the na tura.l immorta.lity of
the soul, the etet'nal torment of the wicked, the denial of the pre-
existence of Christ prior to His birth in Bethlehem, and advocating
and exalting the first day of the week above God's holy and sanctified
day . . ." -TM 61.
'f. How does God, nevertheless, regard many sincere Catholic and
Protestant believers? Revelation 18: 4.
NO'!'E: ., Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness and alienation from
God that exist in the churches which constitute Babylon, the great
body of Christ's true followers are still to be found in their com-
munion. . . ." -Great Oontroversy, page 390.
8. In view of this situation. what message should be procla.imed
and What work should be accomplished in our days? Joel 2:1, 15-17;
Revela.tion 14:6-12.
NO'l'.I£: "To prepare a pl:'uple to stand in the da,y of God, a great
work of reform was to be accomplished. God saw that many of His
professed people were not b1.:ilding for eternity, and in His mercy He
was about to send a message of warning to arouse them from their
stupor and lead them to make ready for the coming of the Lord.
• "'l'his warning is brought to view in Rlilvelation 14. Here is a
threefold message reprl:'sented as proclaimed by heavenly beings and
immecliately followed hy the coming of the Son of man to reap 'the
harvest of the earth.' . . ." -GC 311.
9. Why and with what additional mention must tlhe message of the
fall of Babylon be repeated? Revelation 18:1-3.
NP'l'.I£: . . , The spirit of world conforming and indifference to
the testing truths for our time exists and has been gaining ground
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In churches of the Protestant faith in all the countries ol Ohristendom;
and these churches are included in the solemn and terrible denunciation
of the second angel. But the work of apostasy has not yet reached
its culmination.
" . . . The message of the fa.!l of. Babylon, as given by the
second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptiom
'which have been entering the churches since 1844 . . ." -EW 277.
10. What change will take place in the sincere believers in Babylon
before the close of probation? What relations:hip will finally
eXist among all of Christ's true followers? John 10:16; Ez.e. 37:22,24.
NO'!'1',;: " . . the light of truth will shine upon all whose hearts
are open to receive it, and all the 3hildren of the Lord that remain
in Babylon will heed the call: 'Come out of her, My people' (Reve-
lation 18:4)." -GC 390.

Lesson No.4. Sabbath, January 24, 1970.

THE RESTORATION OF THE POWER OF ROME

Key Text: " . . . and his deadly wound was healed: and all the
world wondered after the beast." -Revelation 13 :3.
1. How long did the papal power oppress the people of God? Dan.
7:25; Revelation 12:6; 13:5.
~. When and how did the supremacy of the papacy terminate? Rev.
13:3 (first part» •
.NOT1',;: . This period, as statecl in preceding chapters, began
with the supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and terminated in 1798.
At that time the pope waa made captive by the Prench army, the
papal power received its deadly wound . . ." -GC 439.
3. In what words does prophecy foretell a restoration of her power?
Revelation 13:3 (last part,).
" . . . The influence of Rome in the countries that once
1'10'1'1',;:
acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed. And
prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. 'I saw one of his heads
as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed:
and all the world wondered after the beast.' Verse 3. The infliction
of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798.
After this, says the prophet, 'his deadly wound was healed: and
all the world wondered after the beast.' Paul states plainly that the
'man of sin' will continue until the second advent. 2 Thessalonians!
2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of de-
ception . . . ." -GC 579.
" . . . The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost su-
premacy, . . ." -2SM 367.
4. How is Rome gaining more and more power? Revelation 17:12,13.
NO'l'J.;: "She (Rmne) is silently growing into power. Her doctrines
are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in
the hearts of men. She is piling up her lofty and massive structures
in the secret recesses of which her fonner pel'secutions will be repeated.
Stealthily and unsuspectedly she is strengthening her forces to further
11er o\\'n ends when the time sh311 come for her to strike. All that
she desires is vantage ground, and this is already being given her. We
shall soon see and shall feel what the pui'pose of the Roman element
is . Great Controversy, page 581.
5. What very successful means is preparing the way for Rome? I Tim-
othy 6: 20 (last part).
NO'fJ.;: " , . . the false science of the present day, which under-
nunes faith ill the Bible, will prove as successful in pl'eparing the wa.y
for the acceptance of the papacy, with its pleasing forms, as did
the withholding of knowldge in opening the way for its aggrand-
izement in the Dal'k Ages." -GC 573.
6. 'What mistaken claim has been made With reference to the
Catiholic Church, and why?
"It is not without reason that the claim has been put forth
1\ V l'J.;:
in 1:'rotestant countries that Catholicism differs less widely from Pro-
testantism than in fOl'lner times. There has been a change; but the
cJwnge is not ill the papacy. Catholicism indeed resembles much
of the 1:'rotestantism that now exists, because Pl'otestantism has
so greatly degenerated since the days of the Reformers. -GC 571.
7. Has there been any change in 'the Roman Catholic Ohurch?
Revelation 18:7.
.N UTE: "The Roman Church now presents a fair front to the world,
covering with apologies her l'ecord of horrible cruelties. She has
clothed herself in Christlike garments; but she is unchanged. Every
principle of trle papacy that existed in past ages exists today. The
doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held. Let none de-
ceive themselves. The papacy that Protestants are now so ready
-to hOl1or is the s:J.me that ruled the world in the days of the
Hef,ormation, when men of God stood up, at the peril of their lives,
to expose her iniquity. She possesses the same pride and arrogant

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assiImption that lorded it over kings and princes, and claimed the
'Prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now
than when she crushed out human liberty and slew the saints of
the l\'lost High." -GC 571.

8. How long will the papacy continue? 2 Thes. 2:3,7,8.

NO'l'J<;: . Paul states plainly that the 'man of sin' will con-
tinue until the second advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very
close of time he will carry fonYard the work of deception ',
-GU 579.
9. In what way will Rome still receive homage from the world?
Revelation 13: 4,8.

N O'l'J<;: . In both the Old and the New World, the papacy
will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that
rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church." -GC 579.

10. What final reward is prepared for Rome? Rev. 16:10; 17:1&.

Lesson No.5 Sabbath, January 31, 1970.

THE PROTESTANT WORLD FALLING A PREY TO DECEPTION

Key 'l'ext: "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables." 2 'rimothy 4:4.
QUESTIONS:

1. What is to be among the true children of God before the close

of proba.tion? Joel 2:16,17,28,29. Who will benefit by t'he eJC-
perience of the people of God?

NO'l'J<;: "Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and

piety, there are true followers of Christ in these churches. Before
the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will
be among the people of the Lord such a primitive godliness as has
not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power
of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many
will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this
world has supplanted love for God and His word . . . " -GC 464.

Z. How does the enemy of souls try to hinder this work? Mat. 7:22.
Ezekiel 33:31.

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.NO·1'~: " . . . The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work;
3.nd before the time fur such a movement phall come, he will endeavor
to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he
('un bring under his deceptive pUlver he will make it appeal' that God's
special b,lessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought
to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult. that God is worl~ing
marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit . . ."
-"reat Controversy page 464.
3. What enables us to determine the true nature of all spurious re-
vivals? Isa.iah 8: 20; Matthew 7: 20.
fill> 1'1';: . In the light of God's word it is not difficult to deter-
mine thc nature of these movements. Whel'ever men neglect the
testimony of the Bible, tmning away from those plain, soul-testing
truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there
we may be sure that God's blessing is not bestowed. And by the
rule which Christ Himself has given, 'Ye shall know them by their
f~'uits' (Matthew 7:16), it is evident that these movements are not
the work of the tlpirit of God." -GO 465.
4. In spite of these so-called revivals, what condition prevails in
the popUlar churches? Rev. 18:2,3; 2 Thess. 2:10,11 .
•\ U'l'~: "The ~ig!l~ of the pupular churches are whitewashed over.
.'lja.ny of the members indulge in the grossest vices and are steeped
III iniquity. Babylon is fallen anc) has become the cage of every foul
and hateful bird! 'l'he most revolting sins of the age find shelter
beneath the cloak of Uhristianity. .Nlany proclaim the law of' God
abolished, and surely their lives are in keeping with their faith.
it there is no law, then there is no transgression, and therefore no
sin; for sin is the transgression of the law." -4T 13.

5. Why is the spirtt of God absent in modelrll revivaJ.s? Rom. 8:7.

;\U'1'~: " . . . A wrong conceptiun of the character, the perpetuity,

and the obligation of the divine law has led to errors in relation to
conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the stan-
cLam of piety in the chmch. Here is to be found the secret of the
Jack of the tlpirit a,nd power of God in the revivals of our time."
-Great Controversy page 465.
6. In the time of these false revivals, how will God rescue H1.'l
children from amongst the nominal churches? Revelation 18 :4.

.i'I v r~: ' 'I saw that God has honest children among the nominal
Adventists a11d the fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be
puured out, ministers and people will be called out from these churches

-12-
and will gladly receive the truth. Satan knows this; and b6fore
the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in
t11e8e religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may
thlllk that God is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest and
lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But
the light will shine, and all who al'e honest will leave the fallen
churches, and take their stand with the remnant." -EW 261.

7. What shall have to be suffered at the hands of ministers Who

deny 1JIle obllgatlion of God's laW'? Mattihew 5:10,11.

.N 01'E: "'£hose who honor the Bible Sabbath will be denounced as

enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints of
society, causing anarchy and corruption, and calling down the judg'-
ments of God upon the earth. Their conscientious scruples will be
prollounced obstinacy, stubbornness, and contempt of authority. They
wi.. he aecused of disaffection toward the government. Ministers who
deny the obligation of the divine law will. present from the pUlpit
the duty of yielding obedience to the civil authorities as ordained
of God. In legislative halls and courts of justice, co'mmandment
keepers will be misrepresented and conden1l1ed. A faise coloring
will be given to their wOI'ds; the worst construction will be put
upon their motives" -GO 592.

8. What accusation, urged of Old, against a servant of God, will

be repeated? I Kings 18:17,18.

NO'l'B: It will be declared that men are offending God by

the violation of the Sunday sabbath; that this sin has brought
ralamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be
strictly enfol'ced; and that those who present th.e claims of the
fourth commandment, thus destroying revereuce for Sunday, are troublers
of the people, preventing; their restoration to divine faVOr and tem-
poral prosperity . . . ." -GO 590.

9. What will the Protestant churches do as they reject all evidence

upholding the validity of the law of God? R6IVelation 12:17.

NO'rJ~: "The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe,

persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine
aUlthority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political cor-
ruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even
in free America, Tulers and legislators, in order to secure public f.avor,
will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Suilday obser-
vance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice,
will no longer be respected . . " --GO 592.

-13-
10. How w1ll Spiritualism be a.ble to exert ita 1nflullIIIce on the Pr'...
toestant cihurches? Revela.t1on 18: 13,14.

N O.l!l: 'f The mirade-working power manifested through spiritualism

will exert its influence against those who choose to obey God rather
il1an men. Communications from the spirits will declare that God
has sent them to convince the rejecters of Sunday of their error, atlirm-
ing that the laws of the land should be obeyed as the law of God. They
will lament the gl'eat wickedness in the world and second the testi-
mony of religious teaehers fhat the degraded state of morals is caused
by the desecration of SUl1d~y, Great will be the indignation excited
aga,inst all who refuse to accept their testimony." -GO 591.

LesllOn No. 6 8a.bb&~, February 7, lIno.

THE WORLD TAKEN CAPTIVE BY SpmITUAUSM

Key 'l'ext: Woe to the inhabiters of the eaTtb. and of the
seal for the devil is come down unto you, having great wra,th, be-
cause he knoweth that he hath but a short time." -Rev. 12:13.
QUESTIONS:
1. In What words does PaUl point to the special working of ila.ta.n
in ~'Piritua.Usm a.s an event 'to take place immediately before tile
lleCond advent of Christ? 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:9.
2. When describing the dangers to which the church was to be ax-
posed in 'the last days, what wa.rning does Peter give concernUIg
fa.lse t.ea.chers? Wha.t is one of the outsta.nd1ng characteriatiC8 or
Spiritua.lism? 2 Peter 2:1,2.

NOTE: " Here the apostle has pointed out one of the muked
characteristics of spiritualist teachers. They refuse to lIr.knowledge
Christ as the Son of God . . ." -pp 686.
3. 'What does John declare concerning suob. OOachers? 1 John 2:22,~.

4. When ancient heathenism a.nd demon worship was first revived

in modern form, what prediction-now fast-fulfilling-was made by
the Spirit of Prophecy?

NOT.I<;: " . . . 'I saw that the mysterious knocking in New York
and ether places was the pOW":)r of Satan, and that such things would
be more and more common, clothed in a religious gUb so u to lull
the deceived to greater security and to dra.w the minds of God'8

-14:-
people, if pos8ible, to those things and cause them to doubt the
teaching and power of the Holy Ghost.' . . ." -EW 86.
" , . . . I w.as shown that by the rapping and mesmerism these
modern magicians would yet Rccount for all the miracles wrought by
our Lord Jesus Christ, and that many would believe nat an the
mighty works of the Son of God when on earth were accomplished by
this same power.' " -Ibid., page 87..

5. Which are some of the many forms of spiri'tuaUstic manifestations

in our da.ys?
Emmanuel Swede.nborg'lI movement (Ev 8(6)
. Theosophy (Ev 606; PIt 210)
Pa.nth~sm (Ev 101)
Orienta.! C'llltB (Ev 606)
Christian Science (Ev 606; PIt 210)
Mesmerism, phrenology, ;Jsychology: " . . Thl'ough the channel
of phrenology, psychology, '1nd mesmerism, he (Satan) romes more
directly to the people of this generation, and works with that power
which is to characterize his 'Jfforts near the close of probation . . . ,.
-2SM 351.
Hypnotism: "Cut away from yourselves everything that 8avors
of hypnotism, the seienre by "'hich satanic agencies work. -Letter 20,
190~." -28M 350.
Animal magnetism, electric heMing, sympathetic remedie!f: "The
apostles of nearly all forms of spiritism claim to have thE' power to
rure the diseasecl. They attribute their power to electricity, mag-
netism, the so-called 'sympathetic remedies', or to latent forces within
the mind of man. And there are not a few', even in this Christian age,
who go to these healers, . . " -Ev 606 .
. . in truth they are l~ut channels for Satan's electric cur-
rents . . ." -Ibid., page (j09 .
• , . . It m!ltters little whether he calls himself a spiritualist,
an 'electric physician', or a 'magnetic healer.' . . he rasts a spell
ovcr his unsuspecting victims, charming them as the serpent charms
the trembling bird . . . ." -Ev 607,608.
Mind cure: " . . The t.hird chapter of Second Timothy describes
persons who accept error, sU'lh as one mind exercising complete con-
trol over another mind. GOd f('l bids any such thing. The mind cure
is onc of Satan's greatest sciences, . . . " -MM 114.
Spiritualistic Mediums, Clairvoyants, and Fortunetellers: " . . The
heathen oracles of !lges long past have their counterpart in the spirit-
-15-
ualistic mediums, the clairvoyants and fortune tellers of today . . "
-1;v 608.
6. Wh1ch are some of the reasons why we should abhor Sp1rltual1N1l.'1
Isa1ah 8:14,15,19-22.
We should abhor it, because it teaches that:
Any righteous being is Christ (GC 554);
Desire is the highest law (10..10.. 474; Ev 608; GC 555; PP 1l~8);

Whatever is, is right (GC 555);

God does not condemn (En 228); there is no judgment (Ev 608;
PP 688); eallh mind will judge itself (GC 554); man is accountable
only to himself (10..10.. 474; GC 555; Ev 608.)
It matters not. wh.at you rIo oj' believe;
live as you ple3.se (Ed 228;
EW 265; GC 557), and heaven is your home;
There is no sin (Ev 608; PP 688), and salvation is universal
(GC 557); Men, as unfallen demigods, a're creatures of progression,
whose destiny is toward Godhead (GC 554);
There is no death (Ev 608; PP 688);
The dead are conscious (Ev 603; GO 552); they know everything
(IT 299), and communicate with the living Ev 603; GC 552);
The writings of the apostles are corrupt and adulterated (EW 90,
264); etc.
7. Will the populllJ: churches bp. free from Sp1xi1malism'l Deut 18:18,14..
NO'l'l£: " , , As the teachings of spiritualism are acce,ptpd by the
churches, the restraint imposed upon the ca'rnal heart is removed,
and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conce'al the
basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestatiOlls opens the door
to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of
evil angels will be felt itl the churches." -GC 603,604.
8. Why should Reformers never under&stbna,te the lures of Splrlt-
ua,l1srn'l Ma,tthew 24:24.
NOTl£: , The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Anti·
christ is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely
will the counterfeit resemble the tl'Ue that it will be impossible
to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their
tc~timony every statement a,nd every miracle must be tested." -GO 593,

9. WhM otlher danger must we face? 1 Samuel 28:18-15.

NOTE: "I saw that the saints must have a thorough understanding
of present truth, which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scrip-
-16-
 tures. They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits
or devils will yet 'appear to them, professing to be beloved relatives
or friends, who will declare to them unscriptural doctrines. They will
do all in their power to excite sympathy and will work miracles before
them to confirm what they declare. The people of God must be pre·
pared to withstand these spirits with the Bible truth that the dc>ad know
not, anything, and that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils."
-Barly Writing'S page 262.

L86Son NO. 7 Sa.bba.tb, February 14, 1970.

A THREEFOLD UNION
Key Text: "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs cume out of
the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and
out of the mouth of the false prophet." -Revelation 16:13.
QUESTIONS:

1. What threefold union will be formed, according to prophecy?

NOTB: . . The Protestants of the United States will be fore'
most in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of
spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to c.]asp hands with the
Roman power; 'and under the influence of this threefold union, this
cOjll1try will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights
of conscience." -GC 588.
2. When tlhis threefold union is formed, what are we then to ex-
pect? Zephaniah 1:14.
No'rB: . , When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the
gulf to grasp the hand of the Roma'll power, when she shall reach
over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the
influence of this threefold union, uur country shall repudiate every
principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republica'n govern-
ment, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal fa-lse-
hoods and delusiona, then we may know that the time has COllle for
the ma,rvelous working of Satan and that the end is near.;' ---{iT 451.

3. What is the significance of the beasts tbat unite their power

and influence? Revelation 13: 11-13; 16 :13.
No'rB: The dragon: " . . while the dragon, primarily, represents
~atan,it is, in Ii secondary sense, a symbol of pagan Rome." -GC 438.
And in Ii third sense: " . . . Kings.and rulers and governors . . are

-11-

" ' - r - ro, ,..

represented as the dragon who goes to make war with the sainh- . II

-Testimony to Ministers page 39.

The leopard-like beast: ., . This symbol, as most Protestants
1Iave believed, represents the papacy, . , " -GO 439.
The two-horned beast: " One nation, and only one, meets
the specifications of this prophecJ'i it points unmistakably to the
United States of America " -Ibid., page 4,40.
The "false prophet" is "a.pparently to be identified with the
second beast of ch. (Rev.) 13:11-17 . . . " -7BO 844,.
4. Under what symbol did John foretell the surrender of the dragon,
the beMti and the false prophet to the delusil>Wl of SlpirituaJ1l:m.1
Revelation 16: 13,14-
NOf.E: " . . . Little by little he (Satan) has prepared the way for
hIS masterpiece of dece-ption ill the development of spiritualism . .
Says the prophet: 'I saw three unclea,n spirits like frogs; "-
Grea 1. Controversy, page 561.
5. Who is Antichrist? Where and by whom is he represented on
earth? Revelation 12,:6-9.
NOT.E: Satan: . . 'fhe determination of antichrist to carry
out the rebellion he began lJl heaven will continue to work iu the
children of disobedience. 'I.'heir envy and hatred against those who
o bey the fourth commandment will wa,x more and more bitter "
-9'1' 230.
Papacy: "'rhe man of dn (2 Thes. 2:3,4) was to arise, and do
Ilis work of exaltation and blasphemy, before the brethren could look
for the coming of Christ. That great event was to be preceded by a
f,alling away. 'fhere would he revealed a form of Antichrist, and the
leaven of apostasy was to work with increasing power to the end
of timo (RH July 31, 1888)." -7BC 910. .

Apostatized Plotesta.ntism: " , The Protestant churches

lla ve much of antichrist in them, " -GO 384,

Spiritualism: " . . Spiritualism, by denying Christ, denies both

the~'ather and the Sou, and l'he Bible pronounces it the manifestation
of antiehrist." -PP 686.
Kings, rulers', and governors: " . . Kings and rulers and gov-
ornors have pla!led upon themselves the brand of antichrist., and are
represented as the dragon who goes to make war with the saints-with
those who keep the commandments of God and who have the faith
of Jesus . . . . " -'I'M 39.

-18-
 All opposed to God is will and work: '!.. .'l.ntichri8t, meaning
all who exa'lt themselves again~t the will and work of God, will at the
appointed time feel the wrath of Him who gave Himself tha t they
might !lot perish but have otarnal life "-7BO 950.
6. What is the meaning of the two lamblike horns of the second
beast? Revelation 13:11.
N O,r.\.;: ' 'Here is a striking figure of the rise and growth of our own
natioll. And the lamblike ho.ns, emblems of innocence and gentleness,
well represent the character of our government, as expressed in its two
fundamental principles, republicanism and Protestantism (4SP 277)."
-7HC 975.
7. Wliat is meant by its •• speaking as a draion I '? Rev. 13: 11 (las1i
part) .

.'11 OT.b:: ' "rhe lamblike horus aud dragon voice of the symbol point
~o a striking contradictiolL between the professions and the practice
cf the nation thus represented. 'The' speaking' of the nation is the
vctiu!l of its legislative and judiciaoJ authorities. By such action it
will give the lie to those libel'lll and peaceful principes which it has put
forth as the founda hon of j t8 policy. 'The prediction that it will speak
• as /I, dragon' and exercise 'all the power of the first beast' plainly
foretells a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution
.Hat was manifested by the nations represented by the d.ragon and
tile leopardlike beast , , ." -GO 442.
8. What is the image of the beast? When and by whom will it
be formed? Revelation 18:11·14.
N 0'1'1:'::: The 'image to the beast' represents that form of
apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant
churches shall seek the aid of the civil powel' for the enforcement of
their dogmas , , ," -GC 445 .
•• When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon
[uch points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence
the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their ii,stitutions,
then Protestant America will have formed an image of the "Roman hier-
archy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will in-
~vita"bly result." -Ibid.

Ii. What is the special characteristic of the beast and therefore

of its image? Daniel 7:25.
10. What is the mark of the beast,? Rev. 13:16,17; 14:9,10.

.N O'T'\';:
' 'J olm wa.i called to behold a people distinct from those
who worship the b<:ast and his image by keeping the first day of the

-l@-
week. The observal1ce of this day is the mark of the beast (Letter
:n,1898)." -78C 979.
11. Wherein will Catholics ~nd Protestants unite? Galatians 4: 10.
1\ OT.E; . . The power a,ttending the message will only madden
those who oppose iI . . . The church appeals to the strong arm of
cIvil power, and, in this ,york, papists and Protestants unite. As the
lllOvement for Sunday ellforCfll1ent becomes more bold and decided,
tl,e law will be im;oked against commandment keepers. They will
he threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offereo.
positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as induce-
ments to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is; 'Show
u!' from the word of God 'Jur error' . . ." -GC 607.

Lesson NO.8. Sabbath, February 21, 1970.

THE POSITION OF THE NOMINAL SDA CHURCH IN

THE LAST CONFLICT
hey Text: The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is
exceeding grea t, " --Ezekiel 9 :9.
QUESTIONS:
1. How many parties are there upon earth and what makes the dis-
tinctil.on between them? MaIacl1i 3:18.
.NU'l'.E; "There arc only tW(- parties upon this earth - those who
stand under the bloodstained banner of Je3uS Christ and those who
~tand under the black banner of rebellion . . ." -7BC 974.
2. What position does a large class of professed SDAs take as the
storm approaches? Luke 11:23.
:-IOT.E: "As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed
f(,ith in the third angel's mesHage, but have not been sa-nctified
through obedience to the truth, abandon their position aild join the
lRnl<s of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking
of its spirit, they ha-ve '~OU1e to view matters in nearly the same
lIght; and when the test is brcught, they fl.re prepared to choose the
easy, popular side . . . They become the most bitter enemies of
LheH fermer brethren . . ." -GC 608.

3. What is the relative proportion of the two classes of SDAs before

the split? Mat'tfuew 7:13,14.

-20-
KOTE: "It is a solemn statement tha·t I make to the church, that
not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are
Fcpared to close their earthly history, and wquld be as verily without
Uoe] and without hope ill the world as the common sinner . " So
llll:nj' have brought into the church their own unsubdued spirit, un·
rdinedj their spiritual taste is perverted by their own immoral,
Clcbasing cOl'l'uptions, symbali'iling the world in spirit, in heart, in pur-
l'(\se, conforming themselves in lustful practices, and are full of
o('ception through and through in their professed Christian life. Living
"8 sinners, cla·iming to be Christians! Those who claim to be Christians
~nd will confess Christ should come out from among them and touch
rot the unclean thing, and be separate . . ." -Chs 41.

4. Wllat was the sp·iritual condition of t!le SDA church as far back
as 1903? Was this condition open to human view or carefully con-
cealed from sight of men? IsaiaJ1 1:21.
~-";O'I'J!]: "In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist
church is to be weighed. tlhe will be judged by the privileges and ad-
vantages that she has had. If her spiritual experience does not corre-
spond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestoweel
on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work
on trusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: 'Founel
wanting'. By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be
judged." -S'1' 247.
II . . I saw our Insmctor pointing to the garments of so-called
righteousness. Stripping tham off, He laid bare the defilement be-
n eatL Then He sa·id to ru'3: ICan you not see how they havc pre-
tentiuusly covered up their dl'filcment and rottenness of chamcter1
"How is the faithful city be('I)me a harlot!" :My Pather's house is
made a house of merchandise, iii place whence the divine presence
and glory have departed! .1<'01' this cause there is weakness, ana
strcngth is lacking.'
"--
II Unless the church, which is now being leavened with her own
ba.cksliding, shall repent and be converted, she wIll eat of the fruit
of her own doing, until she shall abhor herself . . ." ---':ST 250.

5. W1J.at condiUon develops in the church? What is the underlying

cause? James 4:4.
NO'I'J!]: . . , :Many who OIlce were earnest Adventists are con-
forming to the world - to its practices, its customs, its selfishness.
J nstead of leading the world to render obedience to God's law, the
~hurch is uniting more ,md morc closely with the world ill transgression.
Daily the church is becoming conYerted to the world "-8T 119.
-111-
 i, The world must not be introduced into the church, at,a:
married to the church, forming a bond of unity. 'rIll'ough this means
the church will become llldeed corrupt, alld as stated in Revelation,
• B cage of every unclean and hateful bird.'" -1'M 265.
6. In whieh direction is the SDA church ~oinC now as it re~ats
the experience of ancient Isra&l? Act. 7:39.
'" 0'1'.1<.:; , "1'he church has tUrI:ed back from following Christ her
.Leader and is steadily retreating toward Egypt . . ." -5'1' 217.
7. What are the fa!thful few, that are still left in the church, unable
to do? 2 Chronicles 36: 15,:L6.

j\lO.l<.:; While others try to throw a cloak over the existing

evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those
who have a zeal for God's honor llind a love for souls will not hold
their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vex'd
d.ay by day with the unholy work>"! and conversation of the ·unrighteous.
'.t'hey are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of in~quiti, and hence
'they are filled with grief and alarm. '1'hey mourn before God to see
leligion despised in the very homes of those who have had grellit
light. They lament .and afflict their souls beeause pride, avarice,
s;elfishness, and deception of almost every kind al'e in the church.
The Spirit of God, which prompts to I'cproof, is trampled underfoot,
whIle the servants of Sa tan tl·iumph. God is dishonored, the truth
made of none effect." --5'1' 210,211.

8. Who will receive the sool of God? Ezekiel 9:4.

NO'l'.I<.:: " . . . 1'hose who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought
in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by
the mall in linen, are those' that sigh and that cry for all the abomin-
ations that be done' in the church . . . " -3'1' 267.
9. What is the condition of modern Israel when the seal of God
is being applied t.o those who are prepared to receive it?
1110'1'.1<.:; " . . . the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel;
altllOugh many still continued the forms of religion, His power and
presellce were lacking." -51' 210.

10. What ha,p,pens immediately after the close of probation? Eze. 9 :5-8.

N OT.I<.:: {, Here we see that the church - the Lord's sanctua-ry - was
the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those
to whom God had given great ligt and who had stood as gua,rdians
d the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust . . ."
--5'1' 211.

-II-
L6Ii1!lon No. II. Sabbath, February 28, 1870.
THE MOVEMENT SYMBOLIZED BY THE ANGEL OF
REVELATION 18.
Key,Text: "And after these things I sa,,," another angel come down
from heaven, having gr'Jat power; and the earth was lightened
with his glory," -Revelation 18:1.
QUESTIONS:

1. How many angels does God use to give the last mellIage and
complete the work? Re,velation 14:6-10; 18:1.
.NU'!'.!']: "We ar,e to throw a~;de our narrow, selfish pIans) remember-
ing that we have a work of the largest magnitude and highest impor'
tance. In doing this work we are sounding the first, second, and
third angel's messages, and are thus being prepared for the coming
of that other angel froll1 heaven who is to lighten the earth with his
glory." -6'1' 406.
2. Why is the nominal SDA church not in a spiritual position to ac-
complish t;he work? What is it, that makes the coming of the
fourth angel necessary? Revelation 3:15-17; Mat~ew 23:1-3.

.NU'!'.!']: I saw Hl10ther mighty angel commissioned to dCB-

"end to the ea.rth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and ~ive
po/weI' and force to his messag€ . . ." -EW 277. .
"The third angel's message is to be given with poweL '1'he power
of the proclamation of the first and second messages is to be intensi-
fied in the third. In the R('velation John says of the heavenly mes-
senger who unites with the thud angel: 'I saw another angel come
down froll1 heaven, having grea.t power; and the eal'th was lightened
with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice.' Reve-
lation 18:1,2. We are in dangel' of giving the third angel's message
in so indefinite 'a manner that it does not impress the people. S'o many
other interests are brought in that the very message which should
De proclaimed with power becomes tamc and voiceless , . ." -6'1' 60.
" , , . The gospel of truth is kept ever before them, yet they
perish bccause the example of those who should be It savor of life
to them is a s'3ovor of death . -PK 232.

3. Wi1;fu what reformatory messages does the fourth angel try to

help SDAs? Isaiah 58:1; Revelation 3:18-20.

NOT.!']: "'The time of test is just upon' us, for the loud cry of the
third angel has already begull iii the revelation of the righteousnes~
of Christ, the sin-pardoning REdeemer. This is the beginnini' of the

-a3-
Hght of the angei whose giory shall fifl the wlloie earth.' -Review
b,na Herald, November 22, 1892 " -COR 56.
" 'G od has raised up me1l. to meet the necessit~, of this time
who will" cry aloud and spare not," who ,,-ill lift up their" voice like
a trumpet, and show .My people their transgression, and the house
of Ja,cob their sins." Their work is not only to proclaim the law,
but to preach the truth for this time, - the Lord our righteousness "
-Ibid., pp. 47,48.
" 'In every meeting since the General Conference (1888), souls
have eagerly .accepted the precious message of the righteousness of
Chl·ist. We thank God that there are souls who realize that they
are in need of something which they do n t possess, - gold of f.aith
and Jove, white raimcnt of Christ's righteousness, eyes-a.]ve of spiritual
Cl:scernment . . ." -Ibid., page 45.
4. Besides the sinc6'l'e •'.sighing and crying" S'DAs, who elBe sh.ould be
helped by tile fourth a.ngel? Revelation 18:4.
NO'f]<;: " . . . God still has a people in Babylon; and before the
"isitation of His judgments these faithful ones must be' called out,
that they partake not of her sins and' l'eceive not her plagues '. Hence
the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heave:n.,
lightening the earth with his glory and erying mightily with a strong
voice, announcing t,l].e sins of Babylon. In connection with his message
the call is heal'd: 'Come out of her, My people.' These announcements,
uniting with the third angel's message, constitute the final warninlr
to be given to the inhabitants of the earth." -GC 604.
5. Who are the believers, forming the movement to wbom t.he Lord
has entrusted the finishing of 1lhe work, and who will have given
the final warning when the great test is broughtl? What warning
is given by Christ? Matthew 7:21-23•
.1\01']<;: In Great Controversy page 608 it is written that" . . when
1he test is brought, . . ." the class indentified as the "former
brethrcn", 'and "tl:e Lord's servants," " . . . have fa-ithfully
given the warning, . . "
6. What will be unmasked and laid open when the time comes for
the thlD:d angel's message to be given with great power? Reve-
lation 18: 2,3.

N 0'1']<;: " . . . Men of faith and pr.ayer will be constrained to go

iOJth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The
SillS of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing
the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spirit-

.,... -,-
unlism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power - all will
be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred.
';'housanils upon thuusands will listen who have never heard words
like these . . ." -GC 606.
7. W1l.a't will be tlhe issue when the final warning 1s given by the
angel of Revelation 18? Rev. 12:17; 13:16,17.
J\()'J'E: "Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be hrought.
'lhe powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God,
will decree that 'a11, both small and gm::t,t, rich and poor, free and
bond' (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to the customs of the church
by the observane.e of the false sabbath . . ." -GO 604.
". . . The decree is not to be urged upon the people blindly.
.I~veryoneis to have sufficient light to make his decision intelligently."
-Ibid., page 605.
8. When the final test shall be brought, what mark will those receive
Who have proved themselves dislo·yal to 'the conunan,dments of God?
What work, started in the early days of the third angel's message,
will then be completed? Revelation 7:1-4.
.N O'l'E: . While ('ne class, by accepting the sign of submission
to earthly powers, receive the mark of the bea~t, the other choosing
the token of allegiance to diYine authority, receive the seal of God."
--Great Controversy 605.
9. Before the time of probation is closed, what will be the experience
of those sincere believers that are still found in the nominal SDA
church? And What step will sincere Protestants and Catholics
then t.ake? John 10:16.
NOTE: . 'rhe time of the judgment is a most solemn period,
when the Lord gathel's His own from among the ta·res. 'rhose who have
been members of the same family are separ·ated. A mark is placed upon
tIle righteous. 'They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in tha,t
<lay when I make up My jewels; and I will spare tIl em, as a man
spoareth his own son that serveth him.' Those who have been obedient
to God's commandments will unite with the company of the saints in
light; . . . " -T\1: 234. -
"I saw that God has honest children n.mong the nominal Adventist
and the fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out,
ministers and people will be called out from these churches and will
gladly receive the truth. Satan knows th is; and before the loud cry of
the third angel is given, he r.3ise8 an excitement in these religious
bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may thillk that God
is with them. He hopes to deceivll the honest and lead them to think
-2Q-
that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine,
and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their
stand with the remnant." -EW 261.
10. Wllat happens in the sanct,uary above, as soon as the number of
Christ's subjects is made up a.nd the sea.l is received by them?
Revelation 22:11.
NO'l'l!:: " . . . An angel returning from the earth announces that
his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world,
and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have
received 'the sea,1 of the living God.' Then Jesus ceases His inter-
cession in the sanctwary above . . . " ~GC &13.

Le!lSon No. 10 Sabba.th, March 7, 1970.

MEETING PROPHESIED EVILS

Key 'l'ext: "That which hath been is now; and that which is to be
hath already been; .:md God rcquireth that wllich is past." -EceI. 3:15.
QUESTIONS:
1. 'What men cau:;ed affliction to come to the .Jewi.'~h people frOI1l
time to time? Isa. 9:16.. Name at least one rebellious ruler in
Tsrael I Samuel 15: 22'-24.
.N'OTl!:: "Again a11d again was ancient, Israel afflicted with rebellious
murmurers. These were not a ~ways persons of feeble influence. In ma.ny
cases, men of renown, rulers of Israel, turned against the providential
leading of God and fiercely set to work to tea-r down that which
they had once zealously built up. We nave seen something of
this repeated many times in OUl' experience . . . " --4'1' 59 •.
2. Indieate tlWo reasons Why king Saul became guilty of rebellion.
I Samuel 15: 11; 19 :10.

NO'l'K " . . . Saul had manifested great ze~l in suppressing idolatry

and witchcraft; yet in his disobedience to the divine command he
had bl'en actuateri by the same spirit of opposition to God and had
been as really inspired by Satan as are those who practice sorcery;
'::ll1d when reproved, he had added stubIJornness to rebellion
-1:'1:' 635 .

. Jonathan coulri not believe that his father would still

harm David, since this would be manifest rebellion against God . . ."
-lbid., page 654.

-26-
3. What happened ill Israel as a consequence of king Saul's att.i1iud87
2 Slamuel 3: 1.
N O'l'~: " . . . '1'here were: many who had lost confidence in the
Tuler of Israel, for they C011ld see tha,t he was no longer guided by
the 8pirit of the Lord . . ." -PP 658.
,. . . . The revolution was quiet and dignified, befitting the
great work they ,yere doing . . ." - Ihid., page 701.
4. What difficulties did the church also have to meet in the days of
Paul, Luther, and Miller? Luke 17:1,2.
NO'l'~: "'1'he fact that a few fanatics worked their way into the
ranks of Adventists is no more reason to llecide that the movement
was not of God than was the presence of fanatics and deceivers in
the church in Paul's or Luthn's day a· sufficient excuse for condemning
their work . . . ." -GC 398.
5. Wha.t similar trOUble was there in the early days of the third
angel's message? 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 2:18,19. Were the
people, Who had to reject. s'ome of the leaders (1 T 6), responsible
for tilte ensuing division?
N O'l'~: •• God's frown has been brough 1. upon the chm'ch on account
of inividuals with COlTUpt hearts being in it. They have wanted to
be foremost, when neithar God nor their brethren placed them there.
8elfiehness and exalkltioll have ma]'ked their course . . ." -IT 122.
•• 'God is sifting His pcuple. He will have a clean and holy church.
We cann.ot read the heart of man. But the Lord has provided means
to keep the church pure. A COJ'l'Upt people has ]'isen who could not
live with the people of Gud. They despised reproof, and would not be
corrected . . . .
•, . ~very honest soul that may be deceived by these disa~ected
ones, will halVe the true J:ght in regard to them, if every a.ngel from
heaven has to visit them, to enlighten their minds. We have nothing
to fear in this matter. As we near the judgment, all will manifest their
true character, and it will be made plain to what company they belong.
'['.,e sieve is moving. Let us not say: Stay Thy hand, 0 God. The
c.hurch must be purged, and it will be , , , -IT 99,100.
6. What prophesied experience would also take place in this last
Reformation which started in 1914'1 Acta 2D:29,SO.
NO'l'~: " . . . Let t.he people of God arouse out of sleep and begin
in en I'nest the work of repentance and reforma'tion; let them search
'the 8criptures to learn the truth as it is in Jesus; let them make I1n
entire consecration to God, and evidence will not be wanting tb!l-t

-21-
"atan is still active and vigilant. With all p~ssible deception 116
will manifest his power, calling to his aid all the fallen angels of his
realm. " -GC 398.
•• . , . These men ·assumed to engage in the wprk on their own
responsibility. They indulged in much murmuring and faultfinding,
~)roposing new pla'ns and seeking to pull d"wn the work of the men
whom God had ordained to teach the gospel message. From the first
the church has had such obstacles to meet and ever will have till the
close of time." -AA 196,197.
7. When can it be said that men create divisions and assume to
"engage in the work on their own responsibility"?
a) When they ignore the fact that they cannot be leaders un-
less recognized as such by the people:
NO'rE: "Men whose lives are not holy ancl who are unqualified
to teach the present truth enter the field without heing acknowledged
by the church or the brethren generally, and confusion and disunion
are the result . . . " -E"\'V 97.
b) When th ey feel that they can be independent of the voice
of the whole body of believers:
. , , in the early Christian church , . (difficult) matters were
not permitted to ereate n division in the church, but were referred
to a general council of the entire body of believers, made up of
appointed delegates . . ," -AA 95,96.
•• . . . 'rhe greater the responsibilities placed upon the human
agent, and the larger his opportunities to dictate and control, the more
harm he is sure to do if he does not carefully follow the way of
the Lord and labor in harmony with the decisions arrived at oy the
general body of believers in united council." -Ibid., page 199.
8. When a few men refuse 00 let •• His peop,Ie counsel together",
as •• a united church", "in Ohrist a perfect whole", whose voice
do they follow? What do they form when they refus'e to counsel
and become organized together with the rest of the workers in
the caus'e, according to 8T 237? Isaiah 8:10-12.
NO'l'.l~: '" , . . Great peril was about the people, but some knew
it not. Unbelief and impenitence blinded their eyes, ' . . In the
weakness of human judgment, men were gathering into their finite
hands the lines of control, . . . Men of stubborn, iron-like will, bvth
out and ill the Office, were confederating together, determined to drive
certain measures through in accol'Clance with their own judgment.
• No confederacy should be formed with unbelievers, neither
should you call together a certain chosen number who think as you·
do, and who will say Amen to all that you propose, while others are
excluded, who you think will not be in harmony . . .' JJ -LS 320,321.
" . . . God never designed that one man, or four, or twenty,
should ta·kc an important work into their own hands, and carry it
forward independently of other workers in the cause. God wants His
people to counsel together, to be a united church, in Christ a perfect
whole . . . No one company is to form a confederacy, and say,
, Weare going to ta,ke this work, and carry it on in our own way;
'l'his is Satan's voice, not God's . . ." -2SM 374.
9. Since there are groups of men who re,fuse to be counseled' with
the voice of the whole body of belie,vers in general council, what
will they form, and with what result?
~ ,O'1'~: ' 'Oonfederacies will increase in number and power as we
dra w nearel' to the cnd of time. These confederacies will create
opposing influences to the truth, forming new parties of professed
believers who will act out their own delusive theories. The apostasy
will mcrease . "-2SM 383.
10. What will men do as long as time lasts? What must we, as a
people, do with such mEm, regardless of their claims, self-justi.
t'icat~ons or accusations against us? Revelation Z:Z; Romans 16:17.

l~O'1'~: "Until Christ shall appear in thc clouds of heaven with

power and great glory, men will become perverse in spirit and turn
from the truth to fables. The church will yet see troublous times.
~he will prophesy in sackcloth. But a,lthough she must meet heresies
(\,11d persecutions, although she must battle with the infidel and the
Il,postate, yet by the help of God she is bruising the head of Satan.
'1'he Lord will have a people as true as steel, and with faith as f-irm
as the granite. rock . . . ." --4'1' 594.
"Ministers who have preached the truth with all zeal and earnest·
ness may apostaJtize and join the ranks of our enemies, but does
this tUl'll the truth of God into a lie ~ 'Nevertheless', says the apostle,
'the foundation of God standeth sure.' 'rhe faith and feelings of
men may change; but the truth of God, never. The th~rd a,ngel's
mcssage is sounding; it is infallible. JJ -Ibid., page 595.
11. Give two of the main characteristdcs of the men whom we, as
a people, shall have to meet. Why is there no room for fear
or discouragement? Romans 8:31.

l\lO'1'~: "'1'0 thc end of timc, mcn will ~rise to create confusion and
rebellion among those who claim to be representatives of the true
liod. Those who prophesy lies will encourage men to look upon sin
as a light thing. When the terrible results of their evil deed are

-29-
made manifest, they will seek, if possible, to make the one who ha~
faithfully warned them, rcsponsible for their difficulties, "
t'rophcts and Kings 442.
" . , . Brethren, have we not seen crisis after crisis come upon
the work, and h,as not the Lord carried us through, and wrought for
the glory of Bis Iilune~ Can you not believe in Him ~ Can you not
cOlllmit the cause to Him ~ You cannot with you finite minds under·
stand the working of all the providences of God. Let Go'd take care
of His own work.
•• . . . In the closing work we shaH meet with perils that wc
know not how to deal with; but let us not forget that the three great
powers of heaven are working, that a divine hand is on the wheel,
and that God will bring His purposes to pass. He will gUither from
the wodd a people who will serve Rim in righteousness.
, 'J!'earful pcrils al'e before those who bear responsibilities in the
Lord's work-perils the thought of which makes me tremble. But
the word comes, 'My hand is on the wheel, and in My providence I
will cany out the dIvine plan.' -'1'he Review and Herald, May 5, 1903."
-i::3clected Messages Book 2, page 391.

Lesson No. 11. Sabbath, March 14, 1970.

MEETING PROPHESIED EVILS (Continuation)

Key '1'cxt: . If God be for us, who can be against us,"
Homans S:31.
QUESTIONS:
1. What conflict existed between Cain and Abel? What happened
as the latter continually refused to ackowledge the pret.ended
supremacy of the former? Gilnesis 4:8.
U'1'.I<): ., . . . When Cain, moved by the spirit of the wicked one,
saw that he could not control Abel, he was so enraged that he destroyed
his life . . . . " -pp 77.

2. What similar COnflict would exist in the movement sYll1bolized by

the angel of Revelation 18?
~ U'1'.I<): " • • . 'l'here will be those among Us who will alwa,ys want
to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be
made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel
who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world.

--30-
God will use ways nnd means by which it will be seen that He is
taking the reins in His own hands . . ." -'1'11 300.
3. What- should we know a,bout those who pretend to be entitled to
the highest positions regardless of the voice of the people (ST 238;
EW 97)? Were the apostles, in the days of Christ, free from this
delusions? Matthew 18:1; 20:21.
~OT.I;;: "He (Lucifer) sought fur himself the highest pl'aee, and
every being who is actuated by his spirit will do the same. Thus
nlienation, discord, and strife will be inevitable . . ," -DA 435,436.
4. What does the Lord say to those who claim to be invested with
power and authority over the people of God? I Peter 5:2,3.
.:.; OT.I;;: "Those whom God hns placed in positions of l'esponsibility
should never seek to eXll!lt themselves . . . '1'hey must not ask for
power that they lilay lord it over God's heritage; for only those
II"ho arc under the rule of Satan will do this." -'I'M 279, 280.
5. Is it according to the order of God for any man or group to
exercise contrOlling power over others? What is one of the
greatest curses everywhere? Matthew 20:25,26.
1'IJ 0'1'.1;;:
' 'Many of our people are in danger of trying to exercise
a controlling power upon others and of bl'inging oppression upon their
fellow men. There is danger that those who are entrusted with
responsibilities will acknowledge but one power, the power of an
uIlsa'nctified will. Some have exercised this power unscrupulously
and have caused gl'eat discomfiture to those whom the Lord is
using. One of the greatest curses in our world (and it is seen in
clllU'ches and in society everywhere) is the love of supremacy. Men
become absorbed in seeking to secme power and popularity. 'Phis
spirit has manifested itself in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers, to our
grief and shame . . "-6'1' 397.
6. Wllat principles were developed by ~he SDA leaders through
adopting a Slanhedrin-like General Conference organization?
~ 0'1'.1;;: . the Ueneral Conference is itself becoming corrupted
with wrong sentiments and principles . " - ' I ' M ' 359.

"'1'he highhanded power that has been developed, as though

position has maue men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause
feati'. It is a curse wherever and by whomsoever it is exercised. '1'his
lording it over God's heritage will create such a disgust of man's
jtU'isdiction that a state of insubordination will' result
the men who composed the Sanhedrin exercised their
authority in controlling men according to their will. Thus the Bouls
-11-
whom Christ had given His iife to free from tile bondage of Satail
were hrought under bondage to him in another form." -Ibid., p. 361.

7. Did the Lord make any distinctions among His disciples as far
as authorijt:y is concerned? What is the only distinction in the
kingdom of Christ? Matthew 23:8,9.
.i\OT./<;: "The Saviow' did not commit the work of the gospel to
.Peter individually. At a later time, repeating the words that ,vere
s.poken to .Peter, He applied them directly. to the church. And the
same substance was spoken a.]so to the twelve as l'epreselltatives of
the body of believers. If Jesus had delegated any special authority
to one of the disciples above the others, we should not find them
so often contending as to whom should be the greatest . . ." -DA 414.

• , . . . In My kingdom the principle of preference and supremacy

has no place. The only greatness is the greatness of humility. The
only distinction is found in devotion to the service of others."
Ibid., page 650.
8. What warning does the Lord send us concerning those who deny
our rights as a people? Acts 5:27-32.

1'i OT./<;: Satan's course has been one of perpetual deception

and harshness; and there are professed Chl'istians who a.re learning
his methods and practices. While they claim to be serving the cause
of God they turn their fellow men from their rights, in order to serve
themselves.

"./<;vory human being has been Dought with a price, and as God's
heritage he has certain rights, of which no one should deprive him "
-Testimonies to Ministers, pages 280,281.

" . . . determina'tion to deprive others of the God' given rights,

has its origin in Satan's mind; .and by their obedience to his will
and way, mon place themselves under his banner . . ." -Ibid., 393.

9. Would it be right to passively submit to such men (question 1 to 7)

for the sake of peace? What does the Lord demand from us? Is'a.
2:22; 58:6,

1\1 OT./<;: If a man is sanguine of his own powers and seeks

to exercise dominion over his brethren, feeling th'l.t he is invested
with authority to make his will the ruling power, the best and only
safe course is to remove him, lest great harm be done, and he lose
his own soul and imperil the souls of others. 'All ye are brethren '.
This disposition to lord it over God's heritage will cause a reaction
unless these men change their course. " - T M 362.

-18-
 I I • • • Christ has looked upon the kingly dictation . . . and
He says: .
" I My kingdom is not of this world; for it refuses all human
pa tronage . . . .' "
"'1'hose who are true to the divine Leader will hold fast to the
simplicity of the gospel, and will put away the masterly sentiments
and sophistries that ,are coming in to deceive. Those who would be
saved from the wily, deceptive influences of the foe must now break
every yoke, and take their position for Christ and for truth .
Unless they obtain this freedom, they will go on step by step in the
downward path, until they deny Him who has bought them witJi the
price of His blood." -Special '1'estimonies, Series B, Nos. 2 and 7, p. 45.
, 'Many become decided transgressors of God's holy law as the
rcsult of union, concord, and co-operation with companions who are
instrumcnts of Satan. God sends them light to undeceive them, but
they refuse to take the 'Word of God as it rea(ls . . . " Ev 239.

10. What fonn of church-govel'1lment did God establish? W'hat au-

thority are all required to respect? What happens When men
ignore the voice of the church? Matthew 18:17,18.

NO'l'l~: " . . . God has bestowed the highest power under he,aven
lIPon His church. It is the voice of God in His united people in
church capacity which is to be respected." -3'f 451.
"' . . . The church is God's delegated authority upon earth . .
.Lt is tho want of defet'ence for the opinions of the churcli that causes
so much trouble among brethren. The eyes of the church may be able
to discern in its individual members that which the erring may not
see. A few persons may be as blind as the one in errol', but the
majority of the church is a power which should control its individual
members. " -5T 107.

Lesson No. 12. Sabbath, March 21, 1970.

THE PROPHESIED UNIF1CATION IN THE REFORM

MOVEMENT
Key '1'ext: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity!" -Ps. 133:1.
Questions:
1. To preserve unity among His people, does God require unilateral
or reciprocal submission? How does the apostle Pet,er advise'?
I Peter 5:5.

-38-
NOTE: "Notwithstanding thc fact tll,at Paul was personally taught
l,:v God, he had no strained ideas of individual responsibility. While
looking to God for direct guidance, he was ever ready to recognize the
aut.horit.y vested in the body of believers united in church fellow-
ship . . . With Peter, he taught that all united in church capacity
should be 'subject one to another. J I Peter 5 :5." -AA 200.
2. Under what condition can the members be united in one sym-
metrical body? To ensure unity, are we required to' be subject
to the mind of a few individuals or to that of the whole church?
I Corinthians 1 :10-13.

J'lO'l'1!:: " . . the members of the church of Christ should be unitee!

in one symmetrical body, subjcct to the &anctified intelligence of the
whole." -4T 16.
3. Whenever there is a division in the church, can it truly be said
that both partaes actually have the same faith? Amos 3:3; What
cure is prescribed? I Corinthians 3:21-23.
N O'l'J~: " 'rhe religion of Christ will unite in close brotherhood
all who accept its teachings "-GC 47.
" . . . What is the recipe for the cure of the leprosy of strife
and dissension? Obedience to the commane!ments of God.

" . . Those who keep the la IV of Goel wilJ be one with Him in
the great cOlltrovers~' commenced in heaven bctween 8ata'n alld God
-28M 160.

4. Whatl is the correct interpretation of the words of Christ in

Matthew 23: 8? How much has this principle to do with church
union?
"'\O'l'./!;: . . . In the sight of God all are on an equaUty, and to thc
Croator every human being owes supreme allegiance . . . " -AA 238.

" . . . The secret of unity is founil in the e.g,uality of believers

in Uhrist. 'rhe reason for all division, discord, and difference is found
in separation from Christ . ' ,. -ISM 259.

5. For what kind of unity did the Lord pray? John 17:20-23.
J'lO'l'1!:: " . . 'All ye arc brethren' will be the sentiment of every
child of faith. When the followers of Christ are one with Him, there
lI'ill be no first flI1(! last, no less respected 01' less important ones.
A blessed brotherly fellowship ono with another wi]] biJJ(! all who
t.rul~· receive the Lore! Jesus Christ in a firm loyalty that cannot
be hroken. All will be equally one with Christ (M8 28, 1897)."
·-5HU 1098.

-34-
 6. So long as there are some who make it a point to have the
supremacy, what do they actually repudiate? Luke 10,: 26-28·;
I John 5:2; James 2:8,9.
N O'1'E: ' 'V. ell may the question
be asked , . . 'Do I love the
Xnw of God, is the love of Jesus Christ in my hearH' If wc love
one another as Christ has loved us then we are getting ready for
the blessed heavcn of peace and rest. There is no struggling there
to be first to have the supremacy; all will love their n'eighbour as
themselves . . ." -2SM 389.
7. Is it enough fOr anyone to profess to believe present truth or
right principles? In the controversy between tlruth and error,
What does the Lord require? Titus 1: 16.

~ O'1'.~: "If some who profess to beileve present truth could under-
stnnd their true position, they would despair of the mercy of God.
They have been eXCl'ting all their influence Against the truth, ilgainst
the voice of warning, against the people of God. They ha·ve been
(loing the work of Satan . . " -5T 103.
8. W1J.at change must take place in tlhe practical life of many be-
lievers to complete the work of preparation? Matthew 18:1-4;
John 17:17.
NOT'!!;: . In view of the comlllon peril, strife for supremacy
will cease; there will be no disputing as to who shall he accounted
gre::ttest. No one of the true believel's will say: 'I am of Paul;
a.nd 1 of Apollos; amI I of Cephas.' The testimony of one and all
will be: 'I cleave unto Christ; I rejoice in Him as my personal
~aviou]'. '

"'l'hus will the truth be brought into practical life, and thus will
be answered the prayer of Christ, uttered just before His humiliation
and death: 'That they all may be olle; as Thou, Foather, art in Me,
and I in '1'hee, that they also lllny, be one in Us: that the world
m.:lY believe that 'l'hou hast scnt Me.' .Tohn 17:21. The love of
Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to the world that
,,'e hnve been with .Jesus and learned of Him " - 6 T '401.

9. When this last pllas'e' of our preparatory work - caUed a

"thorough reformation" - begins, what wonderful experience
will be ours? John 17: 20..23.
~O'l'~: 'When this reformation begins, the spirit of prayer
will actuate every heliever and will banish from the church the
spirit of discord and strife. Those who have not been living in
Christian fellowship will draw close to one another, One member

-s~-
working in right lines will lead other members to unite with him in
making intercession for the revela'tion of the Hol~' Spirit. There
,,~il1 be no confusion, because all will be in harmony with the mind
of the Spirit. The barriers separGting believer from believer will
be broken down, and God's servants ,vill speak the same things.
'rhe Lord will co-operate with His servants . . " -8T 251.

10. How will the Lord then co-operate with His people and what
blessing will He pour out on them? Acts 3:19.

.NO'l'B: " . . Christ calls for unity. But He does not call for us
t.o unify on wrong practices . . . He does not gloss over wrong-
doing with a coat of un tempered mortar. I urge our brethren to
unify upon a true, scriptural hGsis." -Manuscript 10, 1905.
"When the labourers have an abiding Christ in their own souls;
When all selfishncss is deGd, when thcre is )10 rivalry, 110 strife fOl'
supremacy, when oneness exists, when they sanctify themselves, so
that love for one another is seen and felt, then the showers of the
Hol~' Spirit will just as surely come upon them as that God's promise
will never fail in one jot or tittle . . ." -ISM 175.
" . . . 'l'hen will the mess'age of the third angel swell to a
loud cry, and the whole ea'rth will be lightened with the glory of
the Lord." -6T 401.

Lesson No. 13 Sabbath, March 28, 1970.

FROM CLOSE OF PROBATION TO THE SECOND

COMING OF CHRIST
Key 'l'ext: . Surely I come quickly
., -Rev. 22:20.
Questions:
1. What physical sign accompanied the crucifixion of Christ? What
sign will again be produced when mercy no longer pleads for
the guilty inhabitants of the earth? Matthew 27:45.

NOTI~: ",;\,Thel1 He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the in-

hahitants of the eaTth . . " -GC 614.

2. What will then happen to the world? I Thessalonians 5:3.

l'lO'r.l~: As the angels of GOd cease to hold in check the

fJerce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will he let
,~oose. The whole world will be involved in ruin m0re terrible than
that Which came upon Jerusalem of old." -GC 614.
3. What argument "'ill a«ain be UMd &ad 1r1l.~t, dfcree will !1na11y
be 1JIIlued aca1nst Ule eomm:mdmen1l-keepers? Jolin 11:4.9,60;
Reveation 18 :16 (laat part).
NO'l'.J<l: " . . . It will be urged that the few who stand in OppOI-
ition to an institution of the church Qnd a law of th.e state ought
not to bc tolera'ted; thu tit is better for them to au1(er than for
whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlelSnellS "
-Great Controversy, page 615.
" . . I Ilaw a writing, copies of which were soottered in diff-
erent parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should
yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and oblerve the
first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a' certain
time to put them to death . . ." -EW 282,283.
4. What exp.ertence will tihen be repea.ted? How did the prophet
descrioe tiha.t time ot a,1fliction lIJld distrel!ll? Gen. 82:U-300; Jere--
wah 30:5-7.
1'< O'1'.J<l: ' , J acob 's experience during that night of wrestling and
anguish represents the trial through which the people of God must
pass just before Christ '. second coming . . ." -pp 201.
" . . Day and night their cry ceased not: 'Thy will, 0 God,
be done! If it can glorify '1'hy name, make a wa'y of escape for
'1'hy people! Deliver us from the heathen around about UI. They
have appointed us unto death; but Thine arm can bring salvation.'
These are all the words which I can bring to mind. All seemed
to have a deep sense of their unworthiness and manifested entire
liIubmission to the will of God; yet, like Jacob, eTery one, without
an exception, was earnestly pleading and wrestling for deliverance."
-.J<larly Writings, page 272.
5. What will be the crowning act in the great' drama ot deception?
Why will it be impollsible for Satan t~ mislead th& people of
Gild? II Corinthiana 11:14; Isaiah 8:00.
NO'l'.J<l: " . . . the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ
has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself
among men as a, majestic being of dazzlillg brightness, relembling
the description of the Son of GOd given by John in the Revehtion.
·./:{eTelation 1:13-15. The glory that surrounds him is unsurpaased by
any'thing that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph
rings out upon the air: 'Christ has cornel Christ' has cornel' . . . "
-Great Controversy, page 62•.
•• But the people of. God will not be misled. The teachings of
tnil f.alse ehrist are not in accordance with the Scriptures . . ."
-Great ControTersy, paie 1125.
~f-
 6. Where are the' saints during the time of trouble? What happens
when God manifesVs His power for the deliverance of His people?
Evelation 16: 17,18; Daniel 12:1,2.

NO'I'J<.:: "'1'he people of God -some in prison eells, some hidden in

solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains - still plead
tor divine protection . " -Great Uontroversy, page 635.
'''rhat voice (of God) shakes the heavens and the earth. 'I'here
is a mighty earthquake . . . Pl'ison walls ,are rent asunder, and
God '8 people, who have been held in bondage for their faith, are set free.
"Graves a're opened, and 'many of them that sleep in the dust
01 the earth . . . awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame
and everlasting contempt.' D:micl 12:2. All who have died in the
faHil of the third angel's message come forth from the tomb glorified,
to hear God's covenant of peace with those who'have kept His law "
-Great Uontroversy, pages636,637.

7. What will tlhen be heard by the people a God?

NO'l'J<.:: "'I'he voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day
and hour of J"esus' coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant
t.o His people. Like peGls of loudest thunder His words roll through
tho earth. '1'he Israel of God stand listening, with U;eir eyes fixed
upward. '1'heir countenances arc lightened np with His glory, and
shine a~ did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai. '1'he
lI'illkod cunnot look upon them. And when the blessing is pronounced
on those who have honoUl'ed God by keeping His Sabbath holy, there
IS a mighty shout of victory." -GO 6·40.

8. Wllat sign appears in heaven soon after the covenant of peace

is heard? Ma,t. 24:30; Rev. 1:7. What will then be the song
of the righteous and the cry of the wicked? Isa.25:9; Rev. 6:15-17.

NO'1'J<.:: ":Soon thel'e appeal's iu the east a small black cloud, about
half the size of a mGn's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the
:S·a viaur and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness.
The people of God know this ta be the sign of the Son of man.
In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the ea-rth,
1Jecoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud,
its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the
covenant. " -GO 640,641.

9. When Christ appears, what will be the experience of both classes

of sa.ints? John 5:28,29 (first part); I Cor. 15:51-55; I Thess-
alonians 4:15-17.

-38-
.NO'!'J!]: •• '1'he earth mightily shook as the voice of the Son of God
called forth the sleeping saints. They responded to the call and came
fOl'th clothed with glorious immortality, crying, •VictOl'y, victory, over
(leath and the gr,avel 0 death, where is thy stiJ]g~ 0 grave, where
is thy victory?' '1'h611 the living saints and the Tisen ones raised
their voices in a long, tTansporting shout of victory. Those Lodies
that had gone down into the grave bearing the marks of disease
and death came up in immortal health and vigor. The living saints
are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up
with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air . ."
-J%l'Jy Writings page 287.

10. What final song of victory will be sung when the saints are
about to enter the Holy City? Isaiah 26:2.
NO'J'J~: "What a song that will be when the Tansomed of th,e Lord
meet at the gate of the Holy City, which is thrown back on its
glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept His word - His
commandments - enter into the city, the crown of the overcomer is
placed upon their heads, and the golden harps are placed in their
hands! AU heaven is filled with rich music, and with songs of praise
to the J.Jamb. Saved, everlastingly saved, in the kingdom of glory!
'1'0 have a life that measures with the life of God - that is the
reward (MS 92, 1908,)." -7BO 982.

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