Lesson 2: April 3-9
‘ We know that it is the last time’ 1 John 2:18

MEMORY VERSE: ‘Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.’ 1 John 2:18.
STUDY HELP: Maranatha, page 64.
LESSON AIM: To consider how Christians may know that this is the last time.

Introduction

‘These deceivers will come, and, while claiming to be doing a special work for God, while professing to have advanced piety, to be sanctified, to see visions, and to have dreams, they will be doing the work of the enemy, and be found breaking the commandments of God. We should be on our guard, and bring these pretenders to the test; “to the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Shall we take heed to the solemn warnings of Christ, of Paul, and of John upon this point, and not be deceived by the subtle devices of the enemy, for Christ has said that the signs and wonders wrought by these deceivers will be so great that if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect.’ Signs of the Times, July 4, 1895.

‘And shall deceive many’

Against what did Jesus warn His people in the last days? Matthew 24:24. See also verses 4-5, 11.
NOTE: ‘In these days of peril we are not to accept everything that men bring to us as truth. As professed teachers from God come to us declaring that they have a message from God, it is proper to inquire carefully, How do we know that this is truth? Jesus has told us that “false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). But we need not be deceived; for the Word of God gives us a test whereby we may know what is truth. The prophet says, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). From this statement it is evident that it becomes us to be diligent Bible students, that we may know what is according to the law and the testimony. We are safe in no other course of action.’ Selected Messages, volume 2, page 99.

What test did Jesus give to distinguish between false prophets and true? Matthew 7:15-20.
NOTE: ‘The preacher who bears the sacred truth for these last days must… by his life of practical godliness, plainly mark the distinction existing between the false and the true shepherd. The Good Shepherd came to seek and to save that which was lost. He has manifested in His works His love for His sheep. All the shepherds who work under the Chief Shepherd will possess His characteristics; they will be meek and lowly of heart. Childlike faith brings rest to the soul and also works by love and is ever interested for others. If the Spirit of Christ dwells in them, they will be Christlike and do the works of Christ. Many who profess to be the ministers of Christ have mistaken their master. They claim to be serving Christ and are not aware that it is Satan’s banner under which they are rallying. They may be worldly wise and eager for strife and vainglory, making a show of doing a great work; but God has no use for them. The motives which prompt to action give character to the work. Although men may not discern the deficiency, God marks it.’ Testimonies, volume 4, page 377.

What test was given by the prophet Isaiah to distinguish those inspired by evil spirits from true prophets? Isaiah 8:20.
NOTE: ‘In these days of delusion, every one who is established in the truth will have to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Every variety of error will be brought out in the mysterious working of Satan, which would, if it were possible, deceive the very elect, and turn them from the truth. There will be false dreams and false visions, which have some truth, but lead away from the original faith. The Lord has given men a rule by which to detect them: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” If they belittle the law of God, if they pay no heed to His will as revealed in the testimonies of His Spirit, they are deceivers. They are controlled by impulse and impressions which they believe to be from the Holy Spirit and consider more reliable than the Inspired Word. They claim that every thought and feeling is an impression of the Spirit; and when they are reasoned with out of the Scriptures, they declare that they have something more reliable. But while they think that they are led by the Spirit of God, they are in reality following an imagination wrought upon by Satan.’ SDA Bible Commentary, volume 7, page 952.

‘Try the spirits’

What particular teaching will be given by false prophets? 1 John 4:1-3.
NOTE: So that Christ might be the Intercessor between God and man, it was essential that He should be both fully God, and fully human. Throughout the history of the Christian Church, there have been those who deny one or other of these vital truths. Groups like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Christadelphians and others deny the full deity of Christ. But far more common are those groups and churches which deny His full humanity. Perhaps the commonest manifestation of this teaching is the idea that Jesus did not inherit through Mary the humanity of those He came to save, but was a new creation with a nature identical to Adam at his creation. This denial of Christ’s humanity is characteristic of the spirit which inspires antichrist.
‘ Adam was tempted by the enemy, and he fell. It was not indwelling sin which caused him to yield; for God made him pure and upright, in His own image. He was as faultless as the angels before the throne. There were in him no corrupt principles, no tendencies to evil. But when Christ came to meet the temptations of Satan, He bore “the likeness of sinful flesh.” In the wilderness, weakened physically by a fast of forty days, He met the adversary. His dignity was questioned, His authority disputed, His allegiance to His Father assailed by the fallen foe… Christ lived a human life that He might be man’s example in all things. He endured temptation even as every human being must endure. He believed God as we must believe. He learned obedience even as we are required to learn obedience. And He overcame as we must overcome. His path lay through manifold temptations; therefore He knows how to succour those who are tempted.’ Signs of the Times, October 17, 1900.

How completely did Jesus take upon Himself the humanity of those He came to save? Hebrews 2:17-18. Compare Romans 8:3-4.
NOTE: ‘We marvel at the Saviour’s sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man’s nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.’ Desire of Ages, page 48.

‘According to the flesh’

How did Paul emphasise Christ’s human ancestry? Romans 1:3.
NOTE: ‘The doctrine of the incarnation of Christ in human flesh is a mystery, “even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations.” It is the great and profound mystery of godliness. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” Christ took upon Himself human nature, a nature inferior to His heavenly nature. Nothing so shows the wonderful condescension of God as this. He “so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” John presents this wonderful subject with such simplicity that all may grasp the ideas set forth, and be enlightened. Christ did not make-believe take human nature; He did verily take it. He did in reality possess human nature. “As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same.” He was the son of Mary; He was of the seed of David according to human descent. He is declared to be a man, even the Man Christ Jesus.’ Lift Him Up, page 74.

How did Paul reveal the spiritual growth of Jesus in His earthly life? Hebrews 5:8-9.
NOTE: ‘It was not only on the cross that Christ gave Himself for humanity, not only in the wilderness of temptation and in Gethsemane that He overcame in our behalf. Every day’s experience was an outpouring of His life; every day he learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And because the life of Jesus was a life of perfect trust His service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. He met and resisted all the temptations that man must meet because in his humanity he relied upon divine power. The life of Christ reveals what every youth may accomplish through His grace. As the enemy worked to overcome the Saviour, so he works against God’s children today. There will come to you, as there came to Christ times of special difficulty and need. But in every trial and difficulty know that Christ has passed this way before you. And He who came forth from the most severe test without one stain of sin, stands ready to strengthen all who struggle with Him against the powers of evil. He understands every difficulty. He waits to hear and answer prayer.’ Columbia Union Visitor, October 2, 1912.

‘Believe it not’

What other false teaching will be common in the last days? Matthew 24:23, 26.
NOTE: Perhaps the most commonly accepted belief about the Second Coming among Christians today is the Rapture, formerly known as ‘the Secret Rapture.’ This teaching, that Christ will return secretly to snatch His church out of the world, arose in the early 19th century from a study of the writings of Jesuits Francisco Ribera and Manuel de Lacunza. The departure of the church would leave the world open to the influence of an evil individual called Antichrist who would dominate the world during the seven years that are said to elapse between the Rapture and the Glorious Appearing. Individuals and groups endorsing these teachings include: Cardinal Newman, John Nelson Darby, founder of the Exclusive Brethren, the Moody Bible Institute, Cyrus Ingerson Scofield of the Scofield Bible, the Dallas Theological Seminary, Hal Lindsay, writer of The Late Great Planet Earth, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, writers of the best-selling Left Behind novels, and Henry Morris, co-author of The Genesis Flood and leading figure in the Creation Science movement.

How did the Apostle Paul describe the return of Christ for His people? 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
NOTE: In this verse Paul speaks of the shout from the voice of the Archangel when ‘the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven. No one acting in secret would shout! But this shout is accompanied by the sound of a trumpet. Trumpets were traditionally regarded as loud instruments and were used to arouse people, to warn and to relay commands in the tumult of battle. A secret return would not employ a trumpet. Far from describing a secret and silent event, Paul depicts what will perhaps be the noisiest event in human history.

How did Jesus describe His return? Matthew 24:27, 30.
NOTE: ‘Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures, and who have received the love of the truth, will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. The Saviour has warned His people, and has clearly foretold the manner of His second coming. “There shall arise false christs. . . . Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:24-27. This coming, there is no possibility of counterfeiting. It will be universally known, witnessed by the whole world.’ The Faith I Live By, page 346.

‘Having a form of godliness’

What developments in the churches show that we are in the last days? 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
NOTE: ‘They do not know God. They have not studied His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. Their service to God degenerates into a form. “They come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as My people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.” Ezekiel 33:31. The apostle Paul points out that this will be the special characteristic of those who live just before Christ’s second coming. He says, “In the last days perilous times shall come: for men shall be lovers of their own selves; . . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, page 411.

What did Jesus foretell that such ‘Christians’ will do? John 16:2-3. Compare Revelation 13:15.
NOTE: ‘As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbath-keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.’ Maranatha, page 196.

‘Be ye also ready’

In view of the nearness of Christ’s coming, what question does Peter ask? 2 Peter 3:11.
NOTE: ‘It is essential that all shall know what atmosphere surrounds their own souls, whether they are in co-partnership with the enemy of righteousness, and unconsciously doing his work, or whether they are yoked up with Christ, doing His work. Satan would be pleased to have anyone and everyone become his allies in the work of weakening the confidence of brother in brother, and sowing discord among those who profess to believe the truth. Satan can accomplish his purpose most successfully through professed friends of Christ who are not walking and working in Christ’s lines. This is the day of the Lord’s preparation. We have no time now to talk unbelief or to do the devil’s work. Let everyone beware of unsettling the faith of others by sowing seeds of envy, jealousy, disunion; for God hears the words, and He judges, not by assertions which are yea and nay, but by the fruit of one’s course of action.’ Maranatha, page 63.

How does Peter answer his own question? 2 Peter 3:14.
NOTE: ‘To His faithful followers Christ has been a daily companion, a familiar friend. They have lived in close, constant communion with God. Upon them the glory of the Lord has risen. In them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ has been reflected. Now they rejoice in the undimmed rays of the brightness and glory of the King in His majesty. They are prepared for the communion of heaven; for they have heaven in their hearts.’ God’s Amazing Grace, page 358.

Lesson 3: April 10-16
‘ Ye know the truth’ 1 John 2:21

MEMORY VERSE: ‘I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.’ 1 John 2:21.
STUDY HELP: Early Writings, pages 118-121.
LESSON AIM: To consider what is truth and what is the responsibility of those who know the truth.

Introduction

‘Those who study the word of God with hearts open to the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit will not remain in darkness as to the meaning of the word. “If any man willeth to do His will,” Christ said, “he shall know of the teaching whether it be of God, or whether I speak from Myself.” John 7:17, R.V. All who come to Christ for a clearer knowledge of the truth will receive it. He will unfold to them the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and these mysteries will be understood by the heart that longs to know the truth.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, page 35.

‘What is truth?’

What has God given to mankind to enable us to know what is truth? Psalm 119:142.
NOTE: ‘The Lord is full of loving-kindness, mercy, and truth. His law is holy, just, and good, and must be obeyed by parents and children. The rules which should regulate the lives of parents and children flow from a heart of infinite love, and God’s rich blessings will rest upon those parents who administer His law in their homes, and upon the children who obey this law. The combined influence of mercy and justice is to be felt. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Households under this discipline will walk in the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.’ Child Guidance, page 261.

How may we find and know truth most clearly? John 14:6. Compare Ephesians 4:21.
NOTE: ‘No one can search the Scriptures in the Spirit of Christ without being rewarded. When a man is willing to be instructed as a little child, when he submits wholly to Christ, he will find the truth in His Word. If men would be obedient, they would understand the plan of God’s government. The heavenly world would open its treasures of grace and glory for exploration. Human beings would be altogether different from what they are now; for by exploring the mines of truth, men would be ennobled. The mystery of redemption, the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice, would not be, as they are now, vague in our minds. They would be, not only better understood, but altogether more highly appreciated.’ My Life Today, page 108.

‘Hereby know we that we are of the truth’

What is the evidence that a person is of the truth? 1 John 3:18-19.
NOTE: ‘“Let us not love in word,” the apostle writes, “but in deed and in truth.” The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within. It is the atmosphere of this love surrounding the soul of the believer that makes him a savour of life unto life and enables God to bless his work. Supreme love for God and unselfish love for one another, this is the best gift that our heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not an impulse, but a divine principle, a permanent power. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it found. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 551.

Who are the ones who will receive eternal life? Psalm 15:1-2. (Read the whole psalm.)
NOTE: ‘The apostle, seeing the inclination to abuse the gift of speech, gives direction concerning its use. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,” he says, “but that which is good to the use of edifying.” The word “corrupt” means here any word that would make an impression detrimental to holy principles and undefiled religion, any communication that would eclipse the view of Christ, and blot from the mind true sympathy and love. It includes impure hints, which, unless instantly resisted, lead to great sin. Upon everyone is laid the duty of barring the way against corrupt communications. It is God’s purpose that the glory of Christ shall appear in His children. In all His teaching Christ presented pure, unadulterated principles. He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. Constantly there flowed from His lips holy, ennobling truths. He spoke as never man spoke, with a pathos that touched the heart. The truth never languished on His lips. With fearlessness He exposed the hypocrisy of priest and ruler, Pharisee and Sadducee. The great responsibility bound up in the use of the gift of speech is plainly made known in the Word of God. “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matt. 12:37), Christ declared.’ In Heavenly Places, page 175.

‘The truth shall make you free’

What is one result of knowing the truth? John 8:32.
NOTE: ‘Arise in your God-given dignity, living the truth in its purity. Christ is ready to pardon you, to take away your sins and make you free. He is ready to purify your heart and give you the sanctification of His Spirit. As you commit yourself to His service, He will be at your right hand to help you. Day by day you will be strengthened and ennobled. Looking to the Saviour for help, you will be a conqueror, yes, more than a conqueror, over the temptations that beset you. You will become more and more like Christ. The angels of heaven will rejoice to see you standing on the Lord’s side, in righteousness and true holiness.’ Counsels to Parents, Teachers & Students, page 490.

What else will the truth do for those who believe the truth? John 17:19. Compare 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
NOTE: ‘John and Judas are representatives of those who profess to be Christ’s followers. Both these disciples had the same opportunities to study and follow the divine Pattern. Both were closely associated with Jesus and were privileged to listen to His teaching. Each possessed serious defects of character; and each had access to the divine grace that transforms character. But while one in humility was learning of Jesus, the other revealed that he was not a doer of the word, but a hearer only. One, daily dying to self and overcoming sin, was sanctified through the truth; the other, resisting the transforming power of grace and indulging selfish desires, was brought into bondage to Satan. Such transformation of character as is seen in the life of John is ever the result of communion with Christ. There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Christ, the power of divine grace transforms and sanctifies him. Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, he is changed from glory to glory, until he is like Him whom he adores.’ Acts of the Apostles, pages 558-559.

‘Them that do not obey the truth’

What results from rejection of truth? Hebrews 10:26.
NOTE: ‘God works by the manifestation of His Spirit to reprove and convict the sinner; and if the Spirit’s work is finally rejected, there is no more that God can do for the soul. The last resource of divine mercy has been employed. The transgressor has cut himself off from God, and sin has no remedy to cure itself. There is no reserved power by which God can work to convict and convert the sinner. “Let him alone” (Hosea 4:17) is the divine command. Then “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” Hebrews 10:26, 27.’ Patriarchs & Prophets, page 405.

How does Paul describe the fate of those who choose to disobey the truth? Romans 2:8-9.
NOTE: ‘It is a fearful thing to have great light and blessing, to have many opportunities and privileges, and yet make no saving use of them. Those who do not make a saving use of their opportunities, will be condemned by the privileges God has granted to them; but those who walk in the light will have increased light. Those who have had the light of truth, and yet have failed to walk in the light, are under the same sentence of condemnation as were Chorazin and Bethsaida. Shall not these warnings be heeded? Shall not these admonitions have weight with us? In the near future it will be seen just who have been walking humbly with God, and who have been obeying His orders. Those who have been walking in the sparks of their own kindling will lie down in sorrow. It will be seen that they have made a terrible mistake. O let us awake! Light is now shining; let the windows of the mind and heart be open to welcome the heaven-sent rays. Shall Jesus say of those who profess to obey the truth, and yet who fail to walk in its light, “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them”? [Matthew 13:14, 15.]’ Christian Education, page 140.

What does Paul say of those who knew the truth but did not love it? 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
NOTE: ‘Men cannot with impunity reject the warning which God in mercy sends them. A message was sent from heaven to the world in Noah’s day, and their salvation depended upon the manner in which they treated that message. Because they rejected the warning, the Spirit of God was withdrawn from the sinful race, and they perished in the waters of the Flood. In the time of Abraham, mercy ceased to plead with the guilty inhabitants of Sodom, and all but Lot with his wife and two daughters were consumed by the fire sent down from heaven. So in the days of Christ. The Son of God declared to the unbelieving Jews of that generation: “Your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:38. Looking down to the last days, the same Infinite Power declares, concerning those who “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved”: “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. As they reject the teachings of His word, God withdraws His Spirit and leaves them to the deceptions which they love.’ Great Controversy, page 431.

‘Worship Him that made heaven and earth’

What evidence will there be to identify one who does not have the truth in him? 1 John 2:4.
NOTE: ‘There are those who profess holiness, who declare that they are wholly the Lord’s, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandments. These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tells us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth, to make a profession of faith in Christ, to believe that Jesus is no impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments,” John wrote, “is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.” “He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him.” 1 John 2:4, 5; 3:24. John did not teach that salvation was to be earned by obedience; but that obedience was the fruit of faith and love.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 562.

What other evidences reveal a lack of truth in the life? 1 John 1:6 & 8.
NOTE: ‘We are authorised to hold in the same estimation as did the beloved disciple those who claim to abide in Christ, to be sanctified, while living in transgression of God’s law. He met with just such a class as we have to meet. He said, “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.” Here the apostle speaks in plain terms, as he deemed the subject demanded. The epistles of John breathe a spirit of love. But when he comes in contact with that class who break the law of God and yet claim that they are living without sin, he does not hesitate to warn them of their fearful deception. “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:6-10).’ The Sanctified Life. page 68.

‘I will walk in Thy truth’

What should be the Christian’s response to the truth? Consider the following verses: Titus 1:1, 3 John 1:8, Ephesians 4:15, 1 Peter 1:22, Psalm 86:11.
NOTE: ‘Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness and alienation from God that exist in the churches which constitute Babylon, the great body of Christ’s true followers are still to be found in their communion. There are many of these who have never seen the special truths for this time. Not a few are dissatisfied with their present condition and are longing for clearer light. They look in vain for the image of Christ in the churches with which they are connected. As these bodies depart further and further from the truth, and ally themselves more closely with the world, the difference between the two classes will widen, and it will finally result in separation. The time will come when those who love God supremely can no longer remain in connection with such as are “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” Revelation 18 points to the time when, as the result of rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-12, the church will have fully reached the condition foretold by the second angel, and the people of God still in Babylon will be called upon to separate from her communion. This message is the last that will ever be given to the world; and it will accomplish its work.’ Great Controversy, page 390.

Who are the ones who will respond to the voice of Jesus? John 18:37.
NOTE: ‘As a flower turns to the sun that its bright rays may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should Christ’s followers turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven’s light may shine upon them, perfecting their characters, and giving them a deep and abiding experience in the things of God. It is beyond our power to conceive the blessings that are brought within our reach through Christ, if we will but unite our human effort with divine grace.’ Sons & Daughters of God, page 26.

Lesson 4: April 17-23
‘ Hereby know we the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error’ 1 John 4:6

MEMORY VERSE: ‘We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.’ 1 John 4:6.
STUDY HELP: The Faith I Live By, page 18.
LESSON AIM: To see how our response to truth reveals our character

Introduction

‘Jesus said, “I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” The Jews rejected the divine Son of God; but they were ready to accept many an impostor who came in his own name, making empty boasts of his power and authority. And so it is in our day. Men turn away their ears from hearing the truth and are turned unto fables.’ Review & Herald, May 29, 1888.

‘They shall turn away their ears’

How did Paul describe the attitude of many religious people in the last days? 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
NOTE: ‘By the pride of human wisdom, by contempt for the influence of the Holy Spirit, and by disrelish for the truths of God’s word, many who profess to be Christians, and who feel competent to teach others, will be led to turn away from the requirements of God. Paul declared to Timothy, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” The apostle does not here refer to the openly irreligious, but to the professing Christians who make inclination their guide, and thus become enslaved by self. Such are willing to listen to those doctrines only that do not rebuke their sins or condemn their pleasure-loving course. They are offended by the plain words of the faithful servants of Christ and choose teachers who praise and flatter them. And among professing ministers there are those who preach the opinions of men instead of the word of God. Unfaithful to their trust, they lead astray those who look to them for spiritual guidance.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 504.

What is the result of rejecting the truth? Titus 1:14-16.
NOTE: ‘With some, the knowledge of their true state seems to be hidden from them. They see the truth, but perceive not its importance, or its claims. They hear the truth, but do not fully understand it, because they do not conform their lives to it, and therefore are not sanctified through obeying it. And yet they rest as unconcerned, and well satisfied, as though the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, as tokens of God’s favour, went before them. They profess to know God, but in works deny Him. They reckon themselves as His chosen, peculiar people, yet His presence and power to save to the uttermost are seldom manifested among them. How great is the darkness of such! Yet they know it not. The light shines, but they do not comprehend it. No stronger delusion can deceive the human mind, than that which makes them believe that they are right, and that God accepts their works, when they are sinning against Him. They mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof. They suppose that they are rich, and have need of nothing, when they are poor, wretched, blind, and naked, and need all things.’ Spiritual Gifts, volume 4B, page 148.

‘Willingly ignorant’

What is one fable that has been accepted today by people who reject the truth? 2 Peter 3:5.
NOTE: The opening chapter of the Bible, with its account of how the Word of God made the heavens and the earth in six days, has been rejected by the majority of Christians. Instead they have accepted, on the flimsiest of evidence, all manner of ‘just-so’ stories as to how the universe began and how life began on earth. Today some of the strongest advocates of Darwinian evolution, or its variants, are Christian ministers. But how can people come to trust a book when those who are supposed to believe in it dismiss its opening pages as mere mythology?
‘ The warnings of the word of God regarding the perils surrounding the Christian church belong to us today. As in the days of the apostles, men tried by tradition and philosophy to destroy faith in the Scriptures, so today, by the pleasing sentiments of higher criticism, evolution, spiritualism, theosophy, and pantheism, the enemy of righteousness is seeking to lead souls into forbidden paths. To many the Bible is as a lamp without oil, because they have turned their minds into channels of speculative belief that bring misunderstanding and confusion. The work of higher criticism, in dissecting, conjecturing, reconstructing, is destroying faith in the Bible as a divine revelation. It is robbing God’s word of power to control, uplift, and inspire human lives. By spiritualism, multitudes are taught to believe that desire is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 474.

What is the reason for rejecting the truth of creation? 2 Peter 3:5. See also Romans 1:19-20.
NOTE: ‘Man will be left without excuse. God has given sufficient evidence upon which to base faith if he wish to believe. In the last days the earth will be almost destitute of true faith. Upon the merest pretence, the Word of God will be considered unreliable, while human reasoning will be received, though it be in opposition to plain Scripture facts. Men will endeavour to explain from natural causes the work of creation, which God has never revealed. But human science cannot search out the secrets of the God of heaven, and explain the stupendous works of creation, which were a miracle of Almighty power, any sooner than it can show how God came into existence.’ Lift Him Up, page 59.

‘When they shall say unto you’

What other fable will deceive those who refuse to accept the truth? Isaiah 8:19.
NOTE: ‘If men had been willing to receive the truth so plainly stated in the Scriptures concerning the nature of man and the state of the dead, they would see in the claims and manifestations of spiritualism the working of Satan with power and signs and lying wonders. But rather than yield the liberty so agreeable to the carnal heart, and renounce the sins which they love, multitudes close their eyes to the light and walk straight on, regardless of warnings, while Satan weaves his snares about them, and they become his prey. “Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” therefore “God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10, 11.’ Great Controversy, page 559.

What is the only sure way of distinguishing truth from error? Isaiah 8:20.
NOTE: ‘Our watchword is to be, ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’ We have a Bible full of the most precious truth. It contains the alpha and the omega of knowledge. The Scriptures, given by inspiration of God, are ‘profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.’ Take the Bible as your study book.’ Christian Experience and Teachings, page 249.

‘The love of the truth’

What will preserve God’s people from being deceived? 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.
NOTE: ‘Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible are continually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favour with which they are received. These persons degrade the intellectual powers to serve their carnal desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search the Scriptures with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance, they have no shield from delusion. Satan is ready to supply the heart’s desire, and he palms off his deceptions in the place of truth. It was thus that the papacy gained its power over the minds of men; and by rejection of the truth because it involves a cross, Protestants are following the same path. All who neglect the word of God to study convenience and policy, that they may not be at variance with the world, will be left to receive damnable heresy for religious truth. Every conceivable form of error will be accepted by those who wilfully reject the truth. He who looks with horror upon one deception will readily receive another. The apostle Paul, speaking of a class who “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,” declares: “For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. With such a warning before us it behoves us to be on our guard as to what doctrines we receive.’ Great Controversy, page 523.

How did Jesus describe those who rejected the truth? John 8:32, 40, 44-45.
NOTE: ‘The fact that, although they could find no sin in Christ, the Jews would not receive Him proved that they themselves had no connection with God. They did not recognise His voice in the message of His Son. They thought themselves passing judgment on Christ; but in rejecting Him they were pronouncing sentence upon themselves. “He that is of God,” said Jesus, “heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” The lesson is true for all time. Many a man who delights to quibble, to criticise, seeking for something to question in the word of God, thinks that he is thereby giving evidence of independence of thought, and mental acuteness. He supposes that he is sitting in judgment on the Bible, when in truth he is judging himself. He makes it manifest that he is incapable of appreciating truths that originate in heaven, and that compass eternity.’ Desire of Ages, page 468.

‘In spirit and in truth’

How does Jesus describe the essence of true worship? John 4:23-24.
NOTE: The Jews and the Samaritans emphasised the importance of holy places in worship. The same is true today. For most religions, including Christendom, religion is about performing religious acts in a holy place. Jesus indicated that the time for such worship was already passing at the time He was speaking. For Jesus true worship is an individual spiritual response to God, a matter of faith and love, not ritual and liturgy.
‘ The religion that comes from God is the only religion that can lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will lead to watchfulness. It will purify the heart and renew the mind and give us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship.’ Counsels on Health, page 129.

What sort of worship will be imposed by those who have turned from the truth? Revelation 13:15-17.
NOTE: ‘Force is the last resort of every false religion. At first it tries attraction, as the king of Babylon tried the power of music and outward show. If these attractions, invented by men inspired by Satan, failed to make men worship the image, the hungry flames of the furnace were ready to consume them. So it will be now. The papacy has exercised her power to compel men to obey her, and she will continue to do so.’ SDA Bible Commentary, volume 7, page 976.

‘Sanctify them through Thy truth’

What will be the effect of the love of the truth upon character? John 17: 17 & 19.
NOTE: ‘The truth of heavenly origin never degrades the receiver, never leads him to the least approach to undue familiarity; on the contrary, it sanctifies the believer, refines his taste, elevates and ennobles him, and brings him into a close connection with Jesus. It leads him to regard the apostle Paul’s injunction to abstain from even the appearance of evil, lest his good should be evil spoken of.’ Evangelism, page 680.
‘ I warn you to beware of these side issues, whose tendency is to divert the mind from the truth. Error is never harmless. It never sanctifies, but always brings confusion and dissension. It is always dangerous. The enemy has great power over minds that are not thoroughly fortified by prayer and established in Bible truth.’ Counsels to Writers & Editors, page 46.

How did Jesus show that truth is active and practical? John 3:21. Compare 1 John 1:6. See also, in contrast, Romans 2:8.
NOTE: ‘He that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God, while many who have a form of godliness and not the power, may be content to speak the truth in a spirit of contention, engaging in controversy, talking long and loud in a bitter spirit. Such reflect no light, while the servant of God who has kindled his taper from the divine altar and is obeying the truth is a living, walking, working representative of the power of the truth upon the heart. He is a living epistle known and read of all men. Such a life is the light of the world; of such Jesus is not ashamed to call them brethren. He will say of them as of Nathanael “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.”’ Signs of the Times, January 15, 1880.

Lesson 5: April 24-30
‘ Ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins’ 1 John 3:5

MEMORY VERSE: ‘And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.’ 1 John 3:5.
STUDY HELP: Acts of the Apostles, pages 562-567.
LESSON AIM: To study what the Bible means by taking away our sins.

Introduction

‘The Son of God was given that we might be renewed, refined, elevated, ennobled, that God might see His image restored in the heart of man. But the Lord cannot take away our sin unless we shall co-operate with Him in the work. The inquiry of each should be, “Am I cleansed from sin? Do I hate sin, and love righteousness? Am I prepared to make any and every sacrifice for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord?”’ Review & Herald, August 31, 1897.

‘He shall save His people from their sins’

How did the angel of the Lord explain the significance of the name ‘Jesus’? Matthew 1:21.
NOTE: ‘Christ invites all to come to Him, but when they come, they are to lay aside their sins. All their vices and follies, all their pride and worldliness, are to be laid at [the foot of] His cross. This He requires because He loves them, and desires to save them, not in their sins but from their sins. He who accepts the truth longs for transformation, and the light comes to him in bright rays.’ The Upward Look, page 169.

How complete may this salvation be? Hebrews 7:25.
NOTE: ‘The Saviour took upon Himself the infirmities of humanity, and lived a sinless life, that men might have no fear that because of the weakness of human nature they could not overcome. “The prince of this world cometh,” said Jesus, “and hath nothing in me.” John 14:30. There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. We need not retain one sinful propensity. As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong are cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good. Ever learning of the divine Teacher, daily partaking of His nature, we co-operate with God in overcoming Satan’s temptations.’ The Faith I Live By, page 23.

What degree of purity is this salvation to accomplish? 1 John 3:3.
NOTE: ‘What does it mean to purify himself? It means to look upon the Lord’s great moral standard of righteousness, the holy law of God, and see that he is a sinner in the light of that law. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sin; and in Him is no sin.” It is through faith in Jesus Christ that the truth is accepted in the heart and the human agent is purified and cleansed. Jesus was “wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Is it possible to be healed, while knowingly committing sin? No; it is genuine faith that says, I know that I have committed sin, but that Jesus has pardoned my sin; and hereafter I will resist temptation in and through His might. “Every man that hath this hope in him [abiding in him] purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” He has an abiding principle in the soul, that enables him to overcome temptation. “Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not.” God has power to keep the soul who is in Christ, when that soul is under temptation. “Whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” That is, every one who is a true believer is sanctified through the truth, in life and character. “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth [not professeth to do] righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.” “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; . . . because he is born of God. In this children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.” Now mark where the distinction is made: “Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither is he that loveth not his brother.” “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”’ Youth’s Instructor, February 15, 1894.

‘Who is a God like unto Thee?’

What has God promised to do about the sins that we have committed? Micah 7:18-19.
NOTE: ‘“I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:34. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7. “In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found.” Jeremiah 50:20. What assurance here, of God’s willingness to receive the repenting sinner! Have you, reader, chosen your own way? Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast upon the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? And now, your substance spent, your life-plans thwarted, and your hopes dead, do you sit alone and desolate? Now that voice which has long been speaking to your heart but to which you would not listen comes to you distinct and clear, “Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest; because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.” Micah 2:10. Return to your Father’s house. He invites you, saying, “Return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.” Isaiah 44:22.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, pages 204=205.

What does God ask of us, if He is to take away the sins we have committed? Psalm 32:5.
NOTE: ‘When sin has deadened the moral perceptions, the wrongdoer does not discern the defects of his character nor realise the enormity of the evil he has committed; and unless he yields to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit he remains in partial blindness to his sin. His confessions are not sincere and in earnest. To every acknowledgment of his guilt he adds an apology in excuse of his course, declaring that if it had not been for certain circumstances he would not have done this or that, for which he is reproved. After Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden fruit, they were filled with a sense of shame and terror. At first their only thought was how to excuse their sin and escape the dreaded sentence of death. When the Lord inquired concerning their sin, Adam replied, laying the guilt partly upon God and partly upon his companion: “The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” The woman put the blame upon the serpent, saying, “The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” Genesis 3: 12, 13. Why did You make the serpent? Why did You suffer him to come into Eden? These were the questions implied in her excuse for her sin, thus charging God with the responsibility of their fall. The spirit of self-justification originated in the father of lies and has been exhibited by all the sons and daughters of Adam. Confessions of this order are not inspired by the divine Spirit and will not be acceptable to God. True repentance will lead a man to bear his guilt himself and acknowledge it without deception or hypocrisy. Like the poor publican, not lifting up so much as his eyes unto heaven, he will cry, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” and those who do acknowledge their guilt will be justified, for Jesus will plead His blood in behalf of the repentant soul. The examples in God’s word of genuine repentance and humiliation reveal a spirit of confession in which there is no excuse for sin or attempt at self-justification. Paul did not seek to shield himself; he paints his sin in its darkest hue, not attempting to lessen his guilt.’ Steps to Christ, page 40.

‘Of sin, and of righteousness and of judgement’

How does the Holy Spirit work to convict our hearts? John 16:7-8.
NOTE: ‘It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin. If the sinner responds to the quickening influence of the Spirit, he will be brought to repentance and aroused to the importance of obeying the divine requirements. To the repentant sinner, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, the Holy Spirit reveals the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. “He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you,” Christ said. “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 16:14; 14:26. The Spirit is given as a regenerating agency, to make effectual the salvation wrought by the death of our Redeemer. The Spirit is constantly seeking to draw the attention of men to the great offering that was made on the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God, and to open to the convicted soul the precious things of the Scriptures.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 52.

What is the response of the convicted heart? Psalm 51:1-4.
NOTE: ‘When the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God, the conscience will be quickened, and the sinner will discern something of the depth and sacredness of God’s holy law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. The “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” illumines the secret chambers of the soul, and the hidden things of darkness are made manifest. John 1:9. Conviction takes hold upon the mind and heart. The sinner has a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and feels the terror of appearing, in his own guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. He sees the love of God, the beauty of holiness, the joy of purity; he longs to be cleansed and to be restored to communion with Heaven. The prayer of David after his fall, illustrates the nature of true sorrow for sin. His repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his guilt; no desire to escape the judgment threatened, inspired his prayer. David saw the enormity of his transgression; he saw the defilement of his soul; he loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart. He longed for the joy of holiness, to be restored to harmony and communion with God.’ Steps to Christ, page 24.

‘God is faithful’

What promises does the Lord make to ensure that we need not fall in times of temptation? 1 Corinthians 10:13.
NOTE: ‘God has not left us to battle with evil in our own finite strength. Whatever may be our inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong, we can overcome through the power that He is ready to impart.’ God’s Amazing Grace, page 254.
‘ Although the promises of God are not to be rashly claimed by us when we recklessly rush into danger, violating the laws of nature, and disregarding prudence, and the judgment with which God has endowed us, we should not lose courage when temptations come upon us. If we do not knowingly place ourselves in the way of temptation, it is our privilege to claim the promise of the inspired word: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”’ Historical Sketches, page 134.

What part must we play in order to be overcomers in times of temptation? James 4:7.
NOTE: ‘Will man take hold of divine power, and with determination and perseverance resist Satan, as Christ has given him example in His conflict with the foe in the wilderness of temptation? God cannot save man against his will from the power of Satan’s artifices. Man must work with his human power, aided by the divine power of Christ, to resist and to conquer at any cost to himself. In short, man must overcome as Christ overcame. And then, through the victory that it is his privilege to gain by the all-powerful name of Jesus, he may become an heir of God and joint heir with Jesus Christ. This could not be the case if Christ alone did all the overcoming. Man must do his part; he must be victor on his own account, through the strength and grace that Christ gives him. Man must be a co-worker with Christ in the labour of overcoming.’ God’s Amazing Grace, page 254.

‘It is written’

What was the secret of the Saviour’s victory over the tempter? Matthew 4:4, 7, 10.
NOTE: ‘How this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the Word of God. Only by the Word could He resist temptation. “It is written,” He said. And unto us are given “exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” Every promise in God’s Word is ours. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the Word. All its strength is yours. Grasp His promises as leaves from the tree of life: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. As you come to Him, believe that He accepts you, because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this, never.’ The Faith I Live By, page 23.

What are some of these exceeding great and precious promises? Jude v.24, 2 Peter 2:9, Isaiah 30:21, Revelation 3:10.
NOTE: ‘Even Christ during His life on earth sought His Father daily for fresh supplies of needed grace; and from this communion with God He went forth to strengthen and bless others. Behold the Son of God bowed in prayer to His Father! Though He is the Son of God, He strengthens His faith by prayer, and by communion with heaven gathers to Himself power to resist evil and to minister to the needs of men. As the Elder Brother of our race He knows the necessities of those who, compassed with infirmity and living in a world of sin and temptation, still desire to serve Him. He knows that the messengers whom He sees fit to send are weak, erring men; but to all who give themselves wholly to His service He promises divine aid. His own example is an assurance that earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith, faith that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work, will avail to bring to men the Holy Spirit’s aid in the battle against sin.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 56.

‘That your sins may be blotted out’

What promise are we given that our sins will be finally blotted out? Acts 3:19.
NOTE: ‘At the time appointed for the judgment, the close of the 2300 days, in 1844, began the work of investigation and blotting out of sins. All who have ever taken upon themselves the name of Christ must pass its searching scrutiny. Both the living and the dead are to be judged “out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Revelation 20:12. Said the Judge: “All will be justified by their faith and judged by their works.” Sins that have not been repented of and forsaken will not be pardoned, and blotted out of the books of record, but will stand to witness against the sinner in the day of God.’ The Faith I Live By, page 211.

With whom will this work of judgement begin? 1 Peter 4:17-18.
NOTE: ‘The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord. Since the dead are to be judged out of the things written in the books, it is impossible that the sins of men should be blotted out until after the judgment at which their cases are to be investigated. But the apostle Peter distinctly states that the sins of believers will be blotted out “when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ.” Acts 3:19, 20. When the investigative judgment closes, Christ will come, and His reward will be with Him to give to every man as his work shall be.’ Great Controversy, page 485.

Lesson 6: May 1-7
‘ We know we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘We know we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.’ 1 John 3:14.
STUDY HELP: Patriarchs & Prophets, page 520.
LESSON AIM: To study what is the evidence of true conversion.

Introduction

‘One of the strongest evidences of true conversion is love to God and man. Those who accept Jesus as their Redeemer have a deep, sincere love for others of like precious faith. Thus it was with the believers at Thessalonica. As touching brotherly love, the apostle [Paul] wrote, ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 262.

‘The message that ye heard from the beginning’

What did John describe as one of the foundations of the Christian message? 1 John 3:11.
NOTE: The marginal reading for ‘message’ is commandment.
‘ There is need of far more childlike sympathy. Addressing His disciples as little children, Christ said to them, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this manifestation of love shall all men know that ye are My disciples. This love God now demands His disciples to show for one another. He is greatly dishonoured because His professed followers are drawing in selfish lines, closing their hearts to the softening, subduing influence of Christ’s Spirit, as if to show love for one another were a species of weakness. Instead of exerting the pure, holy, uplifting influence that dwelt in Christ, many are manifesting Satan’s attributes.’ Review & Herald, March 27, 1900.

What distinguishes the children of God from the children of the devil? 1 John 3:10.
NOTE: ‘It is not the opposition of the world that most endangers the church of Christ. It is the evil cherished in the hearts of believers that works their most grievous disaster and most surely retards the progress of God’s cause. There is no surer way of weakening spirituality than by cherishing envy, suspicion, faultfinding, and evil surmising. On the other hand, the strongest witness that God has sent His Son into the world is the existence of harmony and union among men of varied dispositions who form His church. This witness it is the privilege of the followers of Christ to bear.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 549.

‘We know we have passed from death to life’

What is evidence of a true conversion? 1 John 4:7.
NOTE: Jesus ‘prays for their unity. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, then easy to be entreated by the invitation of the Holy Spirit, which Christ’s true disciples shall receive in large measure, because they are assimilated to His image, partakers of the divine nature. But shall not this prayer be answered by those who claim to believe the truth? Those who are truly joined to the Lord are controlled by one Spirit. They are stamped with the same image and superscription, and they give evidence that they are influenced by the same power, because they are joined to the Lord by the infinite Sacrifice made by Christ, that they might be knit together through the sanctification of the truth, in the bonds of love, perfect, heaven-born love. They have exchanged the heart of selfishness and sin for the heart that God gives. They are partakers of the divine nature. They may differ in speech and attitude, but they are guided by the same Spirit. No vainglory, no independent I comes in to take possession. The quarrelsome spirit ceases, and the world is given evidence of the power of true conversion.’ Manuscript Releases, volume 8, page 292.

How does John explain the fruitage of true conversion? 1 John 3:16.
NOTE: ‘A spirit of careless indifference toward our brethren has been coming into our churches, and the religion of many has become cold, selfish, loveless Pharisaism. The True Counsellor has spoken words of the utmost importance to all our souls, Thou hast left thy first love. What a loss is this! Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. O, how many have failed to grow up into Christ, their living head! Instead of growing up into Christ, they have grown away from Christ, and have nourished the elements of character that have been like those of Satan. These characteristics of evil excluded Satan from the royal courts above, and they will exclude you from the family of God, except thou repent. Your heart must be softened and made susceptible to the influence of the Spirit of God, that you may grow up into a spiritual temple in Christ. The saints on earth must love as Christ loved, or they will not be saints in heaven.’ Review & Herald, February 10, 1891.

‘This is His commandment’

How did John explain the importance of love for our brethren? 1 John 4:21.
NOTE: ‘God’s law plainly reveals to us the duty of man to his fellow man. All who neglect their fellow creatures, the very least of those whom Christ calls His brethren, are recorded in the books of heaven as weighed in the balances and found wanting. In disregarding His special commandment, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; in passing by the suffering, the needy, and the wounded, they have left the side of Christ, their example, and taken the side of the enemy of God… By their failure to appreciate their brethren here, they plainly reveal the fact that they could not appreciate God, His Son, or the saints in the kingdom of heaven.’ Pastoral Ministry, page 140.

From whom did this commandment come? 1 John 3:23. Compare John 13:34.
NOTE: ‘Christ abiding in the soul will not quarrel with Christ in another soul. We must learn to bear with the peculiarities of those around us. If our will is under the control of Christ’s will, how can we be at variance with our brethren? If we are at variance, we may know that it is because self needs to be crucified. He whom Christ makes free is free indeed. We are not complete in Christ unless we love one another as Christ has loved us. When we do this, as Christ has given us commandment, we shall give evidence that we are complete in Him.’ This Day With God, page 262.

‘In deed and in truth’

How does John describe the kind of love that is to be manifested among Christians? 1 John 3:18.
NOTE: ‘This love is not an impulse, but a divine principle, a permanent power. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it found. We love Him, because He first loved us. In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 551.

What practical example does John give to explain this kind of love? 1 John 3:17.
NOTE: ‘The Lord has made us His almoners. He places in our hands His gifts, in order that we shall divide with those who are needy, and it is this practical giving that will be to us a sure panacea for all selfishness. By thus expressing love to those who need help, you will cause the hearts of the needy to give thanksgiving unto God because He has bestowed the grace of benevolence upon the brethren, and has caused them to relieve the necessities of the needy. It is through the exercise of this practical love that the churches draw nearer together in Christian unity. Through the love of the brethren, love to God is increased, because He has not forgotten those who were in distress, and thus thank offerings ascend to God for His care.’ Counsels on Stewardship, page 343.

‘He is a liar’

What does a lack of love for any of our brethren reveal about us? 1 John 4:20.
NOTE: ‘When the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God.’ Desire of Ages, page 505.

What does John say about the spiritual state of the person who does not love one of his brethren? 1 John 3:14.
NOTE: ‘Read the whole of the third chapter of Revelation, and seek to understand the work to be done. Those whom Christ warns have some excellent qualifications; but these are neutralised by self-love, and self-deception, self-justification for gross neglect to help their brethren in the service of God by encouraging words and deeds. There is a dead fly in the ointment. They are being weighed by One who never makes a mistake. He tells the result of actions that show that the love of Christ is not an abiding principle in the soul. The Holy Spirit has come with convicting power to God’s people; but though some stir has been made, the work of true conversion has not been perfected. Self has not yet been crucified; and until it is, hardness of heart, lack of love for one another, will be seen. You will hold to your own opinion, you will not bend from your self-exaltation to study the necessities that you should relieve. Men’s hearts become like flint when they seek to grasp all for themselves, refusing to relieve the necessities of those who are doing a severe and trying work. God calls upon you to put away your faculty for seeing the mistakes of others. Turn your attention to your own defects. Your self-righteousness is nauseating to the Lord Jesus.’ Review & Herald, March 27, 1900.

‘God in him’

What does John say is evidence that Christ lives in the heart? 1 John 4:12 & 16.
NOTE: ‘Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother. When self is merged in Christ, love springs forth spontaneously. The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within, when the sunshine of heaven fills the heart and is revealed in the countenance. Connected with Christ, we are connected with our fellow men by the golden links of the chain of love. Then the pity and compassion of Christ will be manifest in our life. We shall not wait to have the needy and unfortunate brought to us. We shall not need to be entreated to feel for the woes of others. It will be as natural for us to minister to the needy and suffering as it was for Christ to go about doing good.’ Maranatha, page 101.

What is the motive for loving our brothers and sisters? 1 John 4:11.
NOTE: ‘These sacred lessons, if received into the heart, will bring about the reformation essential. Many will lose heaven unless they change their selfish, unlovable, unsympathetic ways, and learn that the Spirit of Christ is not selfish and forbidding, discourteous and loveless… Unless we practise Christ’s ways, and receive His Spirit, we are none of His. He desires us to reveal His love in word and action. All that we do should flow from a deep, abiding principle of love, a principle that is after the similitude of Christ, who is love and light and peace. But how little, how very little, of Christ’s character is revealed! The spirit of self-denial is becoming a rare thing. Yet there is love in our churches. There are those who love God supremely and their neighbours as themselves. Their prayers and their alms come up before God as a memorial. The Lord does not lose sight of them. He is watching those who are walking in the light as fast as they receive it. They are the objects of His special care.’ Review & Herald, April 3, 1900.

Lesson 7: May 8-14
‘ We know that He abideth in us by the Spirit which He hath given us’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.’ 1 John 3:24.
STUDY HELP: Testimonies, volume 8, pages 19-23.
LESSON AIM: What it means to have the Spirit of God abiding in us.

Introduction

‘A true knowledge of the Bible can be gained only through the aid of that Spirit by whom the word was given. And in order to gain this knowledge we must live by it. All that God’s word commands, we are to obey. All that it promises, we may claim. The life which it enjoins is the life that, through its power, we are to live. Only as the Bible is thus held can it be studied effectively.’ Education, page 189.

‘The Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.’

To whom is the Holy Spirit given? Acts 5:32.
NOTE: ‘Those who have put on Christ will relate their experience, tracing step by step the leadings of the Holy Spirit, their hungering and thirsting for the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, the results of their searching of the Scriptures, their prayers, their soul agony, and the words of Christ to them, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” It is unnatural for any to keep these things secret, and those who are filled with the love of Christ will not do so. In proportion as the Lord has made them the depositaries of sacred truth will be their desire that others shall receive the same blessing. And as they make known the rich treasures of God’s grace, more and still more of the grace of Christ will be imparted to them. They will have the heart of a little child in its simplicity and unreserved obedience. Their souls will pant after holiness, and more and more of the treasures of truth and grace will be revealed to them to be given to the world.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, page 125.

How does the Bible emphasise the importance of obedience to God? Hebrews 5:8-9.
NOTE: ‘If our souls are saved at last, we must look to Him who has given His rich and abundant promises to be our strength and our salvation. All His approaches to our hearts, all His blessed agencies within, are for our renovation. Thus He would uplift us, and restore in us the moral image of God. The Holy Spirit is promised to illuminate, purify, elevate, and transform all who believe, into the likeness of Christ. He finds in us the spirit of the world, selfishness, pride, and rebellion against God. The Lord Jesus would detach us from the world, and recall us to be His children, and as His children, to obedience, to be doers of His word and will. This is His purpose.’ Gospel Herald, May 14, 1902.

‘So is everyone that is born of the Spirit’

What distinction did Jesus make concerning the lives of those who are born of the Spirit from those who are not? John 3:6.
NOTE: ‘By nature the heart is evil, and “who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one.” Job 14:4. No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” Romans 8:7; Matthew 15:19. The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.’ Desire of Ages, page 172.

How does Jesus describe the experience of being born of the Spirit? John 3:7-8
NOTE: ‘The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God, a patient, protracted process. While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt. So the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who has felt its saving power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God.’ Desire of Ages, pages 172-173.

‘The fruit of the Spirit’

What evidence will be seen in the lives of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:22-23.
NOTE: ‘Nothing but divine power can regenerate the human heart and imbue souls with the love of Christ, which will ever manifest itself with love for those for whom He died. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. When a man is converted to God, a new moral taste is supplied, a new motive power is given, and he loves the things that God loves. Love, joy, peace, and inexpressible gratitude will pervade the soul, and the language of him who is blessed will be, “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (Psalm 18:35). But those who are waiting to behold a magical change in their characters without determined effort on their part to overcome sin will be disappointed. We have no reason to fear while looking to Jesus, no reason to doubt but that He is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto Him; but we may constantly fear lest our old nature will again obtain the supremacy, that the enemy shall devise some snare whereby we shall again become his captives. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. We are to grow daily in spiritual loveliness. We shall fail often in our efforts to copy the divine pattern. We shall often have to bow down to weep at the feet of Jesus, because of our shortcomings and mistakes; but we are not to be discouraged; we are to pray more fervently, believe more fully, and try again with more steadfastness to grow into the likeness of our Lord. As we distrust our own power, we shall trust the power of our Redeemer, and render praise to God, who is the health of our countenance, and our God. By beholding we are to become changed; and as we meditate upon the perfections of the divine Model, we shall desire to become wholly transformed, and renewed in the image of His purity. It is by faith in the Son of God that transformation takes place in the character, and the child of wrath becomes the child of God. God’s Amazing Grace, page 302.

How did Jesus explain the importance of this fruit in distinguishing between those who follow God and those who do not? Matthew 7:16-20.
NOTE: ‘Fanaticism, false excitement, false talking in tongues, and noisy exercises have been considered gifts which God has placed in the church. Some have been deceived here. The fruits of all this have not been good. “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Fanaticism and noise have been considered special evidences of faith. Some are not satisfied with a meeting unless they have a powerful and happy time. They work for this and get up an excitement of feeling. But the influence of such meetings is not beneficial. When the happy flight of feeling is gone, they sink lower than before the meeting because their happiness did not come from the right source. The most profitable meetings for spiritual advancement are those which are characterised with solemnity and deep searching of heart, each seeking to know himself and, earnestly and in deep humility, seeking to learn of Christ.’ Last Day Events, page 159.
‘ All the true followers of Christ bear fruit to His glory. Their lives testify that a good work has been wrought in them by the Spirit of God, and their fruit is unto holiness. Their lives are elevated and pure. Right actions are the unmistakable fruit of true godliness, and those who bear no fruit of this kind reveal that they have no experience in the things of God. They are not in the Vine. Said Jesus, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5.’ Counsels to Parents, Teachers & Students, page 329.

‘He gave gifts unto men’

What practical results of the Holy Spirit’s presence will be seen in the church? 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
NOTE: ‘It is the absence of the Spirit that makes the gospel ministry so powerless. Learning, talent, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be possessed; but, without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them channels for the outflowing of the highest influence in the universe. Why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit, since this is the means by which we are to receive power? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, preach concerning it? The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to us than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the baptism of the Spirit every worker should be pleading with God. Companies should be gathered together to ask for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to plan and execute wisely. Especially should men pray that God will baptise His missionaries with the Holy Spirit.’ Testimonies, volume 8, pages 21-22.

Why does the Holy Sprit brings gifts to the people of God? Ephesians 4:12-15.
NOTE: ‘The object of spiritual gifts is to maintain the living work of God in the church. They enable the Spirit of God to speak in the correction of wrongs, and in the exposure of iniquity. They are the means whereby God teaches His people when they are in danger of taking wrong steps. They are the means by which the Spirit of God sheds light upon church difficulties, when otherwise their adjustment would be impossible. They also constitute the means whereby God preserves His people from confusion by pointing out errors, by correcting false interpretations of the Scriptures, and causing light to shine out upon that which is in danger of being wrongly understood, and therefore of being the cause of evil and division to the people of God. In short, their work is to unite the people of God in the same mind and in the same judgment upon the meaning of the Scriptures.’ J. N. Andrews, Review & Herald, Feb. 15, 1870.

‘He shall guide you into all truth’

How did Jesus describe the work of the Holy Spirit? John 16:13. Compare John 14:16-17.
NOTE: ‘The Spirit is given as a regenerating agency, to make effectual the salvation wrought by the death of our Redeemer. The Spirit is constantly seeking to draw the attention of men to the great offering that was made on the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God, and to open to the convicted soul the precious things of the Scriptures. Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness. “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13), the Saviour declared. If men are willing to be moulded, there will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 52.

How does Paul express this same truth? Ephesians 5:8-11.
NOTE: ‘When one is fully emptied of self, when every false god is cast out of the soul, the vacuum is supplied by the inflowing of the Spirit of Christ. Such a one has the faith which works by love and purifies the soul from every moral and spiritual defilement. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, can work upon the heart, influencing and directing, so that he enjoys spiritual things. He is “after the Spirit,” and he minds the things of the Spirit. He has no confidence in self; Christ is all and in all. Truth is constantly being unfolded by the Holy Spirit; he receives with meekness the engrafted word, and he gives the Lord all the glory, saying, “God has revealed them to us by His Spirit.” “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God.” The Spirit that reveals also works in him the fruits of righteousness. Christ is in him “a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” He is a branch of the True Vine, and bears rich clusters of fruit to the glory of God. What is the character of the fruit borne? “The fruit of the Spirit is love.” Mark the words, love, not hatred; it is joy, not discontent and mourning; peace, not irritation, anxiety and manufactured trials. It is “long-suffering gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”’ The Home Missionary, November 1, 1893.

‘Being born again’

What warning does Paul give concerning who have received the Holy Spirit and then fallen away from the truth? Hebrews 6:4-6.
NOTE: ‘The hour will come; it is not far distant, and some of us who now believe will be alive upon the earth, and shall see the prediction verified, and hear the voice of the Archangel, and the trump of God echo from mountain and plain and sea, to the uttermost parts of the earth. All creation will hear that voice, and those who have lived and died in Jesus, will respond to the call of the Prince of life. It will be heard in the dungeons of men, in the caverns of the deep, in the rocks and caves of the earth, only to be obeyed. It is the same voice that said, “Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest,” the same voice which said, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” All those who have obeyed that voice when it said, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me,” will hear the “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” To them, that voice will mean, rest, peace, and everlasting life. They will recognise it as the voice of one who has been touched with the feeling of their infirmities. Shall any one become weary now? Shall any one say, “The city is a great way off”? Shall we give up our faith, and draw back unto perdition, when we are nearing the eternal world? No; no. God lives and reigns. “Call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions.” Give up our faith? lose our confidence? become impatient? No; no. We will not think of such a thing. “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”’ Review & Herald, July 31, 1888.

How did Peter describe the results of the Holy Spirit’s work in the heart? 1 Peter 1:22-23. Compare 1 Peter 1:2.
NOTE: ‘It is time for us to practice the truth we claim to believe. It is time for us to lie as clay in the hands of the potter, that we may be made vessels unto honour. Our former habits, which are termed “lusts in our ignorance,” must pass away, and grace and truth must make us peaceable, kind, and courteous, in thought, word, and action. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” Hereditary and cultivated tendencies are no longer to control us, but we are to be under the control of Christ. “Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” The grace of God is to work a transformation in our life, and all our professions of faith, all our forms of devotion, are valueless unless this work of transformation of character is wrought. We are to become like Him who is meek and lowly in heart. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”’ Review & Herald, June 12, 1894.

Lesson 8: May 15-21
‘ We know Him if we keep His commandments’

MEMORY VERSE: ‘And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.’ 1 John 2:2-3.
STUDY HELP: Faith & Works, pages 51-54.
LESSON AIM: To show the importance of obedience for those who profess to be followers of Christ.

Introduction

‘There are those who profess holiness, who declare that they are wholly the Lord’s, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandments. These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tells us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments.’ Conflict & Courage, page 359.

‘By the law is the knowledge of sin’

Why did God give mankind His commandments? Romans 3:20, last part.
NOTE: ‘The soul must first be convicted of sin before the sinner will feel a desire to come to Christ. “Sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). “I had not known sin, but by the law” (Romans 7:7). When the commandment came home to Saul’s conscience, sin revived, and he died. He saw himself condemned by the law of God. The sinner cannot be convinced of his guilt unless he understands what constitutes sin. It is impossible for an individual to experience Bible sanctification while he holds that if he believes in Christ it is immaterial whether he obeys God’s law or disobeys it.’ Faith & Works, page 31.

How does Paul clarify the problem concerning right and wrong understandings of the purpose for God’s law? Romans 3:20.
NOTE: ‘Christ did not come to excuse sin, nor to justify a sinner while he continued to transgress that law for which the Son of God was to give His life to vindicate and exalt. Had it been possible for the law to be repealed, Christ would have had no need to come to our earth, and to die, the just for the unjust. God could have taken the sinner back into favour by annulling the law. But this could not be. The law holds the transgressor in bondage, but the obedient are free. The law cannot cleanse from sin; it condemns the sinner. The sinner may stand justified before God only through repentance toward Him, and faith in the merits of Jesus Christ. The law is a great mirror by means of which the sinner may discern the defects in his moral character. But the mirror cannot remove those defects. The gospel points to Christ as the only one able to remove the stains of sin by his blood. Though the law has no pardoning power, it is the only means by which to explain to the sinner what sin really is. By the law is the knowledge of sin. Without the law, Paul tells us sin is dead.’ Signs of the Times, July 18, 1878.

‘The transgression of the law’

How does the Bible define sin? 1 John 3:4.
NOTE: It is instructive that some of the popular modern versions, produced by groups which claim that God has abolished His law, prefer to render the last part of this verse as: ‘Sin is lawlessness.’ The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘lawless’ as without law, or ignorant of law, exempt from law, above or beyond the reach of the law. Whichever of these meanings is adopted for lawlessness, none of them expresses the simple clarity of the words: ‘sin is the transgression of the law.’
‘ Our only definition of sin is that given in the Word of God; it is “the transgression of the Law.”’ Great Controversy, page 492.
‘ The only definition given in God’s Word is: “Sin is the transgression of the Law,” and the apostle Paul declares, “Where no law is, there is no transgression.”’ Signs of the Times, November 24, 1887.
‘ The only definition we find in the Bible for sin is that “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).’ Selected Messages, book 1, page 320.
‘The apostle gives the true definition of sin: “Sin is the transgression of the Law.”’ Confrontation, page 75.
‘ Now we want to understand what sin is; that it is the transgression of God’s Law. This is the only definition given in the Scriptures.’ Faith & Works, page 56.
‘ The only definition given in the Word of God as to what is sin is found in 1 John 3:4.’ Signs of the Times, January 8, 1894.
‘ John says: “Sin is the transgression of the Law.” Here we have the true definition of sin. It is the transgression of the Law. Faith & Works, page 117.

What verses are sometimes quoted as alternative definitions of sin? Romans 14:23, James 4:17.
NOTE: In the case of Romans 14:23, those who use this verse as a definition of sin are not thinking logically. When the Bible says, ‘Sin is…’ we are likely [though not always] to be looking at a definition. When the Bible says, ‘…. is sin,’ we are more probably looking at an example of sin. To make this distinction clear, consider the following: committing adultery with your neighbour’s wife is sin. Here is an example of one particular kind of sin. But it would be nonsense to say that committing adultery with your neighbour’s wife is the definition of sin. People commit many sins, yet this may not be one of them. James 4:17 is likewise an example of a particular type of sin, showing that sin may not only be committed in action, but also in inaction, failing to respond when action is needed. The principle of love, which underpins God’s law, has been violated.

‘Hath God said?’

How did mankind come to forfeit eternal life in the first place? Compare Genesis 2:16-17 with Genesis 3:2-3 & 6.
NOTE: ‘Man divorced himself from God by transgression. Then he was no longer entitled to a breath of air, a ray of sunshine, or a particle of food. And the reason why man was not annihilated was because God so loved him that He made the gift of His dear Son that He should suffer the penalty of his transgression. Christ proposed to become man’s surety and substitute, that man, through matchless grace, should have another trial, a second probation, having the experience of Adam and Eve as a warning not to transgress God’s law as they did.’ Faith & Works, page 21.

How does Paul explain the importance of God’s law in defining sin? Romans 7:7.
NOTE: ‘The law and the gospel are in perfect harmony. Each upholds the other. In all its majesty the law confronts the conscience, causing the sinner to feel his need of Christ as the propitiation for sin. The gospel recognises the power and immutability of the law. “I had not known sin, but by the law” (Romans 7:7), Paul declares. The sense of sin, urged home by the law, drives the sinner to the Saviour.’ God’s Amazing Grace, page 15.

‘Think not that I am come to destroy the law’

Does faith in the blood of Christ, shed on Calvary for us, remove the obligation to obey God’s law? Romans 3:31.
NOTE: Paul employs no stronger negative expression than the one translated as ‘God forbid.’
‘ The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. “Believe, believe,” is their cry; “only believe in Christ, and you will be saved. It is all you have to do.” While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it will lead to perfect conformity to the law of God. There are two errors against which the children of God, particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace, especially need to guard. The first is that of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into