SDA Sabbath School Lesson 8--2nd Quarter 2018--Worship the Creator

[Wally]

 Lesson 8 May 19-25

Worship the Creator

Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study: Rev. 14:6, 7; Matt. 24:14; Gal. 3:22; Luke 23:32-43; Gen. 22:12; Rev. 14:8-12.

Memory Text: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Revelation 14:6

As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we believe in the biblical concept of “present truth” (2 Pet. 1:12). It’s basically the idea that God unfolds truth to humanity at the time it is needed, with more and more light being given by the Lord over the ages. The first gospel promise, in Genesis 3:15, revealed to the fallen pair that hope would come through the seed of the woman. The promise to Abraham, that he “shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him” (Gen. 18:18, NKJV), is a fuller revelation of the gospel promise. The coming of Jesus, who proclaimed that “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, NKJV), is, of course, an even greater revelation of the gospel truth.

Today we believe that the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12 is “present truth” for those living in the last days prior to Christ’s return and the fulfillment of all our hopes as Christians.

This week, we will focus particularly on the first angel’s message, for it contains truths crucial for those who seek to stay faithful amid end-time perils.

It would be good to not only focus on the first angel's message, but to understand that we are still here because we have not taken the gospel to the world. The lesson brings up the first gospel promise. "The first gospel promise, in Genesis 3:15, revealed to the fallen pair that hope would come through the seed of the woman." Would one of our Bible scholars tell us what that gospel promise was? Many do not know. Yet it is the foundation of our faith.

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, May 26.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday •  May 20

The Universality of the Gospel

Read Revelation 14:6, Matthew 24:14, 28:19.

Revelation 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 

 24:14   And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 
 28:19   Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 

What is the similar theme found in these texts? How do these texts together help us understand how important outreach and witness are to our purpose as a church?

"Our witness."  The priests were types of Christ. They so misrepresented Christ and the plan of salvation that a whole nation was lost. They put to death their Messiah. Are we doing any better? Do we understand the "everlasting gospel"? What is it? What is the promise made in Genesis 3:15? Why do we not hear of the promise to us in this verse? How can we take the three angels message to the world if we do not know it or live it? We can't. What is the "Evangelical" gospel? Has it come into God's church? How did it happen?

In a sense, one can say that the first angel’s message is the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) now given in the context of the last days. It is, indeed, “present truth”. 

Yes, it is. And the "everlasting covenant" has always been "present truth." What is the "everlasting covenant"?

Notice that all three texts place an emphasis on outreach to all the world, to “all the nations”, and to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people”. In other words, this message is universal in scope. Every person needs to hear it.

Read Galatians 3:22.

 3:22   But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 

What does this text say that helps us understand why all the world needs to hear the gospel?

We are evil by nature and need to become partakers of God's divine nature in order to be fit for heaven. If we are not changed in character, what would heaven be like if we got in?

The universality of sin explains the universality of our mission and calling. “Every nation, kindred, tongue, and people” has done wrong, has violated God’s law, and has been “confined under sin”. Adam’s fall in Eden has impacted every human being; no nation or tribe or people has been immune. We all face the immediate consequences of sin, and unless a remedy was provided, we all would face the ultimate consequence: eternal death.

That remedy, of course, has been provided: the life, death, resurrection, and heavenly sanctuary ministry of Jesus, who is the only solution to the sin problem. Everyone needs to know the great hope of what God has offered them in Jesus Christ. This is why Seventh-day Adventists have gone throughout all the world, seeking to bring the message of Jesus to those who have not yet heard it.

Why is spreading the gospel message to others so spiritually beneficial for those doing it? That is, why is reaching out to others one of the best ways to be prepared for the coming of Jesus?

Those who are truly converted (saved), live to bless others. We are His witnesses that God is not only love, but He has power to change all who will come to Him just as they are. When we reflect Christ, we are His reward for all He suffered on this dark spot in the universe. When we call ourselves Christians and misrepresent Him, what does that do to those who are hearing us preach the gospel message?

[Glen]

The lesson brings up the first gospel promise. "The first gospel promise, in Genesis 3:15, revealed to the fallen pair that hope would come through the seed of the woman." Would one of our Bible scholars tell us what that gospel promise was? Many do not know. Yet it is the foundation of our faith.

Since that first moment that Eve "[gave] place to the devil" Ephesians 4:27, humanity has been on a drastically downward spiral: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked... Jeremiah 17:9

Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Psalms 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

God knew this, and had made provision for reconciliation for mankind before the world was created. He had provided a WAY for all to again turn to righteousness:

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Each of us:
Colossians 1:
21 ...were sometime alienated and enemies in [our] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present [us] holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight
23 If [we] continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory

The 'ENMITY" the Godhead proposes to place within the Believer is the indwelling presence of Christ himself, as we ask for the Holy Spirit to be placed within us!

Luke 11: 13 ...how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

The Lord Jesus loves His people, and when they put their trust in Him, depending wholly upon Him, He strengthens them. He will live through them, giving them the inspiration of His sanctifying Spirit, imparting to the soul a vital transfusion of Himself. He acts through their faculties and causes them to choose His will and to act out His character. With the apostle Paul they then may say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20)....

[Richard Myers]

Amen, dear Brother Glen!  It is the everlasting covenant that Jesus suffered and died that we might be changed from have enmity towards God to having enmity towards Satan and sin! We need to be born again of the Spirit in order to have this power to overcome the flesh within and the world and Satan without. Genesis 3:15 is the promise of eternal life free from sin, and present life set free from the bondage of sin. It it the power of grace when received into the heart. Jesus tells us "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:6,7.

The only reason this simple truth is hard to understand is because of the false gospels being circulated throughout the churches. The gospel message has been perverted in an effort to keep the blind blind as to their continual need of Jesus in order to have salvation. We must have Jesus! We must love Him with the whole heart, not just part of it.

[Richard Myers]

Monday •  May 21

The Thief on the Cross and the “Everlasting Gospel”

In Revelation 14:6, the message to be proclaimed to the world is “the everlasting gospel”. It’s a message of hope for people in a world that, in and of itself, offers no hope at all.

Amen! When Adam sinned, there was no hope. But, while still in the Garden, Jesus uttered the words "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed." Genesis 3:15. There was none when Christ spoke these words in the hearing of Adam. Not all will receive this enmity towards Satan and sin. Unless reconciled with God, man remains at enmity with God and the truth. How often do we hear this? How many understand the foundation of our faith? Sadly, many think they are saved when in fact they are not. They do not hate sin enough to quit sinning. The promise of enmity towards sin is fulfilled when we love Jesus with all we are and all we have. When we surrender self to Him, we then are filled with love for God and love for man, even our enemy. I pray that the lesson speaks this plainly of the power of grace to transform the life at conversion.

Did the thief on the cross love Jesus supremely? Was he converted on the cross? Were his motives then perfect? Was there more needed for him to enter heaven? He was a "baby" Christian, but was his moral character perfect? Did he sin on the cross after conversion? Was he tempted beyond what he could bear? Was he a partaker of God's divine nature while hanging on the cross?  Did he hate sin before he died?

Read Luke 23:32-43.

 23:32   And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 
 23:33   And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 
 23:34   Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 
 23:35   And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided [him], saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 
 23:36   And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 
 23:37   And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 
 23:38   And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 
 23:39   And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 
 23:40   But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 
 23:41   And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 
 23:42   And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 
 23:43   And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in paradise. 

How does this story reveal the great hope of the “everlasting gospel” for all sinners?

Death bed conversions are rare. But, here we read of one such conversion. The thief was transformed in character and Jesus tells us that he will be in heaven.

Writing about the thief, Ellen G. White said that though not a hardened criminal, he had been “seeking to stifle conviction” about Jesus, and so “had plunged deeper and deeper into sin, until he was arrested, tried as a criminal, and condemned to die on the cross”. — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages , p. 749.

Yet, what happened to him? As he hung on the cross, the thief got a glimpse of who Jesus was, and so he cried out: “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Luke 23:42 .

And how did Jesus respond? Did He say: Well, friend, I’d like to help you, but you should have not stifled your convictions by plunging deeper and deeper into sin? Did Jesus quote one of His earlier sermons: “except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:20. Did Jesus, in any way, bring up the thief’s past mistakes?

No. Instead, Jesus turned to this criminal, this thief with a faulty character who had nothing to offer in the way of righteousness and who earlier had been cursing him (Matt. 27:44) . Seeing him as a new man, Jesus said (basically): I am telling you, right now, I am giving you the assurance, right now, that your sin, your crimes, your faults, are forgiven, and thus “thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

"A faulty character"? What does this mean? Does it mean the thief was not sorry for his past sins? Does it mean he was not repentant? Does it mean he was not changed in character? Was he not in a converted state when Jesus told him he would be in heaven? Was there yet something he needed to do in order to enter heaven? Or, was he the same man he was when he was hung on the cross? If he was changed, what changed him? And if he was changed, what was changed if not his character? How important are these questions and the answers to them? Do we want to leave church members in an unconverted state, believing they are rich and increased with goods, when in fact they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, blind, and naked? If we believe the thief on the cross was not transformed in character when he loved Jesus with the whole heart, then we are in great danger of being lost. He was indeed repentant for his past sins, therefore he was converted when Jesus told him he would be in heaven. He was a changed man, he was converted, self was dead and he was a new creature in Christ.

Was there still room to grow in character? Absolutely? There are many converted Christians who do not keep the Sabbath. There are many converted Christians who eat the wrong food. But, there are no converted Christians who have not been changed in moral character. All converted Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit and manifest all of the fruits of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, not one of these is missing. This moral character is not faulty. It is perfect, yet there is still room to grow.

Here is the “everlasting gospel”, the foundation of the first angel’s message. Without this truth, nothing else we teach about the law, the Sabbath, or the state of the dead matters. What good are these teachings without the “everlasting gospel” at the heart of them all?

What is the "everlasting gospel" being taught here? Was the thief transformed in character or not? Was self dead? Was he "perfect" in his motives? What does Genesis 3:15 promise to all who love Jesus supremely?  Will the converted Christian be tempted beyond what he can bear? No, not according to Scripture. Then he has been transformed in character, has he not?

What hope can you take for yourself from this story?

It is not an assurance of salvation unless we have turned from sin unto Christ. If we are not truly repentant, then we have no salvation. If we do not love Jesus with the whole heart, then we are not converted. If we are not filled with the Holy Spirit, then we have no salvation. "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." Romans 8:5-9.

Are we walking in the Spirit, or in the flesh? Is there a difference in character between the two?

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday •  May 22

Fear God and Give Glory to Him

After talking about the proclamation of the “everlasting gospel” to all the world, the first angel’s message then expands on this message. As we proclaim the “everlasting gospel”, we must include the truths that are part of this gospel message for this time. In other words, “present truth” for the last days also includes Revelation 14:7.

Read Revelation 14:7.

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 


What does it mean to fear God and to give Him glory? How are we to do that? How do these concepts fit in with the gospel?

To fear God means just what it says. If the preacher were faithful he would explain what is going to happen to all who do not obey God. When one understands this, ought not they fear what is coming if they do not turn from sin?

To fear God and to give Him glory are not unrelated concepts. If we truly fear God in the biblical sense, we will give glory to Him. One should lead directly to the other.

They are related in that if one's fear of God causes him to turn from sin, then he will give glory to God by reflecting His character.

Read the following texts. How do they help us understand what it means to “fear God” and how that relates to giving glory to Him?

 22:12   And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son] from me. 

 20:20   And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 

 1:9   Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 

 12:13   Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man. 

 5:16   Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

In these verses above, the idea of fearing God was linked to obeying Him, and when we obey God, when we do what is right, we bring glory to Him. Though it is often said that to fear God is to be in awe of God and to reverence Him, it should go deeper than that. We are told to fear God. We are fallen. We are sinners. We are beings who deserve death. Who hasn’t at moments faced the startling realization of the evil of their deeds and what they would deserve at the hands of a just and righteous God for those deeds? This is the fear of God. And it is the fear that drives us first to the Cross for forgiveness, and second to claim the power of God to cleanse us from the evil that, if it were not for the Cross, would cause us to lose our souls (see Matt. 10:28).

Amen.  Fear will not convert anyone, but when rightly understood, we ought to fear the punishment coming if we do not turn from sin, and we ought to look for a Savior to save us from this punishment. When we find the Savior and surrender to Him, He empowers us to obey the law. This is how we give glory to God, we rightly represent His character.

What has been your own experience with fearing God? How could a good dose of this fear be good for us spiritually and help us take more seriously our faith and what God asks of us?

Who wants to suffer the pain of death by fire for every sin we have done? This is a good enough reason to turn from sin. But, the great deception must be revealed. Many do not know they are going to suffer for every one of their sins unless they are transformed in character before they die. Does the Bible reveal suffering for the unrepentant sinner? Yes. " If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name." Rev 14 9-11.

This is only one verse. Please share other verses that reveal why it is that unrepentant sinners ought to fear God.

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday •  May 23

The Hour of His Judgment Has Come

In the first angel’s message, the idea of fearing God and giving glory to Him is linked to judgment (Rev. 14:7). If the Bible is clear about any teaching, it is clear that God is a God of justice and of judgment. One day the judgment and justice so lacking in this world will indeed come.

Amen! And is even more clear on the power of God's grace to keep one from sinning.

No wonder people need to fear God.

And that’s why the “everlasting gospel” also includes the reality of judgment. What is the relationship between these two elements? If the gospel means “good news”, it means that though we are all sinners and have broken God’s law, when judgment day comes, like the thief on the cross, we will not face the penalty and punishment that we deserve for our sin and law-breaking.

It is indeed true that all have sinned, but not all continue in sin. Only those who give their hearts fully to God will have power to not sin. The wages of one known sin is eternal death, if we do not repent.

Read the following texts and then ask yourself, How well would I do standing in my own merits? Matt. 12:36, Eccles. 12:14, Rom. 2:6, 1 Cor. 4:5.

When one understands we are evil by nature, and can do no good thing until converted, how could anyone merit anything? Outside of Christ we can do no good thing.

The God who knows the number of hairs on our heads is going to judge the world. But that is precisely why the “everlasting gospel” is such good news. Judgment comes, but there is “no condemnation” for the faithful followers of Jesus, those washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus (see 1 Cor. 6:11), because Jesus Christ is their righteousness, and His righteousness is what gets them through that judgment.

No, there is more. It is His grace that gets us through the "time of trouble such as never was." They have no Mediator, so they will not sin.

It is their character that will be judged in the Investigative Judgment. The law of God is the standard by which they will be judged. The "books" are opened to reveal their good deeds and their sins. The "books" also reveal their motives. All may see who it is that has been transformed by the grace of God.

“Man cannot meet these charges himself. In his sin-stained garments, confessing his guilt, he stands before God. But Jesus our Advocate presents an effectual plea in behalf of all who by repentance and faith have committed the keeping of their souls to Him. He pleads their cause and vanquishes their accuser by the mighty arguments of Calvary. His perfect obedience to God’s law, even unto the death of the cross, has given Him all power in heaven and in earth, and He claims of His Father mercy and reconciliation for guilty man”. — Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church , vol. 5, p. 471.

This is not a statement about the "judgment." One needs to study the quote in context, then it will be seen that this is not justifying the unrepentant sinner. Christ's righteousness will not stand in place of the character of one who sins a known sin. But, it does allow Christ to intercede for guilty man. It does not mean that our characters may be unrighteous because Christ's righteousness will stand in our place in the judgment, it will not. Read the statement in its context.

He leads men into skepticism, causing them to lose confidence in God and to separate from His love; he tempts them to break His law, and then he claims them as his captives and contests the right of Christ to take them from him. He knows that those who seek God earnestly for pardon and grace will obtain it; therefore he presents their sins before them to discourage them. He is constantly seeking occasion against those who are trying to obey God. Even their best and most acceptable services he seeks to make appear corrupt. By countless devices, the most subtle and the most cruel, he endeavors to secure their condemnation. Man cannot meet these charges himself. In his sin-stained garments, confessing his guilt, he stands before God. But Jesus our Advocate presents an effectual plea in behalf of all who by repentance and faith have committed the keeping of their souls to Him. He pleads their cause and vanquishes their accuser by the mighty arguments of Calvary. His perfect obedience to God’s law, even unto the death of the cross, has given Him all power in heaven and in earth, and He claims of His Father mercy and reconciliation for guilty man. To the accuser of His people He declares: “‘The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan.’ These are the purchase of My blood, brands plucked from the burning.” Those who rely upon Him in faith receive the comforting assurance: “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” All that have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand of Christ. Not one soul that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. His word is pledged: “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” The promise given to Joshua is made to all: “If thou wilt keep My charge, ... I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.” Angels of God will walk on either side of them, even in this world, and they will stand at last among the angels that surround the throne of God.

The fact that the acknowledged people of God are represented as standing before the Lord in filthy garments should lead to humility and deep searching of heart on the part of all who profess His name. Those who are indeed purifying their souls by obeying the truth will have a most humble opinion of themselves. The more closely they view the spotless character of Christ, the stronger will be their desire to be conformed to His image, and the less will they see of purity or holiness in themselves. But while we should realize our sinful condition, we are to rely upon Christ as our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption. We cannot answer the charges of Satan against us. Christ alone can make an effectual plea in our behalf. He is able to silence the accuser with arguments founded not upon our merits, but on His own.

Yet we should never be content with a sinful life. It is a thought that should arouse Christians to greater zeal and earnestness in overcoming evil, that every defect in character, every point in which they fail to meet the divine standard, is an open door by which Satan can enter to tempt and destroy them; and, furthermore, that every failure and defect on their part gives occasion to the tempter and his agents to reproach Christ. We are to exert every energy of the soul in the work of overcoming, and to look to Jesus for strength to do what we cannot do of ourselves. No sin can be tolerated in those who shall walk with Christ in white. The filthy garments are to be removed, and Christ’s robe of righteousness is to be placed upon us. By repentance and faith we are enabled to render obedience to all the commandments of God, and are found without blame before Him. Those who shall meet the approval of God are now afflicting their souls, confessing their sins, and earnestly pleading for pardon through Jesus their Advocate. Their attention is fixed upon Him, their hopes, their faith, are centered on Him, and when the command is given, “Take away the filthy garments, and clothe him with change of raiment, and set a fair miter upon his head,” they are prepared to give Him all the glory of their salvation.

Zechariah’s vision of Joshua and the Angel applies with peculiar force to the experience of God’s people in the closing up of the great day of atonement. The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts.  5T 472.

What does the reality of judgment teach us about our utter need for forgiveness? How can you learn to give to others who have done you wrong the kind of grace and forgiveness God offers us through Jesus?

We will not be forgiven unless we repent. If we do not repent, then we shall be judged unworthy of heaven and will face punishment by fire.

How can we learn to love the evil ones? We cannot learn to love them. It is impossible for selfish man to love those who hurt him. We must be converted, transformed in character. When we love Jesus with the whole heart, we shall love our neighbor as ourselves. It comes when the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart. We become new creatures filled with the Spirit of God. Thus, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be in the life, not one will be missing.

Notice the fruits begin with love, joy, and peace. That love is not just love for those who love us, but for those who hurt us. It is a supernatural love that comes with the Holy Spirit.

[Richard Myers]

Thursday •  May 24

Worship the One Who Made the Heavens and Earth

Read again Revelation 14:6, 7.

 14:6   And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 
 14:7   Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 

What are the specific elements found in the entire first angel’s message, and how do they relate to one another?

Along with the gospel, the call to witness to the world and the call to fear God and give glory to Him comes the call to worship God as the Creator. And no wonder. All these other aspects of “present truth” — the everlasting gospel, the call to witness, the judgment — what do they mean apart from God as our Creator? These truths and all other truths arise from the foundational truth of the Lord as the One who has made all things. By worshiping the Lord as Creator, we are getting back to basics. We are getting back to the foundation of what it means to be human and alive and unlike any other earthly creatures, to be made in the image of God. By worshiping the Lord as Creator, we acknowledge our dependence upon Him for existence and for our future hope. This is why the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath is so important. It’s a special acknowledgment that God alone is our Creator, and we worship only Him. That is, along with the gospel, along with the judgment, the call to worship the Lord as Creator is given prominence here.

Read Revelation 14:8-11.

 14:8   And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 
 14:9   And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 
 14:10   The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 
 14:11   And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 

What do these verses say that could help us understand the importance of worshiping the Lord as Creator?

As final events unfold, pressure to worship the beast and his image rather than the Creator will come upon all the world. If we consider the fearsome warning about the fate of those who worship the beast and his image, we can better understand the emphasis on worshiping God as Creator as the only One worthy of human worship. In the final crisis, this truth will become more crucial than ever.

Take time to dwell on the incredible marvels of the created world. What can and do they teach us about the One who created it all and why He alone is worthy of our worship?

Creation reveals God's love and creative power. This is vital to our understanding since we are wholly dependent upon God's power to recreate us in His image. It was easy for God to make Adam, but it is impossible for God to recreate us without our cooperation. And, it is a miracle, God's greatest, that He can even with our cooperation turn us from sinners into saints while living in fallen sinful evil flesh!

[Richard Myers]

Friday •  May 25

Further Thought: Bible students have long seen a link between the call in Revelation 14:7, to “worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of waters” and the fourth commandment, in Exodus 20:11, when the Sabbath points back to the fact that “in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that in them is.” However closely related the language, there is a change in which the text in Revelation points to the Lord as the One who made “the fountains of waters”.

Author John Baldwin argues: “Assuming divine intentionality behind the phrase ‘fountains of waters’, why does Jesus have the messenger break the parallel listing of things mentioned in Exodus 20:11? Why does the angel mention ‘fountains of waters’ and not some other class of created thing, such as trees, birds, fish, or mountains?

“Perhaps the reference to ‘fountains of waters’ in the context of a divine announcement of the arrival of a unique time of divine judgment seeks to direct the reader’s attention to a previous period of divine judgment. . . Perhaps God intends that the possible allusion to the flood by the words ‘fountains of waters’ should underscore the truth that He is indeed a God of judgment, as well as a God of everlasting faithfulness and graciousness (both evidenced in the narrative of the Genesis flood). If so, the personal and spiritual implications of the flood connotation triggered by the phrase ‘fountains of waters’ might be to encourage the reader to take seriously the momentous arrival of a new end-time process of individual divine judgment now announced by the first messenger of Revelation 14”. — John Baldwin, ed., Creation, Catastrophe, and Calvary: Why a Global Flood Is Vital to the Doctrine of Atonement (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 2000), p. 27.

Here's another thought:

The duty to worship God is based upon the fact that He is the Creator. “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm 95:6; See Psalm 96:5; Psalm 100:3; Isaiah 40:25, 26; 45:18.

In Revelation 14, men are called to worship the Creator and keep the commandments of God. One of these commandments points to God as the Creator: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: ... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:10, 11. The Sabbath, the Lord says, is a “sign, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20. Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man would have been led to the Creator as the object of worship. There would never have been an idolater, atheist, or infidel. Keeping the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to “him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The message which commands men to worship God and keep His commandments will especially call them to keep the fourth commandment.

In contrast to those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, the third angel points to another class: “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” Revelation 14:9, 10. What is represented by the beast, the image, the mark?  HF 271.

Discussion Questions:

    Isaiah 53:6 reads: “All we like sheep have gone astray”. The word in Hebrew for “all of us” is cullanu . In the same text, Isaiah says that the Lord laid upon Jesus “the iniquity of us all”. The word for “us all” here, too, is cullanu. How does this show us that no matter how great the sin problem is, the solution to it is more than sufficient to solve it?

    What other lessons can we learn from the story of the thief on the cross? Suppose the thief got a pardon and was brought down from the cross and survived. How different a life do you think he would have lived? What does that answer tell us about the power of Christ to change our lives?

We do not know what his life would have been. The Bible does not tells us, and we do not believe in once saved always saved. But, there is an important lesson in the story. The thief will be in heaven which means he was fit for heaven while on the cross. Yet, he was just converted. It tells us that even the "baby" Christian is perfect in moral character. His motives are pure and holy even if he keeps the wrong day and eats the wrong food. It is the heart that Jesus cleanses from sin. This experience we may have today. We do not have to wait until the last days to have victory over sin. We may have it today if we will make a full surrender of the whole heart to Christ. What a miracle!!

[JimB]

What does the reality of judgment teach us about our utter need for forgiveness?

We as sinners definitely need forgiveness and it is essential to our spiritual lives but isn't more needed? If we are only forgiven then won't we just turn around and do the same thing tomorrow? Is God's grace only forgiveness? To me it seems that the author has left out a very important part.

[Glen]

Was [the thief on the cross] converted on the cross? Were his motives then perfect? Was there more needed for him to enter heaven? He was a "baby" Christian, but was his moral character perfect? Did he sin on the cross after conversion? Was he tempted beyond what he could bear? Was he a partaker of God's divine nature while hanging on the cross?  Did he hate sin before he died?

Romans 10:10, 11
...with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Philippians 2:
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

As the thief on the cross “humbled himself”, acknowledging Christ as his Savior (even before Christ’s promise to him), he rested in the assurance of Christ’s faithfulness. It was the Spirit of God that placed that plea for grace upon the lips, from the heart, of that penitent sinner. He had received "the mind of Christ".

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The moment he turned his lingering glance of faith on the Son of God there on the cross, it was just then that the penitent sinner

Each penitent sinner has the privilege and the calling to so receive the grace, the Spirit of God the Father as was upon Christ since His childhood, as ...a word behind [them], saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it”, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 to thus [grow], and wax...strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. Luke 2:40

Humble Boldness:
...the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew ll:12

The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling; but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God. The Lord answered the prayer of Daniel, not that Daniel might glorify himself, but that the blessing might reflect glory to God. It is the design of God to reveal Himself in His providence and in His grace. The object of our prayers must be the glory of God, not the glorification of ourselves. Ye Whall Receive Power p. 27.3

Interesting to me is the thought and the assurance that the humble boldness expressed by the Thief on his cross, by entreating his companion in crime, and humbling himself in asking Christ for deliverance, received the answer he thus struggled for, the reply of Christ that he would indeed be glorified and enter the kingdom of God.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Glen. At conversion, the repentant sinner is ready (fit) for heaven.

[Richard Myers]

Yes, Jim, we cannot remain silent and allow our church to believe what we are reading in the lesson is going to help us better understand the gospel message. A "Laodicean Church" needs to better understand how it is that we are converted, and what it means to be converted. The righteousness of Christ is not going to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sins.
 
No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life that transforms the character and controls the conduct. Holiness is wholeness for God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven.  Desire of Ages, pg 555.

The wages of one known sin is eternal death. If we are filled with the Spirit, we will not sin. If we are not filled with the Spirit, we are none of His and do not have salvation. "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." Romans 8:9. It is a narrow path to heaven that few are willing to follow. Yet, all may be saved if they will look and live.

[Glen]

Please share other verses that reveal why it is that unrepentant sinners ought to fear God.

Hebrews 4:
9 There remaineth...rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.