Revelation 12 'The dragon was wroth with the woman'
Revelation 13 'If any man worship the beast and his image'
Revelation 14:6-8 'To every nation and kindred and tongue and people'
Revelation 14:9-20 'Here are they'
Rev 14:1-5 & 15 'Them that had gotten the victory'
Revelation 15:6-8 16:1-11 'The wrath of God'
Revelation 16:12-21 'Armageddon'
Revelation 17 'The judgement of the great whore'
Revelation 18 'Babylon is fallen'
Revelation 19 'In righteousness doth He judge and make war'
Revelation 20 'A thousand years'
Revelation 21 The holy city'
Revelation 22 Behold I come quickly
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, Part 2
General Introduction
Ministers and people have declared the prophecies of Daniel and John to be a collection of mysteries which no one could understand or explain. But the very title of the book of Revelation contradicts these assertions: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John, who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand." [Revelation 1:1-3.]
Says the prophet, "Blessed is he that readeth" (there are some who will not read; the blessing is not for them) "and they that hear" (there are some, also, who refuse to hear anything concerning the prophecies; the blessing is not for this class) "and keep those things that are written therein" (many refuse to heed the warnings and instructions contained in the Revelation). None of these can claim the blessing promised. All who ridicule the subjects of the prophecy, and mock at the symbols here solemnly given, all who refuse to reform their lives, and prepare for the coming of the Son of man, will be unblest.
In view of the testimony of Inspiration, how dare ministers teach that the Revelation is a mystery beyond the reach of human understanding? It is a mystery revealed, a book opened. The study of the Revelation directs the mind to the prophecies of Daniel, and both present most important instruction, given of God to men, concerning events to take place at the close of this world's history.
To John were opened scenes of deep and thrilling interest in the experience of the church. He saw the position, dangers, conflicts, and final deliverance of the people of God. He records the closing messages which are to ripen the harvest of the earth, either as sheaves for the heavenly garner or as fagots for the fires of the last day. Subjects of vast importance were revealed to him especially for the last church, that those who should turn from error to truth might be instructed concerning the perils and conflicts before them. None need be in darkness in regard to what is coming upon the earth.
Why, then, this wide-spread ignorance concerning an important part of Holy Writ? Why this general reluctance to investigate its teachings? It is the result of a studied effort of the prince of darkness to conceal from men that which reveals his deceptions. For this reason, Christ the Revelator, foreseeing the warfare that would be waged against the study of the Revelation, pronounced a blessing upon all who should read, hear, and observe the words of the prophecy. Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4, pages 210-212.
Lesson 1: March 30-April 5
'The dragon was wroth with the woman'
MEMORY VERSE: 'And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.' Revelation 12:11.
STUDY HELP: The Faith I Live By, page 291.
Introduction
'Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects, he has gained control of the apostate churches; but here is a little company that are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. As he influenced the heathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of earth to destroy the people of God. Their only hope is in the mercy of God; their only defence will be prayer.' The Faith I Live By, page 289.
'A great wonder'
What did John see first in this vision? Revelation 12:1-2. (Compare Malachi 4:2.)
NOTE: 'A woman [is] a figure which is used in the Bible as the symbol of a church, a virtuous woman representing a pure church, a vile woman an apostate church.' Great Controversy, page 381.
'The woman is pictured as being in glorious attire, "clothed with the sun". This represents the righteousness of Jesus Christ… The woman is standing on the moon which is represented as the church's foundation. The moon is an object that reflects the sun's light. What is it that reflects Jesus Christ and is the basis of the Christian Church? It is the Old Testament scriptures. They are a reflection of Christ. The crown denotes rulership and organisation. Twelve is consistently associated in scripture with church government.' [See 12 tribes, 12 judges, 2 times twelve courses of priests, 12 apostles. The final church consists of 12 times 12,000.] Cooke, War on God's Woman, pages 2-4.
What second figure was next revealed to John? Who is the dragon? Revelation 12:3, 9.
NOTE: 'The dragon is said to be Satan (Revelation 12:9); he it was that moved upon Herod to put the Saviour to death. But the chief agent of Satan in 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. Thus while the dragon, primarily, represents Satan, it is, in a secondary sense, a symbol of pagan Rome.' Great Controversy, page 438.
'And there was war in heaven'
What conflict was John shown in heaven? Revelation 12:7. Compare Isaiah 14:12-15.
NOTE: '[The] work of opposition to the law of God had its beginning in the courts of heaven, with Lucifer, the covering cherub. Satan determined to be first in the councils of heaven, and equal with God. He began his work of rebellion with the angels under his command, seeking to diffuse among them the spirit of discontent. And he worked in so deceptive a way that many of the angels were won to his allegiance before his purposes were fully known. Even the loyal angels could not fully discern his character, nor see to what his work was leading. When Satan had succeeded in winning many angels to his side, he took his cause to God, representing that it was the desire of the angels that he occupy the position that Christ held. The evil continued to work until the spirit of disaffection ripened into active revolt. Then there was war in heaven.' Second Advent Review & Sabbath Herald, January 28, 1909.
What was the outcome of the war in heaven? Revelation 12:8-9. Compare Revelation 12:4, first part.
NOTE: 'God in His wisdom did not use measures of force to suppress Satan's rebellion. Such measures would have aroused sympathy for Satan, strengthening his rebellion rather than lessening his power. If God had at the outset punished his rebellion, many more would have looked upon him as one who had been dealt with unjustly, and would have followed his example. It was necessary for him to have time and opportunity to develop his false principles. There was war in heaven, and the Prince of life overcame the apostate. Satan was cast out of heaven, with the angels who had united with him.' Signs of the Times, July 23, 1902.
'The casting down of Satan as an accuser of the brethren in heaven was accomplished by the great work of Christ in giving up His life. Notwithstanding Satan's persistent opposition, the plan of redemption was being carried out. Man was esteemed of sufficient value for Christ to sacrifice His life for him.' Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3, pages 194, 195.
What cry of triumph accompanied the dragon's fall from heaven and what warning was given to the earth? Revelation 12:10, 12.
NOTE: 'He who overcomes must watch; for, with worldly entanglements, error, and superstition, Satan strives to win Christ's followers from Him. It is not enough that we avoid glaring dangers and perilous, inconsistent moves. We are to keep close to the side of Christ, walking in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. We are in an enemy's country. He who was cast out of heaven has come down with great power. With every conceivable artifice and device he is seeking to take souls captive. Unless we are constantly on guard we shall fall an easy prey to his unnumbered deceptions. Warning, admonition, promise, all are for us, upon whom the ends of the world are come. "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Watch against the stealthy approach of the enemy, watch against old habits and natural inclinations, lest they assert themselves; force them back, and watch. Watch the thoughts, watch the plans, lest they become self-centred… If you draw close to Jesus and seek to adorn your profession by a well-ordered life and godly conversation, your feet will be kept from straying into forbidden paths. If you will only watch, continually watch unto prayer, if you will do everything as if you were in the immediate presence of God, you will be saved from yielding to temptation, and may hope to be kept pure, spotless, and undefiled till the last. If you hold the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end, your ways will be established in God; and what grace has begun, glory will crown in the kingdom of our God.' God's Amazing Grace, page 332.
'To devour her child'
What did the dragon plan to do with the Child? Revelation 12:4, last part.
NOTE: 'God's promise to Eve [Genesis 3:15] in Eden was cherished by His people. They waited long for the coming of the promised "Seed" - Christ. Galatians 3:16. The devil also waited, and at every turn he endeavoured to thwart the plan of heaven to save the world. Many times he almost succeeded… When Jesus was born the dragon was there to attack Him. Escape came by fleeing to Egypt. In the wilderness the dragon leaped to attack, only to be defeated by the word of God. Then all the black passions of hate were let loose at Golgotha. Betrayed and crucified, the world's Redeemer was at last buried in a rock-hewn tomb. How evil triumphed! But only for a few hours.' Anderson, Unfolding the Revelation, page 116.
Where was the Manchild taken to? Revelation 12:5
NOTE: 'He arose for our justification, and as King of righteousness He now ministers at the throne of grace. Hebrews 4:14, 8:1; Who can bring any accusation against the elect of God? As we are justified in Christ and vindicated by His power, nothing now can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:33-34.' Anderson, Unfolding the Revelation, page 116.
'The devil is come down among you'
When the dragon was no longer able to threaten the Manchild, to whom did he transfer his anger? Revelation 12:13.
NOTE: 'Undoubtedly the dragon primarily represents Satan. But Satan does not appear upon the earth in person; he works through agents. It was in the person of wicked men that he sought to destroy Jesus as soon as He was born. Wherever Satan has been able to control a government so fully that it would carry out his designs, that nation became, for the time, Satan's representative. This was the case with all the great heathen nations. For instance, see Ezekiel 28, where Satan is represented as actual king of Tyre. This was because he fully controlled that government. In the first centuries of the Christian era, Rome, of all the pagan nations, was Satan's chief agent in opposing the Gospel, and was therefore represented as the dragon.
But there came a time when paganism in the Roman Empire fell before the advancing form of Christianity. Then "paganism had given place to the Papacy. The dragon had given to the beast 'his power, and his eat, and great authority.'" That is, Satan then began to work through the Papacy, just as he had formerly worked through paganism. But the papacy is not represented by the dragon, because it is necessary to introduce another symbol [see Revelation 13:1-2] in order to show the change in the form of the opposition to God. Previous to the rise of the Papacy, all opposition to the law of God had been in the form of paganism; God had been openly defied; but from that time the opposition was carried on under the guise of professed allegiance to Him. The Papacy, however, was no less the instrument of Satan than was pagan Rome; for all the power, the seat, and the great authority of the papacy, were given it by the dragon. And so, although the pope professes to be the vicegerent of Christ, he is, in reality, the vicegerent of Satan, he is Antichrist,' Great Controversy, 1888 edition, appendix, pages 679-680.
How did God intervene to preserve the woman? Revelation 12:14. Compare Revelation 12:6.
NOTE: 'In the sixth century the papacy had become firmly established. Its seat of power was fixed in the imperial city, and the bishop of Rome was declared to be the head over the entire church. Paganism had given place to the papacy. The dragon had given to the beast "his power, and his seat, and great authority." Revelation 13:2. And now began the 1260 years of papal oppression foretold in the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation. Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5-7. Christians were forced to choose either to yield their integrity and accept the papal ceremonies and worship, or to wear away their lives in dungeons or suffer death by the rack, the fagot, or the headsman's axe. Now were fulfilled the words of Jesus: "Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake." Luke 21:16, 17. Persecution opened upon the faithful with greater fury than ever before, and the world became a vast battlefield. For hundreds of years the church of Christ found refuge in seclusion and obscurity. Thus says the prophet: "The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and three-score days." Revelation 12:6.' Great Controversy, page 54.
'The earth helped the woman'
How did the dragon try to destroy the woman? Revelation 12:15. Compare Isaiah 59:19, Jeremiah 46:7-8.
NOTE: 'The Holy Spirit uses this flooding to illustrate the rising up or overflowing of the church's enemies in an effort to destroy her. During the 1260 years of Papal supremacy, as a result of serpentine propaganda, "the waters [or people] on which the whore sits" (Revelation 17) rose up to sweep away the saints. Multitudes were inspired to mount crusades against the "heretics"… in an endeavour to sweep away God's people.' Cooke, War on God's Woman, pages 28-30.
How did God intervene to protect His church? Revelation 12:16.
NOTE: 'Six times in this chapter, the word "earth" is used. Other terms in this chapter, such as "the woman", "the mouth of the serpent", and "the flood", are symbolic. Should we understand the term "earth" to be symbolic also? Maybe it has a literal as well as a symbolic application. Did God employ the literal elements of the earth, the natural world, to deliver his saints from destruction during those dark years? Yes, He certainly did! He used the mountain fastnesses, the isolated valleys, deep forests, secret caves, cloud and mist, wind and tempest, water and floods to protest and deliver His people.' Cooke, War on God's Woman, pages 30-31.
'They overcame him'
How is the final remaining part of the church identified? Revelation 12:17.
NOTE: 'In the twelfth chapter of Revelation is represented the great conflict between the obedient and the disobedient. The sign of obedience is the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. The Sabbath is a test to this generation. In obeying the fourth commandment in spirit and truth, men will obey all the precepts of the Decalogue. To fulfil this commandment one must love God supremely, and exercise love toward all the creatures that He has made. The time is coming when God's people will feel the hand of persecution because they keep holy the seventh day. The man of sin, who thought to change times and laws, and who has always oppressed the people of God, will cause laws to be made enforcing the observance of the first day of the week. But God's people are to stand firm for Him. Let no one yield to temptation and become less fervent in his attachment to God's law because of the contempt placed upon it; for that is the very thing that should make us pray with all our heart, and soul, and voice, "It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void Thy law." Psalm 119:126. Therefore, because of the universal contempt, I will not turn traitor when God will be most glorified and most honoured by my loyalty.' The Faith I Live By, page 291.
What was the secret of the church's victory over the devil? Revelation 12:11.
NOTE: 'Some expect to overcome alone by the blood of the Lamb, without making any special effort of their own. I saw that God has been merciful in giving us the power of speech. He has given us a tongue, and we are accountable to Him for its use. We should glorify God with our mouth, speaking in honour of the truth and of His unbounded mercy, and overcome by the word of our testimony through the blood of the Lamb.' Early Writings, page 114.
Lesson 2: April 6-12
'If any man worship the beast and his image'
MEMORY VERSE: 'And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.' Revelation 14:9-10.
STUDY HELP: Great Controversy, pages 439-450.
Introduction
'Under the symbols of a great red dragon, a leopard-like beast, and a beast with lamblike horns, the earthly governments which would especially engage in trampling upon God's law and persecuting His people, were presented to John. The war is carried on till the close of time. The people of God, symbolised by a holy woman and her children, were represented as greatly in the minority. In the last days only a remnant still existed. Of these John speaks as they "which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."' Signs of the Times, November 1, 1899.
'The beast which I saw'
What new persecuting power did John see coming on the scene? Revelation 13:1.
NOTE: 'In chapter 13 (verses 1-10) is described another beast, "like unto a leopard," to which the dragon gave "his power, and his seat, and great authority." This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and authority once held by the ancient Roman Empire. Of the leopardlike beast it is declared: "There was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies. . . . And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." This prophecy, which is nearly identical with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy.' Great Controversy, page 439.
How did John describe the beast that he saw? Revelation 13:2.
NOTE: In Daniel 7, the prophet was shown four successive persecuting powers under the symbolism of monsters, a winged lion, representing Babylon; a deformed bear, representing Medo-Persia; a four-headed, four winged leopard, representing Greece; and a ten-horned beast representing Rome. The beast John saw resembled all these monsters. The papacy is idolatrous, as was Babylon (see Daniel 3). Medo-Persia claimed infallibility (see Daniel 6:8, 15) as does the papacy. Greek philosophers taught the immortality of the soul, a central teaching of the papacy, while Imperial Rome provided the seat and authority of the papacy.
'Here is wisdom'
What especially was John shown about the beast? Revelation 13:5-6. Compare Daniel 7:25, first part. See also Mark 2:7 & John 10:33.
NOTE: The Bible describes as blasphemy the practice of claiming to forgive sin. Roman Catholic priest Michael Muller expresses the papal doctrine thus: 'The priest not only declares that the sinner is forgiven, but he really forgives him; so great is the power of the priest, that the judgments of heaven itself are subject to his decision.' (The Catholic Priest, published by Kreuzer Bros., 1876) The Bible also describes as blasphemy the claim of a man to be God. The Catholic Encyclopaedia (Volume 6 page 48) quotes the following from Ferraris' Prompta Bibliotheca Canonica Juridica Moralis Theologica: 'The pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God… The Pope is as it were God on earth, sole sovereign of the faithful of Christ, chief king of kings.'
What further aspect of the beast's activities was John shown? Revelation 13:7. Compare Daniel 7:25.
NOTE: 'That the Church of Rome has shed more innocent blood than any other institution that has ever existed among mankind, will be questioned by no Protestant who has a competent knowledge of history. The memorials, indeed, of many of her persecutions are now so scanty, that it is impossible to form a complete conception of the multitude of her victims, and it is quite certain that no power of imagination can adequately realise their sufferings.' Dr W. E. H. Lecky, History of the Rise and Influence of the Spirit of Rationalism in Europe, Volume 2, page 32.
'From the birth of popery in 606 to the present time, it is estimated by careful and credible historians that more than fifty millions of the human family have been slaughtered by popish persecutors, an average of more than forty thousand religious murders for every year of the existence of Popery.' Dr J. Dowling, History of Romanism, pages 541-542.
What further identifying feature of the beast was John shown? Revelation 13:18.
NOTE: In the (Roman Catholic) Douai Bible, the following footnote is found under Revelation 13:18: '666. The numeral letters of his name shall make up this number.' In several ancient languages (e.g. Latin, Greek and Hebrew), no separate numerals existed and letters of the alphabet were given numerical values.
It has been known for four hundred years that the title 'Vicarivs Filii Dei' (Vicar or Deputy of the Son of God) has the numerical value of 666. At least six Roman Catholic authorities (Decretum of Gratian, founder of the system of Canon Law 1148-1582, Revised Edition of the 'Decretum' 1582-present, the Catholic Encyclopaedia Volume 6 page 48, Cardinal Manning in The Temporal Power of the Vicar of Christ, pages 231-232, Labbe in Sacrosanta concilia ad regiam editionem exacta, Volume 1 page 1534, and the Donation of Constantine (the forgery used by the papacy for centuries to establish its authority 'over all kindreds, tongues and nations') confirm this to be a title claimed by the pope. The pope is hailed by this title as the crown is placed on the his head at his coronation. The title means 'vicar of the Son of God.' A vicar is one who stands in for another, a deputy or substitute. The Greek word 'antichristos', used by John in 1 John 2:18 & 22, 1 John 4:3 and 2 John v.7, means one who stands in for Christ, a deputy or substitute for Christ, 'anti-' in Greek being a prefix meaning 'in place of'. Thus when the pope describes himself as Vicar of Christ, he is in effect claiming to be antichrist. Andreas Helwig of Friedland, who was the first to reach this conclusion, had already concluded from other passages that the papacy is referred to here. He showed that not only must the name or title yield the number 666; it must also agree with the other Bible evidence identifying the antichrist. It must not be a term of abuse applied by his enemies but must be a title acceptable to the antichrist and indeed one of which he can boast.
'Wounded to death'
At the end of the beast's period of power, what did John see happening to it? Revelation 13:3 & 10.
NOTE: '"Power was given unto him to continue forty and two months." And, says the prophet, "I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death." And again: "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword." The forty and two months are the same as the "time and times and the dividing of time," three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7, the time during which the papal power was to oppress God's people. This period… began with the supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity."' Great Controversy, page 439.
Was the wound in fact fatal to the beast? Revelation 13:3, last part.
NOTE: 'What was it that constituted the deadly wound? It was the stripping from the Papacy of its political power. The church continued as a religious body but the political element was destroyed.' Cooke, The Antichrist 666, page 22.
'The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, "his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." Paul states plainly that the "man of sin" will continue until the Second Advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of deception. And the Revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: "All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life." Revelation 13:8. In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honour paid to the Sunday institution that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church. Since the middle of the nineteenth century, students of prophecy in the United States have presented this testimony to the world. In the events now taking place is seen a rapid advance toward the fulfilment of the prediction.' Great Controversy, page 578.
What is world's reaction to the healing of the deadly wound? Revelation 13:3, last part & 8.
NOTE: 'The Papacy's revival and restoration has amazed the world. One hundred years ago, no Roman Catholic could hold public office in Great Britain or the United States. The Roman Catholic Church was an unpopular, hated and despised church. It was considered by millions to be unchristian, pagan, idolatrous, degrading, oppressive and even a curse to the community. Today, Roman Catholicism is looked upon in exactly the opposite light. It is an amazing reversal of public opinion.' Cooke, The Antichrist 666, page 23.
'And I beheld another beast'
As the first beast was being led away into captivity, what did John see? Revelation 13:11.
NOTE: 'There are very clear identification marks associated with the second beast and by these we can be sure as to who the power is:
It rises to power when the Papacy receives a deadly wound.
This power rises out of the earth, an area that is the opposite to the sea, from which the first beast arises. [Sea or waters represent peoples and nations. When troubled, they represent strife and warfare.]
It rises silently, like a plant growing out of the earth. This is the meaning of the Greek word 'anabaino' translated 'coming up'.
It is lamblike. This means that it is youthful, innocent, harmless and gentle.
It has two symbols of power (horns) that are lamblike. Christ is represented as the Lamb of God.
It ultimately possesses world-wide influence.
After the healing of the deadly wound, it enforces papal policy.
It promotes the formation of 'the image to the beast'.
It enforces obedience to 'the image to the beast.'
The form of enforcement is characterised by a particular mark, 'the mark of the beast'.
The only power that fulfills ([or will fulfill] these points in the United States of America.
(Condensed from Cooke, When Religious Persecution Returns, page 3.)
How does the second beast resemble the first? Revelation 13:12
NOTE: 'The prediction that it will speak "as a dragon" and exercise "all the power of the first beast" plainly foretells a development of the spirit of intolerance and persecution that was manifested by the nations represented by the dragon and the leopardlike beast. And the statement that the beast with two horns "causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast" indicates that the authority of this nation is to be exercised in enforcing some observance which shall be an act of homage to the papacy.' Great Controversy, page 442.
'Great wonders'
What means will be used to induce people to worship the first beast? Revelation 13:13.
NOTE: 'Some will be tempted to receive these wonders as from God. The sick will be healed before us. Miracles will be performed in our sight. Are we prepared for the trial which awaits us when the lying wonders of Satan shall be more fully exhibited? Will not many be ensnared and taken? By departing from the plain precepts and commandments of God and giving heed to fables, the minds of many are preparing to receive these lying wonders. We must all now seek to arm ourselves for the contest in which we must soon engage. Faith in God's word, prayerfully studied and practically applied, will be our shield from Satan's power and will bring us off conquerors through the blood of Christ.' Testimonies for the Church, volume I, page 302.
What is the purpose of these wonders and miracles? Revelation 13:14. Compare 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 & Revelation 16:13-14.
NOTE: 'Among the most successful agencies of the great deceiver are the delusive teachings and lying wonders of spiritualism. Disguised as an angel of light, he spreads his nets where least suspected. If men would but study the Book of God with earnest prayer that they might understand it, they would not be left in darkness to receive false doctrines. But as they reject the truth they fall a prey to deception… Many endeavour to account for spiritual manifestations by attributing them wholly to fraud and sleight of hand on the part of the medium. But while it is true that the results of trickery have often been palmed off as genuine manifestations, there have been, also, marked exhibitions of supernatural power… But none need be deceived by the lying claims of spiritualism. God has given the world sufficient light to enable them to discover the snare. As already shown, the theory which forms the very foundation of spiritualism is at war with the plainest statements of Scripture. The Bible declares that the dead know not anything, that their thoughts have perished; they have no part in anything that is done under the sun; they know nothing of the joys or sorrows of those who were dearest to them on earth.' Great Controversy, pages 524, 553 & 556.
'To receive a mark'
How will the worship of the beast and its image be enforced? Revelation 13:16-17.
NOTE: 'Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it through suffering. We must deny self all along the way, die to self daily, let Jesus alone appear, and keep His glory continually in view. I saw that those who of late have embraced the truth would have to know what it is to suffer for Christ's sake, that they would have trials to pass through that would be keen and cutting, in order that they may be purified and fitted through suffering to receive the seal of the living God, pass through the time of trouble, see the King in His beauty, and dwell in the presence of God and of pure, holy angels. As I saw what we must be in order to inherit glory, and then saw how much Jesus had suffered to obtain for us so rich an inheritance, I prayed that we might be baptised into Christ's sufferings, that we might not shrink at trials, but bear them with patience and joy, knowing what Jesus had suffered that we through His poverty and sufferings might be made rich. Said the angel, "Deny self; ye must step fast." Some of us have had time to get the truth and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and much to learn again. Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast.' Early Writings, page 67.
What threat will hang over those who refuse to conform to these laws? Revelation 13:15.
NOTE: 'When Jesus leaves the most holy, His restraining Spirit is withdrawn from rulers and people. They are left to the control of evil angels. Then such laws will be made by the counsel and direction of Satan, that unless time should be very short, no flesh could be saved. I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob's trouble. I saw the leading men of the earth consulting together, and Satan and his angels busy around them. I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time to put them to death. Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified, will endeavour to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of war. Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of Christ's patience. With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress and have heard their prayers. They are waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism.' Maranatha, page 268.
Lesson 3: April 13-19
'To every nation and kindred and tongue and people'
MEMORY VERSE: 'And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' Mark 16:15.
STUDY HELP: Testimonies Volume 5, pages 454-467.
Introduction
'I saw the mercy and goodness of God in sending a warning to the people of the earth, and repeated messages to lead them to a diligent searching of heart, and study of the Scriptures, that they might divest themselves of errors which have been handed down from the heathen and papists. Through these messages God has been bringing out His people where He can work for them in greater power, and where they can keep all His commandments.' Early Writings, page 250.
'The everlasting Gospel'
What vital message is to be proclaimed? Revelation 14:6.
NOTE: 'These three angels represent the people who accept the light of God's messages, and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Christ declared to His followers, "Ye are the light of the world." To every soul that accepts Jesus, the cross of Calvary speaks: Behold the worth of the soul. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." Nothing is to be permitted to hinder this work. It is the all-important work for this time, and it is to be far-reaching as eternity.' Signs of the Times, January 25, 1910.
'The fact that an angel is said to be the herald of this warning is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of the heavenly messenger, divine wisdom has been pleased to represent the exalted character of the work to be accomplished by the message and the power and glory that were to attend it. And the angel's flight "in the midst of heaven," the "loud voice" with which the warning is uttered, and its promulgation to all "that dwell on the earth," "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," give evidence of the rapidity and world-wide extent of the movement.' Great Controversy, page 355.
What is the Gospel? Romans 1:16.
NOTE: 'God is an overflowing fountain of efficiency and strength. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes. When this power is utilised, it will be found to be more than sufficient to meet the power of the enemy.' Signs of the Times, November 28, 1906.
'The truth for this time embraces the whole gospel. Rightly presented, it will work in man the very changes that will make evident the power of God's grace upon the heart. It will do a complete work and develop a complete man.' Counsels on Health, page 516.
He bore my soul's disgrace, that in His name I might be an overcomer, and be exalted to His throne. Tell of His power, sing of His matchless love. In every trial He will be near you, and will give grace and power according to your need.' Second Advent Review & Sabbath Herald, July 19, 1892.
To whom is this message to be proclaimed? Revelation 14:6, last part, Mark 16:15.
NOTE: 'Service to God includes personal ministry. By personal effort we are to co-operate with Him for the saving of the world. Christ's commission, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," is spoken to every one of His followers. (Mark 16:15.) All who are ordained unto the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. Their hearts will throb in unison with the heart of Christ. The same longing for souls that He has felt will be manifest in them. Not all can fill the same place in the work, but there is a place and a work for all.' Christ's Object Lessons, page 300.
'Fear God'
What is the first component of the first angel's message? Revelation 14:7, first part.
NOTE: 'The law of God is to be the means of education in the family. Parents are under a most solemn obligation to obey this law, setting their children an example of the strictest integrity. Men in responsible positions, whose influence is far-reaching, are to guard well their ways and works, keeping the fear of the Lord ever before them. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Psalm 111:10. Those who hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord and cheerfully keep His commandments will be among the number who see God. "The Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He hath commanded us." Deuteronomy 6:24, 25.' Counsels on Health, page 359.
What does it mean to fear God? Psalm 34:11-14. See also Ecclesiastes 12:13, Deuteronomy 6:2, 24, Deuteronomy 10:12.
NOTE: 'By the first angel, men are called upon to "fear God, and give glory to Him" and to worship Him as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In order to do this, they must obey His law. Says the wise man: "Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13. Without obedience to His commandments no worship can be pleasing to God. "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments." "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." 1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9.' Great Controversy, page 436.
'Give glory to Him'
What is the second component of the first angel's message? Revelation 14:7, next part.
NOTE: 'Oh, how much we have lost as a people by our lack of faith! We have suffered loss to our own souls, and have failed to reveal to others, by our words and in our character, what Christ is and will be to everyone who comes to Him believing. He is "made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." To give glory to God is to reveal His character in our own, and thus make Him known. And in whatever way we make known the Father or the Son, we glorify God.' Signs of the Times, October 17, 1892.
How did Christ glorify God? John 17:4. Compare John 14:9. See also John 15:8.
NOTE: 'The glory of the Father was revealed in the Son; Christ made manifest the character of the Father. He was so perfectly connected with God, so completely embraced in His encircling light, that he who had seen the Son, had seen the Father. His voice was as the voice of God. Mark Christ's prayer before His crucifixion: "And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was." Again He says, "I am in the Father, and the Father in me." "No man knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him." "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father."' Second Advent Review & Sabbath Herald. January 7, 1890.
'As Christ glorified the Father by the demonstration of His love, so the Spirit was to glorify Christ by revealing to the world the riches of His grace. The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honour of God, the honour of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.' Our High Calling, page 154.
'Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." Fruit-bearing, then, is the condition of discipleship. What is the fruit that is to be borne? Purity of character, unselfish deeds, Christlike words. Those who do not bear this fruit, those whose lives do not reveal the tenderness of Christ, are not accepted as representatives of God.' Australasian Union Conference Record, November 15, 1903.
'The hour of His judgement is come'
Why is this message so urgent? Revelation 14:7, middle part.
NOTE: 'The message itself sheds light as to the time when this movement is to take place. It is declared to be a part of the "everlasting gospel;" and it announces the opening of the judgement. The message of salvation has been preached in all ages; but this message is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days, for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come. The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment. This is especially true of the book of Daniel. But that part of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal "to the time of the end." Not till we reach this time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed, based on the fulfilment of these prophecies. But at the time of the end, says the prophet, "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel 12:4.' Great Controversy, page 355.
'The hour of God's judgment has come, and upon the members of His church on earth rests the solemn responsibility of giving warning to those who are standing as it were on the very brink of eternal ruin. All can do something in the work. None will be pronounced guiltless before God unless they have worked earnestly and unselfishly for the salvation of souls. Your duty cannot be shifted upon another. No one but yourself can do your work. If you withhold your light, someone must be left in darkness through your neglect. The Lord has a place for everyone in His great plan.' The Faith I Live By, page 290.
Who is the whole world called upon to worship? Revelation 14:7, last part. Compare Exodus 20:8-11.
NOTE: 'In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: . . . for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus 20:10, 11. Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is "a sign, . . . that ye may know that I am the Lord your God." Ezekiel 20:20. And the reason given is: "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed." Exodus 31:17. "The importance of the Sabbath as the memorial of creation is that it keeps ever present the true reason why worship is due to God" - because He is the Creator, and we are His creatures. "The Sabbath therefore lies at the very foundation of divine worship, for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive manner, and no other institution does this. The true ground of divine worship, not of that on the seventh merely, but of all worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures. This great fact can never become obsolete, and must never be forgotten." (J. N. Andrews, History of the Sabbath, chapter 27.) It was to keep this truth ever before the minds of men, that God instituted the Sabbath in Eden; and so long as the fact that He is our Creator continues to be a reason why we should worship Him, so long the Sabbath will continue as its sign and memorial. Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man's thoughts and affections would have been led to the Creator as the object of reverence and worship, and there would never have been an idolater, an atheist, or an infidel. The keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, "Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." It follows that the message which commands men to worship God and keep His commandments will especially call upon them to keep the fourth commandment.' Great Controversy, page 437.
'Babylon is fallen'
What proclamation is given by the second angel? Revelation 14:8.
NOTE: 'As the churches refused to receive the first angel's message, they rejected the light from heaven and fell from the favour of God. They trusted to their own strength, and by opposing the first message placed themselves where they could not see the light of the second angel's message. But the beloved of God, who were oppressed, accepted the message, "Babylon is fallen," and left the churches.' Early Writings, page 237.
How will this message be repeated before Christ returns? Revelation 18:1-4.
NOTE: 'Babylon is said to be "the mother of harlots." By her daughters must be symbolised churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world. The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt. Since this message follows the warning of the judgment, it must be given in the last days; therefore it cannot refer to the Roman Church alone, for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries. Furthermore, in the eighteenth chapter of the Revelation the people of God are called upon to come out of Babylon. According to this scripture, many of God's people must still be in Babylon. And in what religious bodies are the greater part of the followers of Christ now to be found? Without doubt, in the various churches professing the Protestant faith. At the time of their rise these churches took a noble stand for God and the truth, and His blessing was with them. Even the unbelieving world was constrained to acknowledge the beneficent results that followed an acceptance of the principles of the gospel. In the words of the prophet to Israel: "Thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through My comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God." But they fell by the same desire which was the curse and ruin of Israel, the desire of imitating the practices and courting the friendship of the ungodly. "Thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown." Ezekiel 16:14, 15.' Great Controversy, page 382.
'The wine of the wrath of her fornication'
Why has Babylon fallen? Revelation 14:8, last part.
NOTE: 'The great sin charged against Babylon is that she "made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." This cup of intoxication which she presents to the world represents the false doctrines that she has accepted as the result of her unlawful connection with the great ones of the earth. Friendship with the world corrupts her faith, and in her turn she exerts a corrupting influence upon the world by teaching doctrines which are opposed to the plainest statements of Holy Writ.' Great Controversy, page 388.
What does fornication symbolise? Ezekiel 16:26 & 29. Read this chapter and compare Jeremiah 3:6-10.
NOTE: 'In the Bible the sacred and enduring character 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 by a solemn covenant, He promising to be their God, and they pledging themselves to be His and His alone. He declares: "I will betroth thee unto Me forever; yea, I will betroth thee unto Me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving-kindness, and in mercies." Hosea 2:19. And, again: "I am married unto you." Jeremiah 3:14. And Paul employs the same figure in the New Testament when he says: "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:2. The unfaithfulness of the church to Christ in permitting her confidence and affection to be turned from Him, and allowing the love of worldly things to occupy the soul, is likened to the violation of the marriage vow. The sin of Israel in departing from the Lord is presented under this figure; and the wonderful love of God which they thus despised is touchingly portrayed: "I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest Mine." "And thou wast exceeding beautiful and thou didst prosper into a kingdom. And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through My comeliness, which I had put upon thee. . . . But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown." "As a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord;" "as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband!" Ezekiel 16:8, 13-15, 32; Jeremiah 3:20. In the New Testament, language very similar is addressed to professed Christians who seek the friendship of the world above the favour of God. Says the apostle James: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."' Great Controversy, page 382.
Lesson 4: April 20-26
'Here are they'
MEMORY VERSE: 'Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' Revelation 14:12.
STUDY HELP: Early Writings, pages 277-282.
Introduction
'The theme of greatest importance is the third angel's message, embracing the messages of the first and second angels. All should understand the truths contained in these messages and demonstrate them in daily life, for this is essential to salvation. We shall have to study earnestly, prayerfully, in order to understand these grand truths; and our power to learn and comprehend will be taxed to the utmost.' Evangelism, page 196.
'If any man worship the beast and his image'
What solemn warning is to be proclaimed to the world? Revelation 14:9-11.
NOTE: 'With the issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall trample upon God's law to obey a human enactment receives the mark of the beast; he accepts the sign of allegiance to the power which he chooses to obey instead of God. The warning from heaven is: "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation." Revelation 14:9, 10. But not one is made to suffer the wrath of God until the truth has been brought home to his mind and conscience, and has been rejected. There are many who have never had an opportunity to hear the special truths for this time. The obligation of the fourth commandment has never been set before them in its true light. He who reads every heart and tries every motive will leave none who desire a knowledge of the truth, to be deceived as to the issues of the controversy. The decree is not to be urged upon the people blindly. Everyone is to have sufficient light to make his decision intelligently.' Great Controversy, pages 604-605.
How will the worship of the beast and his image be enforced? Revelation 13:15-17.
NOTE: 'The beast with two horns "causeth [commands] all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." Revelation 13:16, 17. The third angel's warning is: "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God." "The beast" mentioned in this message, whose worship is enforced by the two-horned beast, is the first, or leopardlike beast of Revelation 13, the papacy. The "image to the beast" represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas… After the warning against the worship of the beast and his image the prophecy declares: "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Since those who keep God's commandments are thus placed in contrast with those that worship the beast and his image and receive his mark, it follows that the keeping of God's law, on the one hand, and its violation, on the other, will make the distinction between the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast.' Great Controversy, page 445.
'The wine of the wrath of God'
What fate awaits those who worship the beast and his image? Revelation 14:10.
NOTE: 'The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel's message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of God's judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, and have opportunity to escape them. In the issue of the great contest, two distinct, opposite classes are developed. One class "worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark," and thus bring upon themselves the awful judgments threatened by the third angel. The other class, in marked contrast to the world, "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:9, 12.' The Story of Redemption, page 383.
What is the wine of the wrath of God? Revelation 15:1. Read the whole of Revelation 16.
NOTE: 'When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark, will be poured out. The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel, were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God's people. Says the Revelator, in describing those terrific scourges: "There fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image." The sea "became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea." And "the rivers and fountains of waters . . . became blood." Rev. 16:2-4. Terrible as these inflictions are, God's justice stands fully vindicated. These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy.' The Faith I Live By, page 340.
'I will keep thee'
What promise of protection has God made during the time of the plagues? Revelation 3:10.
NOTE: 'In the time of trial just before us, God's pledge of security will be placed upon those who have kept the word of his patience. If you have complied with the conditions of God's word, Christ will be to you a refuge from the storm. He will say to his faithful ones: "Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast." The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejecters of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of cloud will speak terror and wrath to the transgressor of God's law, but light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The Arm, strong to smite the rebellious, will be strong to deliver the loyal. Every faithful one will surely be gathered. "He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."' Home Missionary, November 1, 1893.
Who will be able to claim the promise of protection? Psalm 91:9-11. Read this whole psalm.
NOTE: 'Many do not realise what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary, through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully. I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful, and were looking to the time of "refreshing" and the "latter rain" to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord, and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation, therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets, and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father.' Christian Experience & Teachings, page 112.
'He who walked with the Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace will be with His followers wherever they are. His abiding presence will comfort and sustain. In the midst of the time of trouble, trouble such as has not been since there was a nation, His chosen ones will stand unmoved. Satan with all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of God's saints. Angels that excel in strength will protect them, and in their behalf Jehovah will reveal Himself as a "God of gods," able to save to the uttermost those who have put their trust in Him.' Conflict & Courage, page 252.
'They that keep the commandments of God'
How are the saints contrasted with those that receive the mark of the beast? Revelation 14:12.
NOTE: 'This symbol [the beast], as most Protestants have believed, represents the Papacy. The "image to the beast" represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas. As the sign of the authority of the Catholic Church, papist writers cite "the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday." What then is the change of the Sabbath, but the sign, or mark, of the authority of the Roman Church, "the mark of the beast"? Sunday-keeping is not yet the mark of the beast, and will not be until the decree goes forth causing men to worship this idol sabbath. And it is not until the issue is plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive "the mark of the beast." When God sends to men warnings so important that they are represented as proclaimed by holy angels flying in the midst of heaven, He requires every person endowed with reasoning powers to heed the message.' The Faith I Live By, page 286.
What is 'the faith of Jesus'? John 12:49-50. Compare John 11:41-42.
NOTE: 'If we have constant dependence on the merits of our Saviour, and walk in His footsteps, we shall be like Him, pure and undefiled. Our Saviour does not require impossibilities of any soul. He expects nothing of His disciples that He is not willing to give them grace and strength to perform. He would not call upon them to be perfect if He had not at His command every perfection of grace to bestow on the ones upon whom He would confer so high and holy a privilege. Our work is to strive to attain in our sphere of action the perfection that Christ in His life on the earth attained in every phase of character. He is our example. In all things we are to strive to honour God in character. We are to be wholly dependent on the power that He has promised to give us. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.' God's Amazing Grace, page 230.
What special blessing is for those who lay down their lives rather than receive the mark of the beast? Revelation 14:13.
NOTE: 'Many will be laid away to sleep in Jesus before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world. This is another reason why we should say after our earnest petition, "Nevertheless, not my will, but Thine, O Lord, be done." Such a petition will never be registered in heaven as a faithless prayer. The Apostle was bidden to write: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." From this we can see that every one is not to be judged as unworthy of eternal life. If Jesus, the world's Redeemer, prayed, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me," and then added, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt," how very appropriate is it for poor, finite mortals to make surrender to the wisdom and will of God.' Spalding-Magan Collection, page 6.
'One like unto the Son of man'
Whom did John next see in his vision? Revelation 14:14.
NOTE: 'Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror. Not now a "Man of Sorrows," to drink the bitter cup of shame and woe, He comes, victor in heaven and earth, to judge the living and the dead. "Faithful and True," "in righteousness He doth judge and make war." And "the armies which were in heaven" (Revelation 19:11, 14) follow Him. With anthems of celestial melody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng, attend Him on His way. The firmament seems filled with radiant forms, "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands." No human pen can portray the scene; no mortal mind is adequate to conceive its splendour. "His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. And His brightness was as the light." Habakkuk 3:3,4. As the living cloud comes still nearer, every eye beholds the Prince of life. No crown of thorns now mars that sacred head; but a diadem of glory rests on His holy brow. His countenance outshines the dazzling brightness of the noonday sun. "And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords." Revelation 19:16.' Great Controversy, page 640.
What command comes from the temple in heaven? Revelation 14:15-16.
NOTE: '"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." Galatians 5:22, 23. This fruit can never perish, but will produce after its kind a harvest unto eternal life. "When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come." Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain.' Christ's Object Lessons, page 69.
'Her grapes are fully ripe'
What other harvest will also be ripe when Christ returns? Revelation 14:17-18.
NOTE: 'The point is fast being reached when the iniquity of transgressors will be to the full. God gives nations a certain time of probation. He sends light and evidence, that, if received, will save them, but if refused as the Jews refused light, indignation and punishment will fall upon them. If men refuse to be benefited, and choose darkness rather than light, they will reap the results of their choice. "Behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain." The professed Christian world is advancing, as did the Jewish nation, from one degree of sinfulness to a greater degree, refusing warning after warning, and rejecting a Thus saith the Lord, while crediting the fables of men. The Lord God will soon arise in His wrath, and pour out His judgments upon those who are repeating the sins of the inhabitants of the Noachic world. Those whose hearts are fully set in them to do evil, as were the hearts of the inhabitants of Sodom, will like them be destroyed. The fact that God had long forbearance, patience and mercy, the fact that His judgments have been long delayed, will not make the punishment any less severe when it does come.' SDA Bible Commentary Volume 4, page 1143.
How is this harvest pictured? Revelation 14:19-20.
NOTE: 'When the storm of God's wrath breaks upon the world, it will be a terrible revelation for souls to find that their house is being swept away because it is built upon the sand. Let the warning be given them before it is too late. We should now feel the responsibility of labouring with intense earnestness to impart to others the truths that God has given for this time. We cannot be too much in earnest. The heart of God is moved. Souls are very precious in His sight. It was for this world that Christ wept in agony; for this world He was crucified. God gave His only-begotten Son to save sinners, and He desires us to love others as He has loved us. He desires to see those who have a knowledge of the truth imparting this knowledge to their fellow men. Now is the time for the last warning to be given. There is a special power in the presentation of the truth at the present time; but how long will it continue? Only a little while. If there was ever a crisis, it is now. All are now deciding their eternal destiny. Men need to be aroused to realize the solemnity of the time, the nearness of the day when human probation shall be ended. Decided efforts should be made to bring the message for this time prominently before the people. The third angel is to go forth with great power. Let none ignore this work or treat it as of little importance. The light we have received upon the third angel's message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard to this matter is yet understood, nor will it be understood until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be accomplished in our world. The Lord's command to His servants is: "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Isaiah 58:1.' Testimonies Volume 6, pages 16-17.
Lesson 5: April 27-May 3
'Them that had gotten the victory'
MEMORY VERSE: 'And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.' Revelation 14:5.
STUDY HELP: Great Controversy, pages 648-652.
Introduction
'The law of God, which is perfect holiness, is the only true standard of character. Love is expressed in obedience, and perfect love casteth out all fear. Those who love God, have the seal of God in their foreheads, and work the works of God. Would that all who profess Christianity knew what it means to love God practically. They would have some realisation of the infinite holiness of God, knowing that He is high and lifted up, and the train of His glory fills the temple. They would have a powerful influence upon the life and character of those around them, which would work as leaven amid the mass of humanity, transforming others through the power of Jesus Christ.' Sons & Daughters of God, page 51.
'An hundred and forty and four thousand'
How is the final victory of the hundred and forty-four thousand pictured? Revelation 14:1.
NOTE: 'Christ's true disciples follow Him through sore conflicts, enduring self-denial and experiencing bitter disappointment; but this teaches them the guilt and woe of sin, and they are led to look upon it with abhorrence. Partakers of Christ's sufferings, they are destined to be partakers of His glory. In holy vision the prophet saw the ultimate triumph of God's remnant church.' Acts of the Apostles, page 590.
Who are these people? Revelation 7:3-4, 13-14.
NOTE: 'With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, "having the harps of God," they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men. These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as "the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb." Revelation 15:2, 3; 14:1-5. "These are they which came out of great tribulation;" they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments.' Great Controversy, page 648.
'Without fault'
What is said about the experience of the 144,000? Revelation 14:4, first part. Contrast Revelation 2:20.
NOTE: 'A woman is in Scripture the symbol of a church, a virtuous woman representing a pure church, a corrupt woman an apostate church. It is, then, a characteristic of this company that at the time of their deliverance they are not defiled with, or have no connection with, the fallen churches. Yet we are not to understand that they never had any connection with these churches; for it is only at a certain time that people become defiled by them. In chapter 18:4, we find a call issued to the people of God while they are in Babylon to come out, lest they become partakers of her sins. Heeding that call, and leaving her connection, they escape the defilement of her sins. So of the 144,000; though some of them may once have had a connection with corrupt churches, they sever that connection when it would become sin to retain it longer.' Smith, Daniel & the Revelation, page 548.
What is said of the character of the 144,000? Revelation 14:5. Compare Jude verses 24-25, Psalm 32:2.
NOTE: 'I address the people of God who today are holding fast their confidence, who will not depart from the faith once delivered unto the saints, who stand amid the moral darkness of these days of corruption. The word of the Lord to you is: "I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people." Can we not here see the paternal love of God expressed to those who hold fast to the faith in righteousness? The closest relationship exists between God and His people. Not only are we objects of His sparing mercy, His pardoning love; we are more than this. The Lord rejoices over His people. He delights in them. He is their surety. He will beautify all who are serving Him with a whole heart with the spirit of holiness. He clothes them with righteousness. He loves those who do His will, who express His image. All who are true and faithful are conformed to the image of His Son. In their mouth is found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God.' Testimonies to Ministers, page 414.
'A new song'
How is the music of the 144,000 described? Revelation 14:2-3.
NOTE: 'They sing "a new song" before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb, a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song, for it is the song of their experience, an experience such as no other company have ever had.' Last Day Events, page 268.
What is the song that they sing? Revelation 15:3-4.
NOTE: 'The prophet of Patmos beholds the white-robed multitude that "have gotten the victory," standing on the "sea of glass mingled with fire," having "the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb" (Revelation 15:2, 3). "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake" (Psalm 115:1). Such was the spirit that pervaded Israel's song of deliverance, and it is the spirit that should dwell in the hearts of all who love and fear God. In freeing our souls from the bondage of sin, God has wrought for us a deliverance greater than that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. The daily blessings that we receive from the hand of God, and above all else the death of Jesus to bring happiness and heaven within our reach, should be a theme for constant gratitude. What compassion, what matchless love, has God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting us with Himself, to be to Him a peculiar treasure! We should praise God for the blessed hope held out before us in the great plan of redemption, we should praise Him for the heavenly inheritance and for His rich promises; praise Him that Jesus lives to intercede for us.' God's Amazing Grace, page 352.
'The song of Moses'
What was the song of Moses? Exodus 15:1-2, 6, 11-13, 18.
NOTE: 'This song and the great deliverance which it commemorates made an impression never to be effaced from the memory of the Hebrew people. From age to age it was echoed by the prophets and singers of Israel, testifying that Jehovah is the strength and deliverance of those who trust in Him. That song does not belong to the Jewish people alone. It points forward to the destruction of all the foes of righteousness, and the final victory of the Israel of God.' God's Amazing Grace, page 352.
What is the song of the Lamb? Revelation 5:12-13.
NOTE: ''The power of an ever-abiding Saviour is greater now than ever before, because the emergencies are greater; and yet we are weak in spiritual life and experience. Oh, how much we have lost as a people by our lack of faith! We have suffered loss to our own souls, and have failed to reveal to others, by our words and in our character, what Christ is and will be to everyone who comes to Him believing. He is "made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." To give glory to God is to reveal His character in our own, and thus make Him known. And in whatever way we make known the Father or the Son, we glorify God. ST.1892-10-17.004 False views of God, and hence of Christ, are largely entertained to-day. Well may we offer the prayer of Moses, "Show me Thy glory." What did the Lord answer? "I will make all My goodness pass before thee." God might have answered Moses: "Why do you ask this question? Have I not revealed to you My glory in the deliverance of My people from Egyptian bondage? Did I not deliver you by the right arm of My power, and lead you dry shod through the midst of the Red Sea? Did I not reveal My glory in giving you bread from heaven? Did I not bring you water out of the flinty rock? Have you not looked upon My glory in the pillar of fire by night, and the cloud by day?" Moses might have answered that all this only kindled his desire for greater manifestations of God's power. The Lord granted the prayer of Moses, and He desires to answer us in the same way. We need to have our perceptions quickened, our hearts enlarged, that we may comprehend His glory, His goodness, His forgiveness, His forbearance, His inexpressible love.' Signs of the Times, October 17, 1892.
'Whithersoever He goeth'
What reward awaits the 144,000? Revelation 14:4, middle part.
NOTE: 'The Lord has a people on the earth, who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. He has His thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Such will stand with Him on Mount Zion. But they must stand on this earth, girded with the whole armour, ready to engage in the work of saving those who are ready to perish. We need not wait till we are translated to follow Christ. God's people may do this here below. We shall follow the Lamb of God in the courts above only if we follow Him here. We are not to follow Christ fitfully or capriciously, only when it is for our advantage. We must choose to follow Him. In daily life we must follow His example, as a flock trustfully follows its shepherd. We are to follow Him by suffering for His sake, saying at every step, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15). His life practice must be our life practice. And as we thus seek to be like Him and to bring our wills into conformity to His will we shall reveal Him.' In Heavenly Places, page 298.
Why are they rewarded thus? Revelation 15:2.
NOTE: 'When Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honour popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshipping the beast and his image. As men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority, and honour in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome, "the mark of the beast." And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive "the mark of the beast." The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel's message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy. Men are not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter; the warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of God's judgments, that all may know why they are to be inflicted, and have opportunity to escape them. Prophecy declares that the first angel would make his announcement to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." The warning of the third angel, which forms a part of the same threefold message, is to be no less widespread. It is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice, by an angel flying in the midst of heaven; and it will command the attention of the world. In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great classes, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond" (Revelation 13:16), to receive "the mark of the beast," yet the people of God will not receive it.' Great Controversy, pages 449-450.
'Written in their foreheads'
What mark of divine approval distinguishes these people? Revelation 14:1.
NOTE: 'In this world their minds were consecrated to God; they served Him with the intellect and with the heart; and now He can place His name "in their foreheads."' Acts of the Apostles, page 591.
'Are we striving with all our power to attain to the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for His fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us, the perfection of His character? When the Lord's people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare, "It is finished."' God's Amazing Grace, page 216.
How is this described elsewhere in the Bible? Revelation 7:3.
NOTE: 'It is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved.' The Faith I Live By, page 287.
'What are you doing in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mould and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth, these are receiving the heavenly mould and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. [See Revelation 22:11.] Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God, candidates for heaven. Every individual soul, if he would receive the seal of the living God, must hear the Word of the Lord, and do it with exactitude. There must be no such thing as haphazard religion if men would have a place in the family of God. Now is the time, while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make our calling and election sure.' The Faith I Live By, page 288.
Lesson 6: May 4-10
'The wrath of God'
MEMORY VERSE: 'Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.' Psalm 91:9-10.
STUDY HELP: Last Day Events, pages 238-251.
Introduction
'When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark, will be poured out. The plagues upon Egypt, when God was about to deliver Israel, were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God's people.' The Faith I Live By, page 340.
'The temple was filled with smoke'
What is the wrath of God? Revelation 14:9-10, Revelation 15:1. Compare v.7 and Revelation 16:1.
NOTE: 'I saw that Jesus would not leave the most holy place until every case was decided either for salvation or destruction, and that the wrath of God could not come until Jesus had finished His work in the most holy place, laid off His priestly attire, and clothed Himself with the garments of vengeance. Then Jesus will step out from between the Father and man, and God will keep silence no longer, but pour out His wrath on those who have rejected His truth. I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of God, and the time to judge the dead were separate and distinct, one following the other, also that Michael had not stood up, and that the time of trouble, such as never was, had not yet commenced. The nations are now getting angry, but when our High Priest has finished His work in the sanctuary, He will stand up, put on the garments of vengeance, and then the seven last plagues will be poured out. I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues.' Early Writings, page 36.
What scene did John behold in the heavenly sanctuary? Revelation 15:5-7. Compare Revelation 11:19.
NOTE: 'The Ark was called "the Ark of the Testimony" for it contained the tables of Testimony or the Ten Commandments. [Exodus 31:18] The plague angels came from before the Ten Commandments. It is because these eternal principles have been broken that the plagues fall on the commandment-breakers.' Burnside, Revelation's Wonders Unfolded, page 181.
After the seven angels had left the temple and received the vials of God's wrath, what did John see about the temple? Revelation 15:8. (But see also Matthew 28:20, last part.)
NOTE: 'Currently there is a Man in the temple, "the Man Christ Jesus," the "one mediator between God and men." (2 Timothy 2:5) When the plagues commence, no one stands between guilty men and an offended God. Christ's intercession has ceased. Likewise the Holy Spirit, our spiritual intercessor on earth, is withdrawn from the earth… Thus at the close of probation, the divine restraint will be withdrawn from men and the race will be under Satan's complete control.' Cooke, God's Strange Act, page 5.
'Go and pour out the vials'
What command then came from the heavenly temple? Revelation 16:1.
NOTE: 'The words will soon be spoken, "Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth." These heavenly beings, in executing the mandate of God, ask no questions, but do as they are bid. Jehovah of hosts, the Lord God Almighty, the just, the true, and the holy, has given them their work to do. With unswerving fidelity they go forth panoplied in pure white linen, having their breasts girded with golden girdles. And when their task is done, when the last vial of God's wrath is poured out, they return and lay their emptied vials at the feet of the Lord.' Testimonies to Ministers, page 432.
What will be the first of these plagues to fall on sinful mankind? Revelation 16:2. Compare Job 2:7-8, 12-13.
NOTE: 'These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy. The bolts of God's wrath are soon to fall, and when He shall begin to punish the transgressors, there will be no period of respite until the end. The storm of God's wrath is gathering, and those only will stand who are sanctified through the truth in the love of God. They shall be hid with Christ in God till the desolation shall be overpast.' Maranatha, page 267.
'Thou art righteous'
What second and third plagues follow? Revelation 16:3-4. Compare Exodus 7:17-18, 20-21.
NOTE: 'When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark (Revelation 14:9, 10), will be poured out. The plagues upon Egypt when God w