SABBATH SCHOOL LESSONS

SENIOR DMSION

THIRD QUARTER, 1969.

Religious Liberty
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FOREWORD

Probationary time is const·antly shortening, and wit.h the serious

consequences that JIlust follow the responses made to the message
of reformation, our Sabbat.h School students must he continua]]y
a lert. to the pl")phetic light now shining. With this sub,ject of
"Religious LibCl'ty", all will be reminded of the need to make
definite prepaJ'fltions for the events which bring U11pl'ecedented tests
to all reformers throughout the world. The danger that most face
is, the sense of security hecause of t.he continuation of time. In the
series of lessons for this quarter the students will notice that the
in(lividual and the church must discover the vita I connection aU
must have with God. Reformation is the agency now working in
en]ightelling honest souls of the fallacy of participation in any de-
gree with the re,jecters of the 'L'hird Angel's Message.
'1'0 help the sincere souls in all denominat.ions, it is essential
that they have some opportunity to come in contact with the mes-
sage of the fourth angel. There is no hetter JIleans in this world
for t.his effective work than the Sabb!lith School. Vle should en-
deavour to enlarge the membel'ship of the depal'tment, and even
place these pamphlets in homes and places where the "honest souls"
are, so that they will share religious liberty with the people of God.
GENERAL CONFERENCE SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Plan Ahead For Your 13th Sabbath School Offering

GIVE CHEERFULLY FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS

i:::labbath i:::lchool Lesson Quartel'ly, "Religious Liberty" for July to

i:::lept.ember !f169, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform
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Lesson No, I, Sabbath, July 5, 1969.

RECONCIUATION WITH GOD

QUESTIONS:

1. When Adam and Eve transgressed God's law, what provision

had already been made for taleir reconciliation with God? John
3:16; Ephesians 3:9-11.

2. Wllen was this plan made? Ephesians 1:3,4•

.NO'1'J<J: "The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a

plan formulatcd after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of 'the
lllJ'stel'y II' hich hath been kept in silence through times etm'nal.'
HO)lll. 16:25, R.Y. It was an unfolding of the principles that fl'Olll
etcnial ages have been the foundation of God's throne. From the
beginning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of
the fall of lllan through the deceptive power of the apostate. God
did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its existence,
and made provision to meet the tenible emergency, So great was
Hie love for the world, that He covenanted to give His .only-begotten
!::lon, 'that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
cvelasting life.' John 3 :16. "-DA 22.

3. Wlly was it necessary for this procedure? John 14:6; I Tim. 2:3-6.

.(II O'1'J<J:
' 'God callnot glorify His name through His people while
they arc leaning upon man and making flesh their arm, Theil' present
state of weakness will continue until Christ alone shall be exalted;
until, with John the Baptist they shall say from a humble and reverent
heart: 'He must increase, but I must decrease.' Words have been
given me to spcak to the people of God: 'Lift Him up, the :Man of
Ualva.ry, Let humanity stand back, that all may behold Him in
whom their hopes of eternal life are centered. Says the prophet Isaiah:
"Unto us a Ohild is born, unto us a Son is given: and the govern-
ment shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called l'Von-
derful Oounselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince
of .Peace." Let the church and the world look upon their Redeemer,
Let every voice proclaim with John: "Behold the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sin of the world," , "-5'1' 729,

4. What relationship ia completely restored through the grace of

Ohrillt? I John 3:1.
S.D.A.R.M.
NOT'/<;: "God was to be manifest in Christ, 'reconciling the world
unto Himself.' II Corinthians 5 :19. Man had become so degraded
by sin that it was impossible for him, in himself, to come into har- )
many with Him whose nature is purity and goodness. But Christ, after
having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could im-
part divine power to unite with human effort. Thus by repentance
toward God and faith in Christ the fallen children of Adam might once
more become "sons of God.' I John 3: 2.' '-pp 64.
5. Does God compel men t;o believe in Him? I Thess. 5:21.
NO'I''/<;: "God placed man under law, as an indispensable condition
at his very existence. He was a subject of the' divine government,
and there call be no government wit~lout law. Gad might have created
man without the power to transgress His law; He might have with-
held the hand of Adam from touching the forbidden fruit; but in
th·at case man would have been, not a free mmal agent, but a mere
lJ.utomaton. 'Without freedom of choice, his ob.edience would not have
been voluntary, but forced. '1'here could have been no development
of character. Such a course would have been contl'ary to God's plan
in dealing with the inhabitants of other worlds. It would have been
unworthy of man as an intelligent being, and would have sustained
Sa tan's charge of God's al'bitrary rule.
I I God made man upright; He gave him noble traits of character,
with no bias toward evil. He endowed him with high intellectual
powers, and presented before him the strongest possible inducements
to be true to his allegiance. Obedience, perfect and pel'petual, was
the condition of eternal ha.ppiness. On this condition he was to have
ttccess to the tl'ce of life.' '-PP 49.

6. By what means should all intelligent beings be united? Leviticus

19:18; Acts 17:26,27; Romans 10:10-13.

7. Whom does God use in the process of reconciliation? I Corinthians

1: 21,25-29.

NO'1'.tJ: "As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose
angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions
with those they seek to save. Christ took upon Himself humanity,
that He might reach humanity. Divinity needed humanity; for it
required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world.
Divinity needed humanity, that humanity might afford a channel
of communication between God and man. So with the servants and
messengers of Christ. Man needs a 'power outside of and beyond
himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do
the work of God; but this does not make the human agency essential.
Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by
faith i and through co-operation with the divine, the power of man
becomes efficient for goocl. "-DA 296,297.
8. What fundamental principle is the only genuine and effective
basis of reconciliation between God and man, and man and man?
Mattlhew 22:37-40.
9. What did Jesus and the apostle Paul say about reeetving tnle
freedom? John 8:32J,36; Romans 3:25,26.
NO'1'E: . No value is attached to a mere profession of faith
in CIll'isti only the love which is shown by works is counted genui!le.
Yet it is love alone which in the sight of Heaven makes any act
of va lue. vVhatever is done from love, however small it may appear
in the estimation of men, is accepted and rewarded of God.' '-GC 487.
10. Whom then should all men fear? Luke 1Z:4-7.

Lesson No.2 Sabbath" July 1Z, 1969.

FAITH, THE CHANNEL OF SALVATION

QUESTIONS:
1. Why is it impossible for any soul to have salvation without faith?
Hebrews 11:6.
Z. Why is it impossib!e to obtain s·alvamon through human efforts
or social advantages? Collossians 1:19-22.
NOTE: . . Reliance upon human merit intercepts the view of
~;hrist 's
infinite love. Jesus died as a sacrifice for man because
fhe fallen ra.ce can do nothing to recolllmend themselves to God.
The merits of a crucificd and risen Saviour are the foundation of the
Christian's faith. '1'he dependence of the soul upon Christ is as real,
and its connection with Him must be as close, as that of a limb to the
body, or of a bra11ch to the vine.' '-GC 73.
3. Are thexe any racial or national preferences wit~ God? Isa. 56:6-8.
NOTE: "Heaven's plan of sa.lvation is broad enough to emb1'ace the
whole world. God longs to breathe into prostrate humanity the breath
of life. Anc} He will not permit any soul to be disappointec} who is
si1\('pro in his longing for something higher and nobler th,an anything
the world can olfET. Constantly He is sending His angels to those who,
while sU1'1'ounded by circumstances the most discomaging, pray in faith
for some power higher than themselves to take possession of them
--5-
and bring deliverance and peace. In various ways God will reveal
Himself to tham and will place them in touch with pl'ovidences that
will establish their confidence in the One who has given Himself a
ransom for all, 'that they might set their hope in God, and not forget
the works of God, but keep His commandments.' Psa,lm 78:7. "-PK
377,378.
4. What has been one of Satan's most suceessf'ul deceptions con-
cerning religious liberty? Romans 8:28-81; Galatia-ns 5:5,6...
NO'l'E: "There are two errors agaillilt which the children of God-
particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace-especially
need to guard. The first, already dwelt upon, is that of looking to their
own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into
harmony with God. He who is tl'ying to become holy by his own works
in keeping the la,~, is attempting an impossibili1;ly. All that man can
do without Christ is polluted with selfishness and Sill. It is the gra!Ce
of Christ alone, through faith, that can make us holy.' '-se 59,60,
'I A legal religion is insufficient to bring the soul into llarmony
with God. The ha'l'd, rigid orthodoxy of the Pharisees, destitute of
contrition, tenderness, or love, was only a stumbling hlock to sinners,
They were like the salt that had lost its savor; for their influence
had 110 power to preserve the world from corruption. The only true
faith is tha,t wldch 'worketh by love' (Galatians 5:6) to pul'ify the
soul. It is as INn en that transforms the character.' '-MB 53.
5. What deception continually affec'tied the Jews with reference to
national preferences and self'-righteousness? Rom. 2:6-11; Gal. 2:1-5.
.N 01' E: II Satan's skill is exercised in clevising plmls am] metIlocls
without number to accomplish his pm'poses. He works to restrict
religious liberty and to bring into the religious world a species of
slavery. Organizations, institutions, unless kept by the power of
Gocl, will work uncler Satan's dictation to bring men under the con-
trol of men; fraud alld guile will bear the semb~ance of zeal for truth
ancl for the advaJlCement of the kingdom of Gocl. Whatever in our prac-
tice is not as open as the clay belongs to the methocls of the prince of
evil. "-71' 180,,] 81.
6. What did the prophet Isaiah write concerning the Placing of trust
in those who do not believe the gospel? Isaiah 31:1-3; Jer. 17:5.
7. How did thi:l mistrust in God and cooperation with Rome bring
a climax to na,tiona-l Israel? John 19:15.
' I . • • They had. declared that whoever should acknowledge
.N 0'1'1'.::
any other king was a traitor. Pilate 'IVl'ote out the sentiment they
lIad expressed. No offense was mentioned, except that Jesus was the
King of the .JCW8. The inscription was a virtual acknowledgement of
the allegiance of the .Jews to the Roman power. It declared that who-
ever might chim to be the King of Israel would be judged by them
worthy of death. The priests had overreached themselves. 'When they
\I'ere plotting the death of Christ, Caiaphas had declared it expedient
that onc man should die to save the nation. Now their hipocrisy was
.revealed. In ordor to destroy Christ, they had been rea ely to sacrifice
even their nationp] existence."-DA 745.
8. What influence had deceived and confused them? Luke 18:9;
Romans 2:21-29.
9. What! is the only pennanent and genuine means of complebe pea,ce
and liberty with God? Isaiah 48:16..1 8; Rom. 14:11..19; Phil. 4:6,7.
NO'!'./<]: "I saw that it is the privilege of every Christian to enjoy
the deep movings of the Spirit of God. A sweet, hea.venly peace
will pervade the mind, and you will love to medit3.te upon God and
heaven. You will feast upon the glorious promises of His word.
But know first that you have begun the Christian course. Know that
the first steps :ll'e taken in the road to evel'lasting life. Be not deceived.
J fear, yea, I know, that mu.ny of you know not what l'eligion is. You
have felt ~ome excitement, some emotion, but have nevor seen sin in
its enormity. You have never felt your undone condition and tmned
from your evil ways with bitter sorrow. You have never died to the
world. You still love its pleasmes; you love to engage in conversation
on worldly matters. But when the truth of God in introduced. you
have nothing to S3.y. Why 80 silent~ Why so talkative upon worldly
things, and so silent upon the subject that should most concern you
-a suhject that should engage YOUl' whole souH The truth of God
does not d\l'ell in you. "-1 T 159.
10. Do the SCriptures foretell an incre~se or decreaBe in sa.v1ng faitih
and love among men? Luke 18:7,8; II Tiimothy 3:1.. 7.
N O'!'l<j: "As the time of their probation was closing, the antediluvians
g:1ve them~elves up to exciting amusements and festivities. Those
who possessed iJ,£luence and power were bent on keeping the minds
of the people engrossed with mirth and pleasure, lest any should be
impressed by the last solemn warning. Do we not see the same repeated
in our d·ay'l 'While God's servants are giving the message that the end
of all things is at hand, the world is absorbed in amusements and plea·
sure secking. '],here is a constant round of excitement tJlat causes
indifference to God adld prevents the people from being impressed by
the truths which alone can save them from the coming destruction."
-Patriarchs ::I1lc1 Prophets 103.

-7-
Lesson No.3 Sabbath, July 19, 1969.

CONSCIENCE AND ITS CONTROL

QUESTIONS:
1. Wllat has God placed in every human being to co:nteol them
morally and spiritually? Matthew 15:16-20.
NU'l'E: The fountain of the heart must be purified before
the streams can become pure. He who is trying to rea,eh heaven l)y
his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There
is 110 safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godli-
ncss. '1'he Chrisi"ian's life is not a modification or improvement of the
Old, but a transforma'tion of nature. There is a death to self and sin,
Ilnd a new life altogether. 'l'his change (}an be brought about only
by t.he effect.ua'l working of the :Holy Spirit. "-DA 172.
2. Is a good conscience a natural development, or must it be religi-
ously corrected? Hebrews 9 :14.
N 0'1'.1;;: "'1'he blood of Christ is efficacious, but it needs to be applied
cout.inually. God not only wants His servmlts to use the means He
has entrusted to them for His glory, but He desires them to make a
consccration of themselves to His cause. If you, my brethren, h·ave
become selfish mId are withholding fl'0111 the Lord- that which you
should cheerfully give to His service ,then you need the blood of sprink-
ling thoroughly applied, consecrating you and all your possessions
to <lod.
. . A solemn statement was made to ancient Israel that
the man who should remain unclean amd refuse to purify himself
should be cut off from among the congregation. This has a special
meaning for us. If it was necessary in ·ancient times for the lUlclean
to be purified by the blood of sprinkling, how essential for those
living in the perils of the last days, 31nd exposed to the temptations
of Satan, to have the blood of Christ applied to their hearts daily. "
-4T 122,123.
3. How do we acquire a good conscience? Hebrews 10: 20-23.

NU'l'.1;;; "But when the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit
of <lod, t.he concsience will be quickened, and the sinner will discern
sumething of the depth and sacredness of God's holy law, the foun-
dation of His govcrnment in heaven alld on ea:rth. '1'he 'Light, which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world' illumines the secret
ch.ambers of the SOUl, and the hidden things of darkness a,re made
)ll.anifest. John 1 :9. Conviction takes hold upon the mind and heart.
:The siuner [I,as a sel)se of the righteousness of jehovah and feels tIle
terror of appearing, in his own guilt and uncleanness, hefore the
::>earcher of hearts. He sees the love of God, the beauty of holiness,
the joy of purity; he longs to be clea;JJsed and to be restored to
COllllllUllion with Heaven. "-8C 27.
, 'It is true that men sometimes become ashamed of their sin-
ful ways, and give up some of their evil habits, before they, are
conscious that they are being drawn to Christ. But whenever they
make an effort to reform, from a sincere desire to do right, it is the
power of Ghrist that is drawing them. An influence of which
thcy are unconscious works upon the soul, and the conscience is
quickened, and the outward life is amended. And as Christ draws
thcm to look upon His cross, to behold Him whom their sins have
pierced, the commandment comes home to the conscience. The wicked-
ness of their life, the deep-seated sin of the soul, is revealed to them.
'l'hey begin to comprehend something of the righter usness of Christ,
and exclaim, . 'What is sin, that it should require such a sacrifice for
the redemption of its victim I Was all this love, all this suffering, all
this humiliation, domanded, that we might not perish, but haNe ovel'-
lasting life i' , '-3l.
4. What causes a conscience to become seared? I Tim. 4:2.
.N O'1'~: ' '~vory
ar,t of tra'llsgl'ession, every neglect or rejection of
the grace of Gh rist, is reacting upon yourself; it is hardening tho
heart, depraving the will, benumbing the understanding, and not only
making you less inclined to yield, but less ca,pable of yielding, to th,e
tender pleading of God's Holy Spirit.
, • Many a re quieting a troubled conscience with the thought that
,they can change a course of evil when they choose; that they can
trifle \I'ith the invitations of mercy, and yet be again and again im-
pressed. They think that after doing despite to the Spirit of grace,
after casting theil' influence on the side of Satan,' in a moment of
:terrible extremi ty they can change their course. . Bu this is not so
easily done. 'l'he experience, the education, of a lifetime, has so
Ithoroughly molded the character that few then desire to receive
tne image of Jesus.
"~ven one wrOllg trait of character, one sinful (lesire, per-
sistently cherished, will eventually neutralize all the power of the
gospel. ~very sinful indulgence strengthens the soul's aversion to
","od. The man who manifests a.J1 infidel hardihood, or a stolid imliff-
erence to divine truth, is but reaping the harvest of that which he has
himself sown. In all the Bible there is not a more fearful waruing
against trifling with evil than the words of the wise man that the
sinner 'shall be holden with the cords of his sins.' Proverbs 5 :22."
-se 33,34.
 5. What illustrations show how the conscience works? John 8:1-9;
Psalms 39:1·4; Luke 24:32.
r~ O'l''!!;:
" . . . 'l'he perception and appreciation of truth, He said,
depends less upon the mind than upon the heart. Truth must be re-
ceived into the soul; it claims the homage of the will. If truth could
be submitted to the reason alone, pride would be no hindr.ance in the
way of its l·eception. But it is to be received through the work of
grace in the heart; and its reception depends \lpon the renunciation
of every sin that the spirit of God reveals. Man's advantages for
obtaining a knowledge of the truth, however great these may be,
will prove of no benefit to him unless the heart is open to receive
the truth, and there is a conscientious surrender of evel'y habit and
practice that is opposed to its principles. To those who thus yield
themselves to God, having an honest desire to know and to do His will,
the truth is revealed as the power of God for their salvation. These
will be a.ble to distinguish between him who speaks for God, .and
him who speaks merely from himself . . .' '-DA 455,456.
6. Wihat <>1lh.er influence destroys a good conscience? Titus 1:13-16.
7. What agency has God es1;ablished upon the earth for the edu-
cation of the individual conscience? Hebrews 10:22-25.
NOT'!!;: "If there is ever one time above another when men need
to preserve their connection with God, it is when they are called
to bear special responsibiliity. It is not safe for us, when going into
battle, to cast away: our weapons. It is then that we need to be
eqUlipped with the whole armor of God. Every piece is essenial.
"N ever entertain the thought that you can be Christians and
yet withdraw within yourselves. Each one is a part of the great
web of humanity, and the nature and quality of your experience
will be largely d<?termined by the experiences of those with whom
you associate. Jesus sa.ys: 'Where two or three are gathered to-
gether in My name, there am I in the midst.' Matthew 18: 20. Then
let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner
of some is; but exhort one aJlother; and so much the more, as we
see the day approaching. "-7'1' 190.
8. What effectual part d<>es regular spiritual association have upon
a balanced character? Collossians 2.: 6-10.
NOT'!!;: ' 'There is no time for engaging in trifling amusements,
the gl'atification of selfish propen~~.ties. It is time that you were
occupied with serious thoughts. And you cannot dwell upon the
self-denying, self-sacrificing life of the world's R.edeemer and find
pleasure in joking and jesting and whiling away your time in foolishness.
You are greatly in need of a practical experience in the ChristiJan life.

-10-
You need to train tfle mind for the work of God. The religious ex--
perience is to a great degree determined b,y the character of the books
you read in yC'UL' leisure momeuts.' '-7 204.
"We cannot be complete in Christ and yet be ready to grasp
those things that come from the so-called great men of the earth,
and place their wisdom befm'e the wisdom of the greatest Teacher
the world has ever known. '1'0 seek knowledge fl'om such sources
is represented in the word as seeking to dl'ink from broken cisterns
that can hold no water. "-Ibid., p. 204.
"Jl'ly bretlll'en, discard the streams of the lowlands and come
to the pure waters of Lebanon. Nevel' can you walk in the light of
God while you cI'owd the mind with a Illass of matter which it cannot
digest. It is time we resolved to have heaven's help and allow the
mind to be impressell with the word of God. Let us close the- door
to so much reading. Let us pray more and eat the words of life.
Unless there is a deeper work of grace in mind and heart, we can
never see the face of God.' '-Ibid., p. 205.
9. If these important iM~uctions are denied because of certain
circwnfftances, what may be expected? LUke 8:13; H&b:. 6:4-8.
10. If the soul trusts in God under aU circumstlances, what may
be expected? Isaiah 30:20,21; Hebrews 6:9-12.
1'IO'1'B: Just what took pla.ce in Pharaoh's heart will take
place in every soul that neglects to cherish the light and walk promptly
m its rays. God destroys no one. The sinner destroys himself by his
own impenitence. When a person once neglects to heed the invitations,
reproofs, and IVal'nings of the Spirit of God, his conscience becomes
seared, Rnd the next time he is admonished, it will be more difficult
to yield obedience than before. And thus with every repetition. Con-
science is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions;
when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved.' '-5T 120.

-11-
Lesson No 4 Sabbath, July 26, 1969.

THE RIGHTS AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF INDIVIDUALS

QUESTIONS:
1. To whom do all men belong? I Corinthians 6:19,20.
i\OTE: "]<;very human being, created in the image of God, is en-
dowed with a power akin to that of the Creator-individuality. power
to think and to do. The men in wholll this power is developed are
the men who bear responsibilities, who are leaders in enterprise,
and who influence character . . .' '-Ed 17.
2. In Which way is eacl1 individual primarily accountable to a<>d?
Numbe:rs 30:2; Ezek. 14:12-14.

1'10'1']<;: ' ']<;very child should understand the true foree of the will.
He should be leJ to see how great is the responsibility involved in
this gift The will is the governing power in the nature of maJl, the
power of decision, or choice. Every human being possessed of reason
has power to choose the right. In every experience of life, God's word
to us is, 'Choose you this day whom ye will serve.' Joshua 24:15.
]<;vcryone may place his will on the side of the will of God, may
choose to obey Him, and by thus linking himself with divine agencies,
he may stand where nothing can force him to do evil. In every youth,
every child, lies the power, by the help of God, to form a character
of integrity and to live a life of usefulness. "-Ed 289.
3. What will happen to those who interfe:re in the rights and relations
with God of the individual? Matthew 18:6,7.
4. How does Christ regard eacl1 soul? Isaiah 1:18.

NOT]<;: "'1'he power to discriminate betweeu right and wrong we

Call possess only through individual dependence upon God. Each for
himself is to learn from Him through His word. Our reasoning powers
were given us for usc, and God desires them to be exercised . . ."
-]<;ducation 231.

5. How do individuals learn to discern between right and wrong,

and hOw are they tempted? James 1:12-16.

N 0'1']<;: . So long as the soul rests with unshaken confidence

in the virtue alld power of the' a.tonement, it will stand finn as a
rock to principle, a.nd all the powers of Satan and his angels cannot
sway it from its integrity. The truth as it is in Jesus is a wall
of fire around the soul that clings to Him. Temptations will pour

-lJt-
in upon us, for by them we are to be tried during our probation upon
earth. This is the proving of God, a revelation of our own hearts.
'l'here is no sin in having temptations; but sin comes in when temp-
tn tion is yielded to. "--4'1' 357,358.
6. What should we understand about true religion? James 1:26,27.
7. How is the Laodicean restored and what is his individual duty?
Revelation 3:20,21.
8. Does a soul which remains righteous individually, become account.-
able for the sins of others? Ezekiel 18:19,20.
9. When do'es accountability come to the individual? II John 8-11.
.NO'l'E: "We are authorized to hold in the same estimation as did
the beloved disciple those who claim to abide in Christ while living
111 transgression of God's law. There exist in these last d,ays evils
simila,r to those that threatened the prospel'ity of the eady church;
n'ld the teachings of the apostle John on these points should be care·
fully heeded 'You must have charity', is the cry heard everywllere,
especin Ily from those who pl'ofess sanctification. But true charity
is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin. While are are to love the
souls for whom Christ died, we are to make no compromise with evil.
We are not to unite with the rqbellious and call this charity. God
requires His people ill this age of the world to stane] for the right
as unflinchingly as did John in o]Jposition to soul-clestroying errors.
"'rhe apostle teaches that while we should manifest Christian
comtesy we are authorized to deal in plain terms with sin and sinners;
tha t this is not inconsistent with true charity . , . "-AA 554,555.
10. How completely separate and individual is God's love and con-
cern for His sheep? John 10:1-5; Matt. 16:24,25.
NO'f.J!]: "Jesus knows us individua]1y, and is touched with the
feelings of our infirmities. He knows us all boy name. He knows
the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has
nt times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street
in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep ..
".~very soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only
one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of everyone touches
His henrt. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all
men unto Himself. He bids them, •Follow Me', and His Spirit moves
upon their henrts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be
drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly
heal' [-l'is call, awl are ready to come under His pastoral care. He
says, 'l\{v sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow
1\1 e.' He cnres for each one as if there were not another Oil the
fpo('e of the earth.' '-DA 479,480.
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Lesson NO.5 Sabbath, August 2, 1969.

THE DUTIES AND LIMITS OF GOVERNMENTS

QUESTIONS:
1. Because of the rejection of God's law, what fearful conditions
eXisted prior to the flood? Genesis 6:5'-7•
.N OT j<]: ".!\i[allY at first appeared to receive the warning; yet they
did not turn to God with true repentance. The~' were unwillillg to
renounce their sins. Dming the time that elapsed befol'e the coming
of the l"lood., theil' faith ,,'ns tested, ane] they failer] to endure the
trinl. Overcome by the prevailing unbelief, they finnlly joined their
former associates in rejecting the solemn message. Some were deeply
convicted, and would have heeder] the words of warning; but there
were so many to jest and deUcule, tllat they partook of the same
spirit, resisted the invitations of merc~', and were soon among the
boldest and most defiant scoffers; for none are so reckless am] go
to such lengths in sin as do those who have once h3'(] light, but have
resisted. the convicting Spirit of God. "-PP 95.

2. WlJat conditions were existing around the family of Noah? Did

tlley compromise their faith because all of the others "were evil
continually' '? Genesis 6:9-13.

.NO'l'J~: "It "'3s not multitudes or majorities that were on the side
of l·ight. The world was aJ'1'ayed against God's Justice and His laws,
and Noah was regarded as a fa.natic. Sat::ll1, when tempting Eve to
c1isob€y Goel, said to her, eYe shall not surely die.' Genesis 3:4. Great
men, worldly, honored, and wise mml, repeated tlle same. 'The threat-
enings of God,' they said, 'are for the purpose of intimidating, and
will never be verified. You need not be ala.rmed. Such an event as
the destruction of the world by the God who made it, 1.111(1 the punish-
ment of the beings He has createel, will never take place. Be at
pe3ce; fear not. Noah is a wild fanatic.' The world made merry
nt the folly of tho deludeel old lllnn. Instea,e] of humbling the heart
before Goel, th('~' continued their elisobedience ane] wickedlless, the
same ns though Gor] hnd llOt spoken to them through His serva.nt.
"But N03h stood like a rock nmi r] the tempest. SU1'l'ounded by
populnr contempt and ddicule. he e]istinguished himself by his holy
integrity nllf] unwavering faithfulness. A power attended his words,
fol' it was the voice of Goe] to man tlll'ough His servant . . . "-PP 96.
3. Even though a new beginning was made, what nationalistic con-
ditions quickly developed? Genesis 10:8-10,11,12.
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 4. Despite 1;111e many fonus of government and society in his time,
What did Abraham and his familY have to do in order to maintain
tihek religious liberty? Genesis 12:1:-3.
NO'l'.J<j: "l\i:lI1y are still tested as was Abraham. They do not hear
the voice of God spea.king directl? from the heavens, but He calls
tnem by the teachings of His word and the events of His providence.
'l'he~' may be requiree] to abandon a career that promises wealth
:lIld hOllOr, to leave congenial and profitabl~ associations, and separate
Hom kindred, to enter upon what appears to be only a path of self-
denial, hardsl1ip, a.nel sacrifice. God has a work for them to do;
hnt a life of ease and the inflnence of friends and kim]red would
hinder the dcvelopment of the very traits essential for its accom-
plishment. He calls them away from human influences and aie], and
leads them to feel the need of His help, a.ne] to depene] upon Him
a lone, that Ho may reveal Himself to them. Who is ready at the caJl
of Providence to renounce cherished plans and familiar associations'
Who will accept new duties and enter untriee] fields, doing God's
work with finn ane[ wiDing heart, fOl' Christ's sake counting his
losses g.1in? Ho who will no this has the faith of Abraham, am] will
slJare with him that 'far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glor?', with whie.h 'the sufferings of t.his present time are 110t worthy
to he eompal'ed.' II Corinthians 4 :17; Romans 8 :18. "-PP 126,127.
5. 'What despotic intolerance existed during the so-called high
degree of civilization in Babylon? How did God oorrect it? Daniel
3: 1-6,26-29.
NO'I' 1<;: "It was rigllt for t.he king to make puhlic confession, ane]
to see'k t.o exa.lt t.he God of heaven above all other gods; but in
eluleavr.nring to force his subjects to make a similar confession of
faith and to show similar l'everence, Nebuchadnezzar was exceeding
hi~ right as a tomporal sovereign. He hac] no more right., either civil
"1' mora.I, to threaten men with death for not worshipping God, than
h" hart t" mako t.he doeree eonsigning to the flames aD who refused
to worRhin the golrlen image. Goe] novel' eompels the obedience of
m:m. H 0 lea,-es all free to choose wllOm they will serve. "-PE: 510,511.
"[mportallt aJ'e the lessons to he learned from the experience of
tho Hebrew youth on the plain of Dura, In this our nay, many of
God's serv:ll1 ts, though innoeont of wrongdoing, will be given over
to suffer humiliation and abuse at. the hands of those who, inspired
h~' 8a tan, :11'0 filleel with envy and religions bigotry. Espeeially will
the \Vl'flth pf mall be aroused against those who ha]1ow the Sabbath
of tole fOUl·th eommam]mont; anel at last universal decl'ee will de-
1l011nr-e these fiR deserYing of death. "-Ibid., p. 512.
6, WlIat decision did Pilate make in the trial of Jesus, and what
was the result? Luke 23 :1~-2'5.
-15-
 NO'1'.J<J: "Satan and his angels were tempting Pilate and trying
to lead him on to his own ruin. They suggested to him that if he did
not take part in condemning Jesus others would; the multitude were
thirsting for His blood; and if he did not deliver Him to be cruci-
fied, he would lose his power and worldly honor and would be de-
nounced as a believer on the impostor. Through fear of losing his
power aJld authority, Pilate consented to the death of Jesus. And
notwithstanding he placed the blood of Jesus upon His accusers,
and the multituile received it, crying, 'His blood be on us, and on our
children,' yet Pilate was not clear j he was guilty of the b~ood of
Uhrist. .I<'or his own selfish interest, his love of honor from the
grea.t men of earth, he delivered an innocent man to die. If Pilate
had followed his own convictions, he Would have ha(1 nothing to do
with condemning Jesus.' '-EW 174.
"As the news spread from city to city and from town to town,
the Jews in their turn fea,red for their lives and concealed the hatred
'which they cherished towa.rcl the disciples. '1'heir only hope was to
spread their lying report. And those who wished this lie to be true
accepted it. Pilate trembled as he heaI'd that Christ had risen. He
could not douht the testimony given, a,nd from that hour peace lett
'hIm forever. For the sake of worldly honor, for fear of losing his
authority and his life, he had delivered Jesus to die. He was now
full)' convinced that it was not merely an innocent ma,n of whose
blood he WHs guilty, but the Son of God. Miserable to its close was
the life of Pilate. Despair and anguish crushed every hopeful,
joyful feeling. He refuseil to be comforteil anil ilied a most miser-
a/)le death. "-Ibid., p. 185.
7. To whom does this world really belong? Psalm 24:1; I 001'. 10:26.

8. How should all rulers and governments consider their office' a.nd
dutli.es? What are their limits? Romans 18:1,4,
N'O'l'.J<J: . To protect liberty of conscience is the duty ot the
state, and this is the limit of its authority in matters of religion.
E,;;cry secuhll' govern~l(Jnt that attempts to reg~'Iate or enforce
religious observaJlces by civil authority is sacrificing the veIT prin-
Ciple for which the evangelical Christians so nobly struggled. "-GC 201.
9. What are the limits of the loyalty of the Ohristians to any govern-
ment? MatltJIew 22: 17-21.
NO'l'B: "Uhrist 's reply was no evasion, hut a candid answer to the
,gluestion. Holding in His hand the Roman coin, upon which were
stamped the name and image of Caesar, He declared that since they
were living under the protection of the Roman power, they should
render to that power the support it claimed, so long as this did not

-16-
 conflict witl] a higher duty. But while peaceably subject to the IawB
of the land, they should at all times give their first allegi,ance to God."
-VA 602.

"When the Pharisees heard Christ's answer, 'they marveled,

,and left Him, and went their way.' He had rebuked their l1ypocrisy
and presumption, and in doing this He had stated a great principle,
a principle that clearly defines the limits of man's duty to the civil
government and his duty to God. In many minds a vexed question
had been ~ettled. Ever after they held to the right principle. And
although mallY went away dissatisfied, they saw that the principle
underlying the question had been clearly set forth, and they marveled
at Christ's far-seeing discernment."-Ibid., pp. 602,603.
10. What does prophecy foretell about changes that will come? R6ve-
lation 13:11-17.
.N O'l'.J!;: ' 'In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan
those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off.
Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers,
they will be forbidden to buy or sell. It wil! finally be decreed that
they: shall be put to death . . . "-Ibid., pp. 121,122.

LeMon No 6 Sabbath, August 9, 1969.

THE GOSPEL COMMISSION

QUESTIONS:
1. What did Chri&t tell His disciples concerning the sincere soulS
who were interested in salvation and who lived in other countries
and with different beliefs? John 10: 16; 11 :51,52.
2. What express and definite conunission has God given His servants?
Mark 16:15; Isaiah 42:6,7,16; 43:8'-10.
.N O'1'l!l:
"'rhus Christ gave His disciples their commission. He made
full provision for the pl'osecution of the work, and took upon Himself
the responsibility for its success. ,flo long as they obeyed His word,
and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. Go to all
na tions, He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habita!>le globe,
but know that 1'vly presence will be there. Labor in faith and confidence,
for the time will never come when I will forsake you.' '-DA 822.
"But the command, 'Go ye into all the world', is not to be lost
sight of. We al'e called upon to lift our eyes to the regions beyond '.
-17-
Christ tears away the wall of partition, the dividing prejudice of
nationality, and teaches love for all the human family. He lifts
men from thc nanow circle which their selfishness prescribes; He
abolishcs all territorial lines and artifieial distinctions of BO-
ciety. He ma.kes no differenec between neighbours and strangers,
fricnds and enemies. He teaches Us to look upon every needy soul
as our brothel', and thc world as our field.' '-Ibid., p. 823.
3. Oan any earthly or national res.triction and pressures prevent the
spread of the gospel? Isaiah 54:17; 55:11.
-'" O'l'~: "'1'hat which God purposcd to do for the lI'odd through Is-
mel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church
on earth today. He has' let out His vineyard unto other husbandmen',
even to His covenant-keeping people, who faithfully . render Him the
fruits in their seasons.' N ever has the Lord been withon t tl'Ue repre-
sentatives on this earth who have made His interests their own.
'lhesc witnesses for God arc numbered among the spiritual Israel,
and to thcm wiH be fulfilled all the covenant promises made by
Jehovah to His ancient people. "-PK 713,714.
'1. Could the combined powers of the Romans, Sadducees, and PhAri-
sees suppress the gospel during the period of Ephesus? Acts 5:39j
8:1-3j 9:1,2j 12:1-4; 13:44-52.
'" O'l'~: ' 'Kings and govcrnors. pricsts and rule1's, sought to destroy
tne temple of God. But in the face of imprisonmcnt, torture, aJld
death, faithful men carried the work fOr\\'ardj and the structure
grew, beautiful and symmetrical. At times the workmen were al-
most blinded by the mists of superstition that settled around them.
At times thcy ,,-erc almost ovcrpowcred by the violence of their oppon- .
ents. But with ul'faltcring faith and unfa-iling eourage they pressed
on Wit'l the work.
"One after 31lother the foremost of the builders fell by the hand
of the enemy. Stephen was stoned; James was slain by the swordj
l'aul was beheadcd; 1'eter was cl'Ucifiedj John was exiled. Yet the
church grew. New workers took the place of those 'who fell, and
stone after stone was added to the building. 'rhus slowly ascended
the templc of the chUl'ch of God. "-AA 591.
5. Wllat was happening in many countries? Acts 17:6; 24:5.

6. Did Ohrist force His will upon the people and governments? What
forces could He have used? Matthew 26:50-54.

.N O'1'~:' 'But today in the religious world there are lllultitudes who,
as they believe, are working for the establishment of the kingdom
of Christ as an earthly and temporal dominion. They desire to make

-18-
 our Lord tlie ruler of the kingdoms of this world, the ruler in its
courts and camps, its legislative halls, its palaces and market places.
'l'hey expect Him to rule through legal enactments, enforced by human
authorit)". /:::lince Christ is llOt now here in persOll, they themselves
will undertake to act in His stead, to execute the laws of His' king·
dom. The establishment of such a kingdom is what the Jews desired
lin the days of Christ. They would have received Jesus, had He been
willing to establish a temporal dominion, to enforce what they regarded
as the laws of God, and to make them the expositors of His will and,
the agents of His authority. Eut He said, ':My kingdom is not of this
world.' John 18:36. He would not accept the earthly throne."-DA 509.
7. Has tile long p~secution and tyranny of God's witnesses des-
t~oyed their religious liberty? Revelation 7:13-15.
8. Wily Mould we not be de;ceived or dismayed by the future pros-
pects of religious and secular tyranny, and tjIle suppression of
religious libCTty? Re'vela1li,on 6:12-17.
9. What symbolism is used to illustrate the way in Which God
considers the nations? IsaiaJJ. 40:15•
.N 0'1'.1<;: ' 'In the vision of the prophet Ezekiel there was the appear-
ance of a hand beneath the wings of the cherubim. 'rhis is to teach
his servants that it is divine power which gives them success. Those
whom God employs as His messenger are not to feel that His work
IS dependent upon them. Finite beings are not left to carry this bur-
den of responsibility. He who slumbers not, who is continually at
work for the accompJislunent of His designs, will carry forward His
own work. He will thwart the purposes of wicked men, and will
bring to confusion the counsels of those who plot mischief against
liis people. He ~who is the King, the Lord of hosts, sitteth between
the cherubim, and amid the strife and tumult of nations He guards
.dis childrcn still. He who ruleth in the heavens is our Saviour. He
measures cvery trial, He watches the furnace fire that must test every
sou.]. IV hen the strong holds of kings shall be overthrown, when the
arrows of wra th shall strike through the hearts of His enemies, His
peoplc will be safe in His hands.' '-ME 121.
"With unerring accuracy the Infinite One still keeps account
with the nations. ~While His mercy is_ tendered, with caIJs to repentance,
this account remains open; but when the figures reach a certain
t
amount which God has fixed, the ministry of His wrath begins. The
accoun t is closed. Divine patience ceases. Mercy no longer pleads
in their behalf.' '-PK 36'4.
"In the word of God only is this clearly set forth. Here it is
shown that the strength of nations, as of individuals, is not found in
the oppol'tunities of facilities that appear to make them invincible; it
-111-
 \
\
is not found in their boasted greatness. It is measured by the fidelity \
with which they fulfill God's purpose. "-Ibid., p. 502.
10. What is the greatest single power and authoirity ill this world?
Hebrews 4:12-16; II CorintJJ.ians 10:3-5.
NOTl';: ' "rhe people of God will recognize human government as an
ordinance of divine appointment and will teach obedience to it as a
sacred duty within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict
with the claims of God, the word of God must be recognized as above
all human legislation. "rhus saith the Lord' is not to be set aside for
'l'hus saith the church or the state. The crown of Christ is to be up-
lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates.' '-61' 402.

LeS60n No.7 Sa.bbath, August 16, 1969.

TRUE UBERTY
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the only element that can bring individual and universal
peace and freedom to men? Isa. 27:5; 48:18; Romans 14:17-19.

;.\iO'l'l';: " 'Blessed are the peacemakers'. The peace of Christ is born
of truth. It is harmony with God. The world is at enmity with the
Jaw of God; sinners are at enmity with their Maker; and as a result
they are at enmity with one another. But the psalmist declares, 'Great
peace have they which love 'rhy law: and nothing shall offend them.'
.t's. 119:165. Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the
purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of
producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only
power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ.
When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions
that cause strife and dissension . . . "-DA 302,305.
2. What places mankind in bond,age? II Peter 2:19; Rom. 6:16;
Proverbs 5:29.
3. How alone can man be set free? John 8:36; Rom. 8:1,2-
4. Although all laws have certain conditions and provide certain
results, What should be known by all concerning the law of liberty?
James 1:23-27; 2:12.
NO'l'l';: "'The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the BOU!.'
.1:"salm 19 :7. Without the Jaw, men JJ:;we no just conception of the
purity and holiness of God or of their own guilt and uncleanness.
'rhey have not true conviction of sin and feel no need of repentance.
.N at seeing their lost condition as violators of God's law, they do
not realize their lleed of the atoning blood of Christ. The hope of
salvation is accepted without a radical change of heart or reform-
ation of life. Thus superficiil1 conversions abound, and multitudes are
joined to the church who have never been united to Christ. "-GC 468.
5. How does false doctrine place us in bondage? How are we
made free from this bondage? GalatiaJlS 2:4; 3:1.

D. Can any form of society or gl7Vernment help the convicted sin-

nw-? .John 15:19,20.

.N O'l'.c;: ' 'In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting
to the world theories by which to satisfy the soul's need. Every heathen
nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some
other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away
from the .l!'ather's face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who
has given them only blessing. 'l.'he trend of their work is to rob God
of that which is His own, both by creation and by redemption. And
these false teachers rob man as well. Millions of human beings are
bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of
stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or
joy 01' aspir3-tion here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It
is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul.
'l'he contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will
stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can.
Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and
whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the
source of true development; he is defmuding them of the hope and
purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a rob-bel'. "-DA 478.
7. "What should be clearly recognized throughout human society?
I Chronicles 16: 26-31.
;-.; O'l'.c;: ' "1'he Lord Jesus demands our aclmowledgement of the rights
of every man. Men's social rights, and their rights a.s Christians,
are to be taken into consideration. All are to be treated with refine-
ment and delicacy, as the sons and daughters of God.' '---GW 123.
8. What follows when we are freed from the bondage of sin? Romans
6:18-22.

9. Do the angels and heavenly beings also have the duty of ministry
and worship? Revelation 4:8--11; 5:11-14.
.NO'l'.c;: " . . And the holy beings who worship God in heaven state,

-il-
as the reason why their homage is due to Him: 'Thou art worthy, 0
Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created
all things.' Revelation 4:11. "-GC 437.
10. With what clarity and logic did Paul discuss the meaning of true
religlious liberty with the leading philosophers of his timM Acts
17:22-31.

.NO'l'J!;: ''.In that age of ca,ste, when the rights of men were often
unrecognized Paul set forth the great truth of human brothel'hood
declaring that God 'hath made of one blOod ail nations of men .I
for to dwell on all the face of the earth.' In the sight of God all are
on all equality, and to the Creator every human being owes supreme
[llJegiance. 'l'hen the apostle showed how, through all God's dealings
with mall, His purpose of grace and mercy runs like a thread of gold.
He •hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of
their habitation; tha.t they should seek the Lord, if haply they might
feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from everyone
of us' "-AA 238.

Lesson No. 8 Sabbath, August 23, 1969.

RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

QUESTIONS:

1. Who was the first person, lIsed by Satan, to demonstrate religious

intolerance? Genesis 4: 3-8.

.NO'l'J!;: "But instead of acknowledging his sin, Cain continued to

complain of the injustice of God and to cherish jealousy and hatred
of Abel. He angl'ily l'eproached his brother, and attempted to draw
him into controversy concerning God's dealing with them. In meekness,
yet fearlessly and firmly, Abel defended the justice and goodness
of God. He pointccl out Cain's errol', and tried to convince him that
the wrong was in himself. He pointed to the compassion of God in
sparing the life of their parents when He might have punished them
witn instant dea.th, and urged that God loved them, or He would
not have given His Son, innocent and holy, to suffer the penalty
"'hieh they had inculTecl. All this caused Cain's anger to burn the
hotter. Heason and conscience told him tha.t Abel wa.s in the right;
but he was engaged that one who had been wont to heed his counsel
should now presumc to disagree with him, and that he could gain no
~ympathy in his rebellion. In the fury of his passion he slew his
brother.' '-pp 74.
2. Was Cain ignorant of the principies of true religion, and the·
consequences of false worship? Genesis 3:22-24.
3. To what degree did the hatred of Cain develop against true
worship? Genesis 4:8.
4. How did this intolerance affect his own life, and those who came
atter him? Genesis 4:9-15•
.J O'1'~: ' 'Love no less tha.n justice demanded that for this sin judg-
lllent should be inflicteel. God is the guardian as well as the sovereign
of His people. He cuts off those who are determined upon rebellion,
that they may not lead others to ruin. In sparing the life of Cain,
lioel haeL dcmonstratcd to the universe what would be the result of
permitting sin to go unpunished. 'l'he influence exerted upon his des-
"cndents by his life and tea"hing led to the state of corruption that
e[emHnded the destruction of the whole world by a flood. '1'he histol'y of
the antediluvians testifies that long life is not a blessing to the
sinner; God's great forbearance did not repress their wickedness.
The longer men lived, the more corrupt they beeame.' '-pp 325.
, 'In sparing thc life of the first murderer, God presented before
the whole universc a lesson bearing upon the great controversy.
'.l he dark history of Cain and his descendents was an illustration
o~ what would have been the result of permitting the sinner to
live on forever, to can,)' out his rebellion against God. The for-
oearan"e of GaeL only rendered the wicked more bold and defiant in
their iniquity. .B'ifteen centurics after the sentence pronounced upon
Cain, the universe witnessed the fruition of his influence and example,
in the crime and pollution that flooded the earth . . .' '-PP 78.
5. To whom did Jesus apply this experience? John 8:44.
6. What is one record of the bitter division existing between the
Jews and Samaritans in the time of Ohrist? John 4:9,19-26.
i\O'l'J~: ,. '1'he great difference between the .Jews and the Samaritans
was a difference in rcligious belief, a question as to what constitutes
true worship. '1'he Pharisees 'would say nothing good of the Sam-
aritans, but poured their bitterest curses upon them. So strong was
the antipathy between the .Jews and the Samaritans that to the
:::iamaritan \\'oma,n it secmed a strange thing for Christ to ask her
for a drink. 'How is it', she said, 'that 'l'hou, being a .Jew, asketh
e[rink of me, which am a woman of Samaria~' ']<'01", adds the evangelist,
'the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.' .John 4:9. And
whcn thc Jews were so filled with murdel'ouS hatred against Christ
that they rose up in the temple to stone Him, they could find no

-~-
better words by which to express their hatred than, (Say we not well
that Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devilf' John 8:48 . . . "
-Uhrist's Object LessoIls 380,38l.
7. What feelings were also manifested in some of the disciples of
Jesus? Luke 9:51-55.
NOT.!!.:: ' 'Every human being, in body, soul, and spirit, is the property
of <:rod. Uhrist died to redeem all. Nothing can be more offensive
to Uod than for men, through religious bigotry, to bring suffering
upon those who are the purchase of the Saviour's blood.' '-DA 488.

8. Who is behind every form of religious intolerance? Re'Y'elat1on

12: 1-4,10-13.

NOT.!!.:: ' ''l'he line of prophecy in which these symbols are found
begins with Revelation 12, with the dragon that sought to destroy
Christ at His birth. '1'he dragon is said to be Satan (Revelation 12:9);
l1e it was that llloved upon Herod to put the Saviour to death. But
the cl1ief agent of Satan ill making war upon Christ and His people
during the first centuries of the Christian Era was the Roman Empire,
in which paganism was the prevailing religion. '1'hus while the
dragon, primarily, represents I:>atan, it is, in a secondary sense,
a symbol of pagan Rome.' '-GC 438.
9. Can all the com.bined powers of State>, religion, or social bigotrly
and opposition stop the final messages of the gospel? Matthew
24:14; Collossians 1:3-6.

NOT.I!J: "Uhrist might commission the angels of heaven to pour out

the vials of His wrath on our world, to destroy those who are filled
with hatred of God. He might wipe this dark spot frOm His universe.
llut He does not do this. He is today standing at the altar of ineense,
presenting before God the prayers of those who desire His help."
-Desire of Ages 568.
10. Is there any earthly condition that can separate God from His
purpo~ or His people? Romans 8:33-39.

NOT.!!.:: ' "1'he religion of Christ does not require Us to lose OUr identity
of cJJal'acter, but merely to adapt ourselves, in some me3.sure, to the
feelings a.nd ways of others. Many people may be brought together
lJl a unity of religious faith whose opinions, habits, and tastes in
temporal matters are not in harmony; but if they have the love of
Uhrist glowing in their bosoms, and are looking forward to the same
heaven as their eternal home. they may have the sweetest and most
intelligent cOllllllunion together, and a unity the most wonderful. There
are scarcely two whose experience is alike in every particular. The
trials of one lllay not be the trials of another, and our hearts should
ever be open to kindly sympathy and all aglow with the love that
Jesus had for all His brethren. "-4T 65,66.

Lesson No.9 Sabba.th, August 30, 1969.

STATE AND RELIGIOUS UNION

QUBII'l'IOXII :
1. Into what serious difficulty did Abra·ham come when he merged
his interests with unbelievers? Genesis 14:13.
NO'1'J<l: "Abraham gladly returned to his tents and his flocks, but
his mind was distUl'bed by harassing thoughts. He had been a m&n
of peace, so far as possible shunning enmity and strife; and with
IIP'lTOI' he recal!Pd the scene of ca.rnago he had witnossed. But the
nations ,,-hose forces ho had defeated would doubtless renew the in-
vnsion of Uanann, and make llim the special ohject of their vengeance.
Becoming thus involved in national quarrols, the peaceful quiet of bis
life would he hroken. Furthermore, he had not entered upon the
possession of Canaan, nor could he now hope for an heir, to whom
tIle promise might be fulfilled.' '-pp 136.
2. What warning did tale prophet Isaiah give about confederating?
Isaiah 7:1-9; 8:11-13.
NO'1'J<l: "As the 8postate king neared the end of his reign, he caused
the dool's of the temple to be closed. The sacred services were inter-
rupted. '0 longer wero the candlesticks kept burning before the
altar. No longer wel'e offerings made for the sins of the people.
No longer did sweet incense ascend on high at the time of the morning
and evening sacrifice. Deserting the courts of the house of God and
locking fast its doors, the inhabitants of the godles! city boldly set up
altars for the worship of heathen deities on the street COl'llers through-
out Jerusalem. Hea.thenism had seemingly triumphed; the powers
of darkness had wellnigh prevailed.
"But in Judah there dwelt some who maintained their allegiance
to Jehovah, steadfastly refusing to be led into idolatry. It was to
these that Isaiah and Micah and t.heir associates looked in hope as they
surveyed the ruin ,·;rought. during the last years of Aha.z. Theil' sanctu-
nry wns closed, 1'11t the faithful ones were assured: 'God is with us.'
'~anrtif~' t.he Lord of hosts Himself: and let Him be your fear, and let
Him be your dread. And He shall he for a sanctuary.' 1saia.h 8:10,13,
14. "-PK 330.
3. Wha.t has always been the tendency when apostate r&11gious
organizations have united t.heir int&rcsts unlawfully? Jer. 3 :1-3;
llzekiel 16: 26-29,34.
NOTj<;: "In the Bible the sacred and emIuring clla.racter of the
relation that exists between Christ and His church is represented by
the union of marriage. The Lord has joined His people to Himself
oy a solemn covenant, He promising to be their God, and they pledging
tnemselves to be His and His alone. . . .
"'1'he unfnithfulness of the church to Clnist in permitting ller
confidence an d affection to be turned from Him, and a Hawing the love
of worldly things to occupy the sC)lll, is likened to the violation of the
m a niage vow. 'I'll e sin of Israel in depal'ting from the LoreI is pre-
sented uncler this figure; and the wonderful love of God which they
thus despised is touchingly portl'l1yed: . . . "-GC 38l.
4. What will Babylon finally become? Rc-velation 18:4,11,14.
5. What experience has come to those whO, in maintaining tiheir
religious liberty have refused to unite with established churches
or with churches in union with tjhe state? Acts 4:1-4,18-20; 5:17-29.
6. What did the Jews finally declare when Christ was betrayed and
crucified? John 19: 13-15.
7. What made the origin of the' Papacy possible? Revelation 2:4.

8. Why is it utterly impossible for God's people to be conscientious

cooperators with state or religiOUS powe:rs? John 14:17,26,27;
James 4:4.
NOTj<;: "Like Israel, Christians too oftcn yiele] to the influence of
the world and cOllform to its principles anel customs, in order to secure
;the fl'ienrlship of the ungoelly; but in the enel it will l)e found that
these professed friends are the most dangerous of foes. The Bible
plainly te::t·ches thnt there can he no harmony behveen the people of
God ami the world. ':M:arvel not, my hrethren, if the world hate you.'
1. .John 3:13. Onr Snviour snys, 'Ye l(11oW that it llated Me before it
h3.tC'd you' John 15 :18. Satan "'orks through the ungoelly. under
coyer of a pretencleel friendship, to n11me Gorl's people into sin, that
he mny separnte them f)'om Him; nnd when their elefense is removed,
then he will lead his agents to turn against them ancl. seek to accom-
plish their destmction.' '-PP 559.
9. What Satanic powers will finally unite religious and secular pow-
ers?Revelation 16:13,14.
)I0'l'J~: "J<'e::t.)·fn! sights of a suppl'1la.tural character will soon be re-
ypaled in the heavpns, in tokpn of the po,,-er of mil'acle-worldng demons.
The spirits of devi Is will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the
whole worlel. to fasten them in deception, amI urge them on to unite
with 8atan in his 13st struggle against the government of heaven.
By these agencies, rulers and subjects will be alike e]eceivee]. Persons
will arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and elaiming the title and
worship which belong to the world's Redeemer. They will pel'form won-
derful miracles of healing and will profess to have revelations from
heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures.' '-GC 624.
10. Wllat is "the remnant (}f the seed of the woman," to do while
Satan unites the rejectors of present tntth? Matt. 24:42-46;
Revelation 16:15.

000000000000

Lesson No. 10 sabbath, September 6, 1969.

THE DECIDING FACTORS BETWEEN TRUTH AND ERROR

QUE8TIONS:
1. Wllat has always been heaven's standard for Christian perfection?
Mat'thew 5:48; James 1:4.
2, What will be the standard by which all will be judged? Eccl.
12:13,14.
3. Wlly is the Sabbath a vitally important part of all religious
worship? Exodus 31: 13,16,17.
NOT./<.:: '" 'L'he importance of the Sabbath as the memorial of cre-
ation is that it k!'cps ever present the true reason why worship is due
to Uod '-Becaus'~ He is the Creator, and w!' al'e His creatures. 'The
Habhath theref'lre lies at the very foundation of divine wOl'ship, for
it teaches this gl'eat truth in the most impressive manner, and no other
institution does this. 'rhe true ground of divine worship, not of that
on the sevcnt.1l day merely, but of all worship, is found in the distinction
between the Creator and His creatures. This great fact can never be-
come obsolete, aJlcl must never be forgotten. '-J. N. Andrews, History
ot· the Sabbath, clwpter 27. It was to keep this truth ever befol'e the
minds of men, that God instituted the Sabbath in Eden; and so long
as the fact that He is our Creator eont.inues to be a reason why we
should worship JJim, so long the Sabbath will continue as its sign and
memorial. Had the Sabbath heen universa]]~' kept, men's thoughts
and affections wonld have been led to the Creator as the object of rever-
ence and war'ship. and there would never have been an iclolater, an
atheist, aI' all infidel. 'I'he keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty
to the tl'Ue God, 'Him that mad!' heaven, and em'th, and the sea,
and the fount·ains of wate1·8.' It fo]]ows that the message which com-
mands mell to worship God and keep His commandments wi]] especially
call upon them to keep the fourth commandment.' '-GC 437,438.
4. Because the Moral Law-t!he entire ten commandments-1l;l the

-31-
 deciding issue, how must all other scriptures be interpreted? Isa.
8:20.

5. WlJ.at must the candidate for perfection do when confronted with

any difficulty in Sabbath-keeping? I Samuel 2:30; II Timothy 2:12.

NUT'!!;: "'1'he gl"eat, gmnd wade of bl"inging out a people 'who will
have ChristEke chamctel"s, and who will be able to stand in the day
of the Lord is to be accompEshed. As long as we sail with the cUl'l'ent
of the 'world we need neither canvas nor oar. It is when we turn
s;qluarely about to stem the current that our labors begin. Satan will
bring in every kind of theory to pervert the truth. The work will go
hard, for since the fall of Adam it has been the fashion of the world
to sin. But Christ is on the field of action. The Holy Spirit is at
work. Divine agencies are combining with the human in reshaping the
eharacter according to the perfeet pattern, and man is to work out
that which God works in. Will we as a people do this God-given work~
Will we carefully heed all the light that has been given, keeping con-
stantly hefore us the one object of fitting students for the kingdom
of God? 1£ by faith' we advance step by step in the right way, follow-
ing the Great Leaeler, light will shine along OUl' pathway; and cir-
cumstances wi Il occur to remove the difficulties. The approval of God
will give hope, and ministering angels will co-operate with us, bringing
light nlHl grace, and courage and gladness. "-6T 129,130.
6. WlJ.at must the people of God do when the laws of 1lhe land
conflict with the laws of God? Acts 5:29.
NUTl';: "The principle for which the disciples stood so fearlessly
when, in answer to the command not to speak any more in the name
of Jesus, tlley declared, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to
hearken unto you more than unto God, juclge ye,' is the same that the
adherents of the gospel struggled to maintain in the days of the
Heformation. When in 1529 the German princes assembled at the
Diet of :Spires, there ,,,as presented the emperor's decree restricting
religious liberty, a nd prohibiting all further eussemination of the
reformed doctrines. It seemed that the hope of the world was about
co be crushed out. Would tIle princes accept the decree~ Should the
li".ht of the gospel be shut out from the multitudes still in darkness~
Mighty issues fOl' the world were at stake. Those who had accepted
tile reformed fnith met togethm', and their unanimous decision was,
'JJet us rejeet this decree. In matter of conscience the majority has
n0 power.'

"This principle we in our day are firml~' to maintain. The

banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft h~' the foul1Clers
of the gospel church and by God's witneHses during the centuries that
nave passed since then, ha.s, in this last conflict, been committed to
our hands. The repsonsibiJity for this great gift rests with those
whom God has blessed with a lmo~vledge of His word. We are to
receIve this word as supreme authority. 'Ve are to recognize human
government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obeelience
to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims
(:onflict ~I'ith the claims of God, we must obey God I'-ather than men.
God's word must, be recognized as above all human legislation. A
"rhus saith the Lord' is not to be set aside for a 'Thus saith the
chUl'ch' or a 'TilliS saith the state.' 'rhe crown of Christ is to be
lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates. "-AA 68,69.

7. Should God's people wilfully place themselves where it is al-

most impossible to avoid transgression of GOd's law? Matlt.
6:13; I Corinthians 10:7,13,14.
N U,!,J!;: ' •,!,he first thirty years of Christ's lite were passed in
retirement. Ministering angels waited upon the Lord of life as He
walked side by side with the peasants and laborers among the hills
of Nazareth, unre(:ogJlized and unhonored. These noble examples
should teach us to avoid evil influenccs and to shun the society of
those who do not live aright. We should not flattor ourselves that
we are too strong for any such influences to affect us but we should
in llUJ1IiJity guard ourselves from danger.
,. Ancient Ismol were especially directed by God to be and re-
main a people separate frol1l all nations. 'l'hey were not to be sub-
Jecteel to witnessing the idolatry of those about them, lest their own
hearts should be cOl'l'upted, lost familiarity with ungodly p!'actices
should make them appear less wicked in their eyes. Few realize
their own weakness and that the natural sinfulness of the human
heart too often paralyzes their noblest endeavors.' '-4T 109.

8, What promise do we have 1lhat God will intervene for those

refuse to transgress His law? Isaiah 51:21-23; Ps. 27:5.
WllO

",U,!,J!;: •• We are Hot required to defy authorities_ Our words, whether

spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place our-
sdves on I'ecorel as uttering that which woule] make us appear an-
tagonistic to law and order. We are not to say 01' do anything that
woll{ld unnecessarily close up our way. 'Ve are to go forward in Christ's
llame, advocating the trut,hs committed to us. If we are forbidden
by men to do this work, then we may say, as did the apostles,
'Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more
than unto God judge yeo 1<'or we cannot but speak the things which
lI'e have seen and heard.' "-AA 69.
9. In the future will the conflict between truth and error increase
or decrease? Luke 18:8.
10. How d:1d Silmon the sorcerer dece.ive the people? What will be
satan's crowning act of deception? ActB 8:5-11.
NO'1'.!!:: "As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan
bimself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look
to the I:>aviour's advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now 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 dazzling brightness, resembling the descI'iption of the Son
of Uod given byJohn in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13-15. The glory
that surrounds him is unsurpassed b-y anything that mortal eyes have
yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: 'Chriilt
has come! Christ has come!' 'l'he people prostrate themselves in
adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a
blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He Wall upon
the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle,
compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly
tru ths which th e SavioUl' uttered; he heals the diseases of the people,
and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed
Ithe I:>abbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he
has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the
seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his
angels sent to them with light and truth. 'rhis is the strong, almost
overmastering delusion. . . . "-GO 624.
11. What will be seen in tlhe heavens by all? Psalm 50:6.
N O'1'.!!:: • , While these words of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds
sweep back, and the starry heavens are seen, unspeakably glorious
in contrast Witll the black and. angry firmament on either side. The
glory of the celestial city streams from the gates ajar. Then there
appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded
together. Hayll the prophet: 'The heavens shall declare His right-
eousness: fOI' God is judge Himself.' Psalm 50: 6. 'L'hat holy law,
Uoel's righteousness, that amid thunder an(l flame was proclaimed
:lJrom I:>inai as the guide of life, is IJOW revealed to men as the rule
of julligment. 'rhe hand opens the tables, and there are seen the
precepts of the Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words
are so pl.ain that all can read them. Memory is aroused, the darkness
of superstition and heresy is swept from every mind, and God's ten
words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, are presented to the
view of all the inhabitants of the earth.
, 'It is impossible to describe th e horror and despair of those who
have trampled upon God's holy requirements. The Lord gave them
His law; they might have compared their characters with it and
learned their defects while there was yet opportunty for repentance and
reform; but in ordm' to secure the favor of the world, they set aside
-so-
its precepts and taugIlt others to transgress. They have endeavored
to compcl God's peo,ple to profane His Sabbath. Now they are con-
demned by that law which they have despised. With awful distinct-
ness they see that they are without excuse. They chose whom they
would serve and worship. 'Then shall ye return, and discern between
the righteous. ,,:lind the wicked, between him that serveth God and
him that serveth Rim not.' Malachi 3 :18.' '-GC 639,640.

0000,00000000

Lesson No. 11 Sabbath, September 13, 1969.

THE SEALING WORK AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

QUESTIONS:
1. Duling the early part of the nineteenth century, how e:trective
was the second advent movement? What is the final movement?
Revel<Ltion 18: 1.
.NOT'!!;: "'1'0 William Miller and his colaborers it was given to preach
the warning in America. This country became the centre of the great
advent movement. It was here that thc prophecy of the first angel's
message had its most direct fulfillment. 'l'he writings of Miller and
his associates were carried to distant lands. 'Wherever missiona.ries
h,au penetrated in all the world, were sent the glad tidings of Christ's
speedy return. J<'ar and wide spread the message of the everlasting
gospel: 'l"ear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His
judgmen t is COIllC.' "-GC 368.
"The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third angel's
message is to lighten the whole earth with his glory. A work of
world-wide extent and unwonted power is here foretold. The advent
movement of 18-10-44 was a glorious manifestation of the power of
"od; the first angel's message was ca.rried to every missionary station
in the world, and in some countries there was the greatest religious
interest which has been witnessed in any land since the Reformation
of the sixteenth century; but these are to be exceecled by the mighty
movemcnt under the la,st warning of the third angel. "-Ibid., p. 611.
2. What frequentJ.y happens when new light comes and individualll
exercise th.eir religious liberty? How was it with these Advent be-
lievers? Matthew 10:17; John 9:22; 12:42,43.
lOT'!!;: "Many were persecutcd by their unbelieving brethren. In
order to retain their position in the church, sOllle consented to be
silent in regard t(l their hope; but others felt that loyalty to God
-31-
forbade them thus to hide the tmtIls which He had committed to their
trust. Not a few were cut off from the fellowship of the church for
no other reason than expressing their belief in the coming of Christ.
yery precious to those who bore this tria.l of their faiUi were the
words of the prophet: (Your brethren that hated you, that cast you
out for My name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He
shall appeal' to your joy, and they sh,all be ashamed.' Isaiah 66:5.
"Angels of God were watching with the deepest interest the result
of the warning. When there was a general rejection of the message by
the churches, [Ingels turned a.way in sadness. But there were many
who had not yet been tested in' regard to the advent truth. Many
were misled by husbands, wives, parents, or children, and were made
to believe it a sin even to listen to such heresies as were taught by the
Adventists. Angels were bidden to keep faithful watch over these
souls, for another light was yet to shine upon them from the throne
of God.' '-GU 372,373.
3. What important prophetic light came to those who remained finn
to their conscientious belief in the second coming. of Christ?
Revelation 14:6,7; Daniel 7:13,14.
N O'l'l!:: " . . . 'l'he coming of Christ here described is not His second
coming to the earth. He comes to the Ancient of Days in heaven to
receive dominion amI glol'y and a kingdom, which will be given Him
at the close of His work as a mediator. It is this coming, and not
His second advent to the earth, that was foretold in prophecy to take
place at the termination of the 2300 days in 1844. Attended by hea·
venly angels, OUl' great High Priest 8Jlters the holy of holies and
thero appears in the presence of Gael to engage in the last acts of His
ministration in behalf of man-to perform the work of investigative
judgment and to make an atonement for all who are shown to be en·
citled to its benefits. "-GU 480.
4. What was tJhe seventh~ay Sabbath discovered to be? Who only
would receive the seal essential for tlle time of trouble? Rev. 7:1-3;
Revelation 15:1-4.
N'O'l'l!:: ' , N ow is the time to prepare. 'rhe seal of Gad will nevel' be
placed upon the forehead of 3n impure man or woman. It will never
be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or
woman. It will Hever be placed upon the forehead of men or women
of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must
be without spot before God-candidates for heaven. Go forward,
my brethren alld sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points
at this t11ne, merely calling your attention to the necessity of prepar-
ation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand
the fearful solemnity of the present hour.' '-5T 216.
 5. When did the sealing work begin? Isaiah 8:16; Revelation 14:6-12.
NOT1~: "'rhe LC'I'd commands by the same prophet: 'Bind up the
testimony, seal the law among My disciples.' Isaiah 8:16. The seal
of God's law is found in the fourth commandment. This only, of all
the ten, brillgs to view hoth the ]Ja.me and the title of the Lawgiver.
1 t declares Him to be thc Creator of the hcavens and the earth, and
thus shows His C'laim to J'CVCl'ence a]](l worship above all others. Aside
fl'om th is precept, there is nothing in the Decalogue to show by whose
authority the law is given. When the Sabbath was changed by the
papal powcr, the seal "':IS tal:en fl'om the bw. 'rhe clisciples of Jesus
are called UpOJ] to restol'e it by e~,J1ting the Sabbat,h of the fourth
commOlldnH'nt to its rightful position as t.he Cl'eator's memorial and
the sigJ) of His authority.' '-GC 452.
" . , . 'rhis prophecy also applies in our time. The breach was
made in thc law of Gael ",hpn t.lJ(' Snhbath was changed by the Roman
power. Hut the time has come fOT that divine institution to be restored.
The breach is to be repa.iJ'eel and the foundation of many generations
to be raised up."-GO 453.
6. How many would be sealed during the sealing time? Rev. 14:1; 7:4,
7. WlIat is written concerning the 144,000, and thelia' complete separ-
atlion from all false doctrine and apostasy? Revelation 14:4,5.
8. What happens to all who reject the message of the sealing, Reve-
lation 14:9-11; Ps. 37:18-20.
N()'1'l~: '''J'he sign, 01' seal, of Gael is ]'cvealccl in the observance of
Lile seventh-day Snhbath, tl16 Lord's memorial of creation. 'The Lord
sp2ke unto M08CS saying, Speak thou also UlltO the child]'en of Israel,
saying Verily :M:~' Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me
ancl. you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am
the l>orcl. that doth sanctify vou.' Exodus 31:12,13. Here the Sabhat.b
is cle::n'l~' designatecl as a sign bE'tween God ancl His people.
""1'he mark of the beast is the opposite of this-the observance of
thc first ds)1 of the weelc. '1'his mnrk distinguislJes those who ack-
nowledge the suprE'maey of thE' papal authority from those who ark-
nr>\I"ledge the authol'it~, of Gael. "-8T 117.

9. When the latter rain will be given in great measure during the
closing of the sealing, who will recognize it? Hosea 6:3.

10. How will many express their religious liberty at the close of the
nnal warning?

N()T~: "'1'he message will be calTied not so much by argument as

by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God,. The argument~ have been
presented. '1'he seed has been sown, :md now it will spring up and
hear fruit. 'rhe publie3.tions distributed by missionary workers have
exerted their inflnence, yet many whose minds were impressed have
\been prevente,l from fully comprehending tIle 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. ]<'amily connections church relations are
powerless to stay them now. Tr;th is more precious than all be~ides.
Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large
number take their stand upon the LOI'd's side."-GC 612.

000000000000

Lesson No. 12 Siabbath, September 20, 1969.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND THE REMNANT CHURCH

QUESTIONS:

1. How is thel remnant church in the last days to be identified?

Revelation 12:17; 14:12.

2. While this remnant clIurch remains a distinct and separate body,

und.er what system do all other churches finally submerge their
identity? ,Matthew 24: 24.

3. What test will all face in the end? Revelation 3:10.

NO'!''!!;: "Only those who have been diligent students of the Scrip-
tures and Who have rer,eived the love of the truth will be shielded from
the powerful clelusion that takes the world captive. By the Bible
testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all the
testing time wil] come. By the sifting of temptation the genuine
Christian will be revealed. Are the people of God so firmly established
upon His word that they would not yield to the evidence of their
senses ~ Would they in such a crisis, cling to the Bible and the
Bible only' Satan will, if possible, prevent them from obtaining a
preparation to stand in that day. He will so arrange affairs as to hedge
up their way, entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry
a heavy, wearisome burden, th.at their hearts may be overcharged with
the cares of this life and the etay of trial may come upon them as a
thief.' '-GC 625,626.

4. Why sihould the remnant church never forfe:i.t' its religious liberty?
What hall <lod always had? Romans 9:27; 11:1-5.
 5. Wllat can those who have preserved their Uberty remember?
IsaiaJl 51: 7,8.
.N OT.!!;: ' "1'he question of religious liberty is very impol·tant, and
it should be handled with great wisdom and diseretion. Unless this
is done theJ'e is danger th,at by our own course of action we shall
bring upon ourselves a crisis before we are prepared for it. The burden
of our message should be 'the commandments of God, and the faith
of .Tesus.' Our brethren should be cautioned to make moves that will
11.Ot stir up and provoke t.he powers thnt be, so that they will make
moves that will limit the work, and cut us off fl'om proclaiming the
message in different localities.' '-'I'M 219,220.
6. Will individuals, in their families and their churdhes, have ~,
• struggle for their religious liberty? Luke 21:1&.
"1 henJ'd those rlothed with the armor speak forth the truth
.NO'.L'J';:
with great. power. It hail effect. Many have been bound; some wives
by their husbanils, and some children by their parents. The honest who
had been prevented from hearing the truth now eargerly laid hold
upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the tl'Uth alo~e
was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth;
it was dearer anil more precious than life. I asked what hRd made
this gl'eat change. An angel aJISWel'ed, 'It is the latter n.in, the re.
freshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third
angel. "-1'; W 271.
7. What should be done When persecution and pressure come on the
remnant<? Matthew 10:22,23.
1\OT.!!;: "The Lord has said: 'Verily My Habbaths ye shall keep:
for it is a sign between .Me and you throughout your generations.'
.bxodus 31 :13. None should disobey His cOlllmanc1 in order to escape
persecution. But let all consider the \\,01'(1s of Christ: 'When they
persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.' Matthew 10:23. If
it call be avoided, do not put yourselves into the power of men who are
,vorked by the spirit of antichrist. EverythiIlg tnat we can do should
be done that those who are willing to suffer for the truth's sake may be
saved from oppression and cruelty.
"Christ is our example. The determination of antichl'ist to carry
out the rebellion he began in lleaven will continue to work in the
r:lildren of ilisobccl,ience. Theil' envy nnd lwtred _qgaillst those who
l'bey thc fourth r-omm:lllil.ment. will wax more and more bitter. But
the people of God are not to hide their banner. They are not to ignore
t.he c'ommandments of God and, in order to have an easy time, go with
the multitude to do evil.' '-9'1.' 230.
8. What! special messages are of vital importance for God's people
lIot the prell6Ilt time? Matthew 25:1-13; Revolation 16:1-4,
 9. What will be the ultima,te condition of a,ll tho!!e who voluntarily
s.ubm;i,t their liberty of conscience in the merger of the na,tions
a,nd Ba,bylon? Revela,tion 16:19.
!\ ()'l'J~: "We cannot know how much we owe to Christ for the peace
and protection which 'Ne enjoy. It is the restraining power of God
that prevents mankind from passing fully under the control of Satan.
The d,isobeclient and unthankful have great reason for gratitude for
God's mercy and long-suffering in holding in check the cruel, malignant
power of the evil one, But when men pass the limits of divine for-
bem'a.nce, that restraint is removed. God does not stand toward the
sillllel' as an executioner of the sentence against transgression; but
He leaves the rejectors of His mercy to themselves, to l'eap that which
they have sown. Every ray of light rejected, every warning des-
pised or unheedN], every passion indulged, every transgression of the
law of God, is a seed sown which yields its unfailing harvest. The
::O;pirit of God, persistently resisted, is at last withdrawn fl'om the
sinner, and then there is left. no power to control the evil passions
of the soul, and 110 pl'otection from the malice and enmity of Satan.
The destruction of Jerusalem is a fearful anc1 solemn warning to
a II who are trifling with the offers of divine grace and. resisting the
pleadings of divine mercy, Nevel' was there given a more decisive
testimony to Gar] 's hatred of sin "md to the certain punishment that
will fall upon the guilty/. "-GC 36.

0000000000

Lesson No. 13 ·Sabbath, Septemb~ 27, 1969.

DEFENDERS OF THE GOSPEL

QUESTIONS:
1. Whom did the great refonner Luther declare were the fearful
and mistlrusting ones? John 14:15,21; Re'velaltion 22:7.
NO'J'~: "One of the principles most firmly maintained by Luther
w.as that there should be no resort to secular power in support of
the H.eformatiOlI, and no appeal to arllls for its defense, He rejoiced
that the gospel ,,,as confessed by princes of the empire; hut when
they pr0pose(1 to unite in a (]efensive league, he declared that 'the
(Ioctrine of the gospel should be defen(le(] by God a.lone.
. , , '1'he less man moddled in the work, the more striking would be
Gorl's intervention in its behalf, All the political precautions suggested
,\-el'e, in his view, attributable to unworthy fear and sinful mistrust.'
, , . ,"-GO 209.
 2. Did the apostle Petoc say that faithfUl believers would have to
give and answer to the authoritiell to pr6lerve their religious
lib6lrty? I Pet'6r 3: 15,16.
3. "What e'lCperiences may be expected in the testing of the children
of God who maintain their religious liberty and conscientious con-
viction~ in tl1edr duty toward God? Mark 13:61-13; Ps. 56:12--14.
- 4. What is one thing that must be done in order to be prepared to
meet these trials? II Timothy 2:15.
.NO'l'~: "Jacob's night of anguish, when he wrestled in pmyer for
deliverance from the hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24-30), represents thi
experience of God's people in the time of trouble. Because of the
deception practicIJd to secure his father's blessing, intended for Esau,
Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother's deadly threats.
After l'emaining for many ~'ears an exile, he had set out, at God's com·
mand, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds,
to his native country. On l'eaching the borders of the land, he was
filled with tenor by the tidings of Esau's approach at the head of a
band of waniors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob's company,
unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of
Iviolence and slaughter. And to the burd,en of anxiety and feal' was
added the crushing weight of self-l'epr()ach, for it was his own sin
that had, brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God;
his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his
own part to atone for the wl'ong to his hl'other and to avert the
threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach
the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a
proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert
the danger whicll threatened liberty of conscience.' '-GC 616.
5. "What combined instruction must be given to all sincere seekers
for present tnlth? Jeremiah 6:16; 18:15-17; I John 1':7-9.
.N O'l'~: ' 'iMinisters who have preached the truth with all zeal and
earnestness may apostatize and join the r:l.llks of our enemies, but
but does this turn the truth of God into a lie ~ , Nevertheless,' says
the apostle, 'the foundation of God standeth sure.' The faith and
feelings of men Illay change; but the truth of God, never. The third
angel's message is sounding; it is infallible. "-4'1' 595.
6. What might be expected of the multitudes who reject tihe gos-
pel? Roma,lls 3:11-19.
.NO'l'~: "When God sends to men warnings so important that they
are representecl as procla.imed by holy angels flying in the midst
of heaven, He requires every person endowed with reasoning powers
-B1-
to heed the message. The fearful judgments denounced agaiut the
worship of the beast and his image (Revelation 14:9-11), should lead
all to a diligellt study of the prophecies to learn what the mark of
the beast is, and how they are to avoid receiving it. But the masses
of the people turn aW3y their eal'S from hearing the truth and are
.turned unto fables. The apostle Paul declared, looking down to the
Jast days: I The time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine.' 1I 'fimothy 4,:3. 'rhat time has fully come. The multitudes
do not want Bible truth, because it interfeJ'es with the desires of
the sinful, worid-loving heart; and Satan supplies the deceptions
which they love.' -GC 594,595.
7. Why shOuld we now diligently defend our religious liberty?
nCorinthians 6:1,2; Hebrew.:s 3:14,15.
N UTJ<;: "The Lord has singled us out and made us subjects of His
marvelous mercy. Shall we be charmed with the pratings of the apos-
tate l Shall \\'e choose to t..<Lke our stand with Satan a.nd his hostf
l:iJlall we join with the transgressors of God's lawf Rather let it be
our praye)': I Lord, put enmity between me and the serpent.' If we
are not at enmity with his works of darkness, his powerful folds en-
circle us, and his sting is re3(ly, at any moment to be driven to our
hearts. We should count him a deadly foe. We should, oppose him in
the name of Christ. Our work is still onward. 'We must battle for
every inch of ground. Let all who name the name of Christ clothe
themselves with the armor of righteousness.' '--4'1' 595,596.
8. Shall any escape' the judgment if the principles of reformation:
are neglected Or lost? Hebrews 2:1-3.
9. To whom should we look and depend in this closing time of the
everlasting gospel? Hebrews 12:1,2.
l~UTJ<;: "The time has come when we must know for ourselves why
we believe as we do. We must stand for God and for the truth, against
a reckless, unbelieving genera t-iOll. The man Who has once known
the ,vay of life, and has turned from the convictions of his own
heart to sophistry of Satan, will be more inaccessible and more un-
impressible than he who has never tasted the love of Christ. He will
be wise to do evil. He has bound himself to Satan, even against
llight and knowledge. I say to my brethren: Your only hope is in
God. We must be clothed with Christ's righteousness if we would
withstand the prevailing impiety. ,Ve must show our faith b~ our
works. Let us lay up for ourseh-es a good foundation against the
time to come, tl13.t we may lay hold on eternal life. We must labor,
not in our own ftrength, bnt in the strength of our risen Lord. What
will we do and dare for Jesus~ "--4'1' 596,597.
-38-
10. What is the reward for all who presElIl'Ve a good con.sclence towa.rd
both God and man? Revelation 22:14; I Timothy 1:5,111; 8:9.

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