Author Topic: SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3--2nd Quarter 2018--Jesus and the Book of Revelation  (Read 3441 times)

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Wally

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Lesson 3 April 14-20






Jesus and the Book of Revelation






Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon




So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10

Richard Myers

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Sabbath Afternoon


Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Cor. 10:1-11, Rev. 12:1-17, 19:11-15, Eph. 1:20, Rev. 11:19, 1:10-18.

Memory Text: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Revelation 3:21

Even the quickest reading of the New Testament reveals an important truth: the New Testament is directly tied to the Old. Time and time again the Gospels and the Epistles either refer to events in the Old Testament or quote directly or indirectly from it. And when referring to Himself and His ministry, how often did Jesus talk about how the “Scriptures” need to be “fulfilled” (see Matt. 26:54, 56; Mark 14:49; John 13:18; 17:12) ?

The same thing can be said for the book of Revelation. Indeed, it’s all but impossible to make sense of the book of Revelation apart from the Old Testament, especially the book of Daniel. This is one reason why we often study both books together.

A crucial aspect of those Old Testament references in Revelation is that, taken together with the rest of the book, they reveal Jesus. Revelation is all about Jesus, about who He is, about what He has done for His people, and about what He will do for us at the end of time. Of necessity, any focus on last-day events must keep Jesus front and center, exactly what the book of Revelation does. This week’s lesson looks at Jesus in the book of Revelation.

Amen. The Bible is a revelation of Christ.  "And the Word was made flesh..." John 1:14.


Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, April 21.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Sunday •  April 15

The Structure of Revelation


Among the many things that Daniel and Revelation have in common is their two basic divisions: historical and eschatological (end-time events). Both these concepts are intricately linked in each book. We may view the historical events as precursors, or examples, even if on a smaller scale, of grand and global events in the last days. That is, by studying what happened in Old Testament history, we can have insights for what will happen in our days and beyond. This principle, however, is not limited only to Daniel and Revelation.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.

 10:1   Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 
 10:2   And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 
 10:3   And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 
 10:4   And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 
 10:5   But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 
 10:6   Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 
 10:7   Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 
 10:8   Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 
 10:9   Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 
 10:10   Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 
 10:11   Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 


In these verses how do we see the principle talked about above?

It is spelled out by Paul in that their example is for us who live at the time of the end.


As we found last week, some of the stories in Daniel (Dan. 3:6, 15, 27; and 6:6-9, 21, 22) were localized historical incidents that reflect, somewhat, the end-time events depicted in Revelation. By studying these stories, we can get glimpses and insights into some of the things that God’s people will face on a broader scale in the end. Perhaps, though, the most important point is that, regardless of our immediate situation here, we are assured of ultimate deliverance. Whatever else Revelation teaches, it assures the faithful of victory.

Though there are some exceptions, the historical portion of Revelation is chapters 1-11, followed by the end-time chapters 13-22.

Read Revelation 12:1-17. Where should we place this chapter, historical or end events, and why?

As we can see, this chapter belongs to both segments. Why? Because it talks about historical conflicts — the expulsion of Satan from heaven (Rev. 12:7-9), Satan’s attack on baby Jesus (Rev. 12:4), and the persecution of the church in subsequent church history (Rev. 12:14-16) — followed by a depiction of the devil’s attack on the end-time remnant (Rev. 12:17) .

It has been said that one of the lessons we learn from history is that we never learn from history. The idea is that regardless of when they live, people keep making the same mistakes. With so much history behind us to learn from, how can we avoid making the same mistakes?

"We" do learn. God has a remnant that will study history and learn how God deals with nations, cities, and people. We also learn Satan's tactics. We also learn that our only hope is in Jesus. The world does not learn because it does not want to change. Fallen humanity does what it wants to do no matter what the consequence. But, those who love God supremely do not do as the world does.

Modern day Israel is repeating her sins, but within God's church today are those who are learning from her ensample. There is an important difference between us and them. God prophesied Israel would be cut off. Not so with the church today. It will see revival and reformation. Those who refuse God's grace will be sifted out of His church. God will pour cleansing grace upon His church today. It will accomplish the desired effect. So it is prophesied in Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy.


Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Monday •  April 16

Images of Jesus


Read the following texts, which have various names for Jesus in them and in some cases descriptions of Him and what He has done, is doing, or will do. What do the texts teach us about Jesus?

Rev. 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 

Much is said in this verse, but most important for a Laodicean Church that does not see it is dead in sins, nor that God can will cleans from all sin, is the truth that His blood has cleansing power, power to cleanse the heart from "all" sin."

Rev. 1:18  I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Jesus is unlike other "gods" who do not live after death. Many who have been worshipped as God, have perished and cannot hear the prayers of those who have been deceived. And, other "gods" have never lived at all, the "gods" of wood and stone who cannot hear nor speak. Also, our God, the only true God has power over death. He can raise from the dead all in whom the Spirit lives. When He calls them at His soon coming, they will hear His voice and come forth from the grave!!


Rev. 5:8  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 

The "Lamb," Jesus, has a Book that only He can open. He is the One who has power to judge the quick and the dead. He is the One who has power to raise the dead in Him, He is the One who will pour out the plagues upon the wicked. He is the King of Kings and the One altogether lovely!


Rev. 19:11-15   19:11   And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.     His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 

Amen!! This is our God, this is the King of Kings who will judge the Earth in righteousness! He is coming so very soon with an army from heaven! He came the first time in grace and grace and truth, this time He will come in blazing glory as a King, a ruler of nations, and as the Judge of Heaven and Earth. He warned those who judged Him they would see Him coming in the clouds of glory, thus it will be so very soon!!


Rev. 21:6  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 


Amen! He is the beginning and the end! He is the Fountain of Living Water! He has promised to make us likewise fountains of Living Water if we will surrender all we are and all we have to Him. He will give us salvation if we will live to bless others!!


These are only a few of the many texts in Revelation that depict Jesus in various roles and functions. He is the Lamb, which points to His first coming, in which He offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7). He was also the One who “was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore” (Rev. 1:18), a clear reference to His death and resurrection from the dead. “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day” (Luke 24:46, ASV). And in Revelation 19:11-15, He is depicted in His role at the Second Coming, when He will return to the earth in power and glory and judgment. “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matt. 16:27, NKJV).

How can we learn day by day to make the life, death, resurrection, and the return of Jesus the central focus of our own existence and the foundation for the moral choices we make?

The answer is pointed to in one of the verses quoted. "His name is called The Word of God." Without Christ abiding in us through the Spirit, we cannot make Him the focus and foundation of our life. We must love Him supremely in order to do this. How is it that we can love Jesus supremely? Can we love Him supremely, trust Him with all we have and all we are, if we do not know Him? No! Then how can we know Him? We must link the answer to the verse quoted. If we want to have this "saving faith" in Christ, what must we do according to Scripture?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Glen

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The Bible is a revelation of Christ.  "And the Word was made flesh..." John 1:14.

In the study of the Bible the converted soul eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of God, which he [Christ] himself interprets as the receiving and doing of his words, that are spirit and life. The Word is made flesh, and dwells among us, in those who receive the holy precepts of the word of God. The Saviour of the world has left a holy, pure example for all men. It illuminates, uplifts, and brings immortality to all who obey the divine requirements. Special Testimonies On Education 220

It was only as Christ, through instruction from a child at His mother's knees, and the grace of God that was upon Him, by faith digested the Scriptures, receiving "the holy precepts of the word of God, that we are given an understanding that: We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1 John 5:18

As a man, Jesus Christ was not God Almighty. As men and women by faith ingest the Word of God, they do not become God, yet; if faithful, will be raised as part of Himself, as one with Him. This, is the mystery of Godliness. They become a revelation of Jesus; and, inhabited by the Spirit of Christ, thereby live His life, thus representing the Father.

[Those who] become angry and blaze out in words that in God’s sight are as swearing...allow Satan to take possession of [their] mind and heart, and he speaks and acts through [them]. Lt38-1893 (December 11, 1893) par. 1  Such, are a revelation of Satan, who said that he would exalt himself above all that is called God [2 Thessalonians 2:4].

Romans 6:
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
 

As the soul melds with that of an indwelling Saviour from sin, it is the indwelling Saviour that "dies daily" to sin (as the Believer submits to God, the Believer is free from sin, continually. Dying daily to sin is a daily choosing to keep the LIGHT on, as "Christ in you, the only hope of glory [godly character] [Colossians 1:27].

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

What would "Jesus Christ, and him crucified" look like among Believers, but: So then death worketh in us, but life in [the hearer]. 2 Corinthians 4:12

For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 4:11


...the believer must have a progressive experience by continually doing the works of Christ. It is by continual surrender of the will, by continual obedience, that the blessing of justification is retained. NL 28.1

Romans 6:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Christ, as a child, was "under" the "grace of God"; this is how He, and we, mature in godly life, reflecting the principle of LOVE that is the foundation of the government of God.

Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

...Jesus...will live through (YOU), giving (YOU) the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to (YOUR) soul a vital transfusion of Himself. Sabbath-School Worker 02-01-96.03  ...as the blood

Richard Myers

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Yes, Brother Glen, grace is every thing. It is more than a word, it is the transforming power. It surrounds us as thick as the air we breathe. But, it does us no good unless we take it into the heart. How can we do this? It is by beholding in our Savior's Words and deeds. As we feed upon Jesus, we shall be drinking in the Water of Life.

      Grace is unmerited favor, and the believer is justified without any merit of his own, without any claim to offer to God. He is justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, who stands in the courts of heaven as the sinner’s substitute and surety. But while he is justified because of the merit of Christ, he is not free to work unrighteousness. Faith works by love and purifies the soul. Faith buds and blossoms and bears a harvest of precious fruit. Where faith is, good works appear. The sick are visited, the poor are cared for, the fatherless and the widows are not neglected, the naked are clothed, the destitute are fed. Christ went about doing good, and when men are united with Him, they love the children of God, and meekness and truth guide their footsteps. The expression of the countenance reveals their experience, and men take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Christ and the believer become one, and His beauty of character is revealed in those who are vitally connected with the Source of power and love. Christ is the great depositary of justifying righteousness and sanctifying grace.  1SM 398.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Tuesday •  April 17

The Sanctuary Motif in Revelation


Besides the two major divisions, Revelation also has another structural layer, one built around the Hebrew sanctuary. This sanctuary motif is not confined to either of the two major divisions but goes through them both.

In the earthly sanctuary one begins in the courtyard, at the altar of burnt offering, where the animals were slain. After the death of the animal, symbolic of the Cross, the priest would enter into the first apartment of the sanctuary, which was a model of what Jesus did in the heavenly sanctuary after His ascension. This is represented by Jesus’ walking among the lampstands (Rev 1:13).

Yes, but the lessons begin outside of the sanctuary proper. The sinner brings his lamb to the sanctuary and must pass through an open area between the camp and the sanctuary (in the wilderness). Where is the sinner headed? To the door of the courtyard. It represents Jesus. All of the sanctuary and its services point us to Jesus, our continual need of Him, and His great love and sacrifice for us.


Read Revelation 4:1, 2.

 4:1   After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter. 
 4:2   And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne. 


What does the open door represent? Where is this scene located? See also Acts 2:33; 5:31; Eph. 1:20; Heb. 10:12, 13; Ps. 110:1; Rev. 12:5.

Soon after His ascension, Christ was inaugurated in the Holy Place of the heavenly temple, through this first open door. When Christ first appears in the book of Revelation, He is standing before the lampstands of the first apartment in the heavenly sanctuary (see Rev. 1:10-18).

Read Revelation 11:19.

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. 
 


What is the significance of the fact that as the heavenly temple was opened, John could see the ark of His covenant, which sat in the second apartment of the earthly sanctuary, appears (see Lev. 16:12-14) ?

The image of the ark of the covenant in the heavenly sanctuary is an indisputable reference to the Most Holy Place, or second apartment of the heavenly. In the book of Revelation, we can see not just Jesus’ two-apartment ministry but the crucial and comforting fact that events in heaven and earth are linked. Even amid the trials of history and the last days as depicted in the book of Revelation, we can have the assurance that “all heaven is engaged in the work of preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord’s preparation. The connection of heaven with earth seems very close”. — Ellen G. White, My Life Today , p. 307.

This is a most important truth that our people often have not understood. What is all heaven doing today? And, have been doing for over a hundred years? They cannot do it without our cooperation, and that has been lacking or else Jesus would have come long ago. What does it mean to "prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord's preparation"? If the people, God's remnant church, had been prepared, there would have long ago been an end to the suffering and death that continues on this Earth. What has gone wrong?

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Wednesday •  April 18

Christ in Revelation: Part One


Everything in Revelation, from the structure to the content, has one purpose: to reveal Jesus Christ.

That’s why the opening words of the book are, “The revelation of Jesus Christ” (Apocalypsis Iesou Christou) . This is generally understood as (1) “the revelation from Jesus Christ;” or (2) “the revelation about Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:2) . The fact that it is a “revelation” argues against those who believe Revelation is too hard to understand. Why would the Lord have included the book in the Bible if He hadn’t meant for it to be understood by those who read it?

Read Revelation 1:1-8.

 1:1   The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John: 
 1:2   Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 
 1:3   Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand. 
 1:4   John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 
 1:5   And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 
 1:6   And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 
 1:7   Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 
 1:8   I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. 


What do these verses teach us about Jesus?

In Revelation, Christ is introduced as “the prince of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5) and near the end of the book He is described as “King of kings” (Rev. 19:16) . The great news here is that amid all the chaos and confusion on earth, we can have the assurance that our loving Lord and Savior has ultimate control.

In Revelation 1:5, we have been given a clear reference to Christ as the Redeemer. “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” points to His atoning death on the cross. He has not only justified us but sanctified us, as well (1 Cor. 6:11). In texts like this we can find assurance of salvation, because it shows us that Jesus is the One who washes away our sins. We certainly can’t do it ourselves. Read Revelation 1:7.

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.


What does this teach us about Jesus?

Central to the whole Christian faith is the promise of Christ’s return “with the clouds”. Jesus will come again, a literal return in an event that the whole world will witness, an event that once and for all ends the suffering, chaos, and ruin of this world and ushers in all the promises of eternity.

What does Revelation 1:8 teach us about Jesus? What hope can we find in this verse that can give us comfort amid whatever trials we are facing?

Along with the rest of Scripture, we understand Jesus to be everything to us. He is the beginning and the end to all who love Him supremely. He is the eternal Savior and God. He knows the number of hairs on our head. He knows the motives of why we do what we do. He is King of Peace. Genesis 14:18. Jacob will tell you, He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. Isaiah will tell you, “Immanuel,” “Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 7:14; 9:6. Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, “the Lord our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:6.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Thursday •  April 19

Christ in Revelation: Part Two


Read Revelation 1:10-18.

 1:10   I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 
 1:11   Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 
 1:12   And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 
 1:13   And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 
 1:14   His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire; 
 1:15   And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 
 1:16   And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength. 
 1:17   And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 
 1:18   I [am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 


What does Jesus say about Himself there?

Jesus appears in these verses, standing in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. The revelation of Him in this role was so great that John fell at His feet in fear. Jesus, ever comforting, tells him not to be afraid and points to Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last — references to His eternal existence as God. Later He talks about His death and resurrection and the hope that His resurrection brings. Jesus has the keys to “Death and Hades”. In other words, Jesus here is saying to John what He said to Martha at the death of her brother, words that John also recorded: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25, 26) .

With Martha and now with John, Jesus points us to the hope of the resurrection, the culmination and climax of the Christian faith. Without this hope, what hope is there?

Read Revelation 22:7, 12, 13.

  22:7   Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 
  22:12   And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 
  22:13   I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 


What do these verses reveal about Jesus, as well?

“Christ Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Genesis of the Old Testament, and the Revelation of the New. Both meet together in Christ. Adam and God are reconciled by the obedience of the second Adam, who accomplished the work of overcoming the temptations of Satan and redeeming Adam’s disgraceful failure and fall”. — Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary , vol. 6, pp. 1092, 1093. Yes, Jesus is the beginning and the end. He created us in the beginning, and He will recreate us in the end.

Yes, Jesus will recreate us in the end when He comes. But, that He can do alone. He has power to make Adam from the dust the ground, so He has power to give us glorified bodies. But, Christ does not have power to recreate our character without our cooperation. And, that does not happen at the end, it happens today when we make a full surrender to Him. At conversion we are recreated as new creatures in Christ Jesus. This is the greatest miracle that God can perform with our cooperation. We can only be changed when we fall in love with Jesus and surrender all we have and all we are to His care. We will not do that until we can trust Him. We will not trust Him with everything until we know Him intimately.

Thus, today we have a work to do so that we can know Him. This is why Scripture tells us that "saving" faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The Bible is a revelation of Christ. As we study the Word, we will learn of Him who gave all that we might be recreated in His image. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. 3:18. This happens in our day, not at the end of time.


From start to finish, as it teaches us about not only history but about end-time events, the book of Revelation is still the Apocalypsis Iesou Christou, the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Again, whatever else we may study about final events, Jesus Christ must be the center of it all.

What are ways, every day, that we can keep Jesus the center of our lives?

It begins the night before. We must go to bed early that we might arise early to spend a thoughtful hour with Jesus. As we contemplate His love, and His sacrificial life, we are touched by His grace and the heart is fully surrendered. Then we are empowered to live a life of consecration that reflects His character to a world soon to perish. We must die daily in order to have this power. We must keep our eyes upon Jesus throughout the day in order to have power to give honor and glory to Him by manifesting the fruit of His Spirit. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance all come when Jesus is given the whole heart. Not one of these fruits will be missing from the life. We are recreated when we are truly converted. The character is changed when Jesus has the whole heart. The motives are pure and holy when the Holy Spirit fills the heart. We may keep the wrong day, eat the wrong food, because know no better, but the heart is cleansed from sin and is as white as snow we when love Jesus supremely. This we may do today, for today is the day of salvation.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Friday •  April 20


Further Thought: “In the Revelation are portrayed the deep things of God. The very name given to its inspired pages, ‘the Revelation’, contradicts the statement that this is a sealed book. A revelation is something revealed. The Lord Himself revealed to His servant the mysteries contained in this book, and He designs that they shall be open to the study of all. Its truths are addressed to those living in the last days of this earth’s history, as well as to those living in the days of John. Some of the scenes depicted in this prophecy are in the past, some are now taking place; some bring to view the close of the great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven, and some reveal the triumphs and joys of the redeemed in the earth made new”. — Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles , p. 584.

The texts we looked at this week, in both the beginning and the end of the book, show just how much of Revelation is about Jesus. Even with all the Old Testament references to historical events, the book of Revelation teaches us more about our Lord Jesus. See also Revelation 3:14; 5:5, 6; 7:14; 19:11-16 for even more texts in Revelation about Him. When we put these texts together, we can get a powerful representation of Jesus and what He should mean to us as those who claim to be His followers.

Discussion Questions:

    What does the fact that all through the New Testament constant reference is made to the Old Testament mean for us? What should it tell us about how central Scripture should be to our faith and how seriously we must take the Word of God? How can we protect ourselves against any and all attempts to lessen the authority of the Scriptures in our personal lives and in the life of the church?

Satan is very clever. Look at what he did to Israel who were given the truth. They put to death the Son of God. Don't think he has not been working to deceive God's church today. He has, and he has been successful, for the church remains in a Laodicean condition. We see rebellion in the church and it is based on an attempt to twist Scripture. Changing the meaning of the Bible is most serious. All who preach a false gospel are "accursed" according Scripture. That seems have been forgotten in the church for multiple gospels are being preached from our pulpits and printed on our presses. No one will disagree, yet it continues on.

Our only protection is found in Christ. If we are not abiding in Him and He in us, then we open ourselves to the deceptions of Satan. We have no protection from temptation when we are outside of Christ. We must be partakers of His divine nature in order to resist the lusts of the flesh and the temptations that exist in the world.


    Skim through the book of Revelation and collect as many other texts as you can that talk specifically about Jesus. In class, read the texts aloud. What else do they reveal to you about the nature, work, power, and character of our Lord? What comfort do you derive from what these texts reveal?

    In a world of death how can we learn to find hope and comfort in the promise of the resurrection of the dead?

All of God's promises give us comfort. Knowing our friends and family who die in Christ are only sleeping and by God's grace, we shall one day soon be reunited brings comfort to the soul who is abiding in Christ. We only have this hope and comfort when we are fully surrendered to Christ. There is no peace and comfort when self remains alive and Christ is kept out of the heart. We must learn  of our continual need of Jesus in order to do any good thing, then we must know how to maintain our converted experience. Where in Scripture do we find the answer as to how we can keep our converted experience?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.