for the Fourth Quarter 2012 d Quarter The Plan of Salvation and the Remnant of the Woman s Seed Part 2

Transcription

1 Sabbath School Lessons for the Fourth Quarter 2012 d Quarter The Plan of Salvation and the Remnant of the Woman s Seed Part 2 Issued by the General Conference International Missionary Society Seventh-day Adventist Church Reform Movement 625 West Avenue Cedartown, GA USA Telephone / Fax info@sda1844.org

2 Author: Dai Chun Kang, South Korea Review and editing of content by the General Conference Ministerial Department Translation, editing, and design by the General Conference Publishing Department American Union English edition proofread, designed, and distributed by Religious Liberty Publishing Assn E. Mississippi Avenue Denver, CO COVER: Prophetic Symbols from Daniel & the Revelation, 2010, Religious Liberty Publishing Assn

3 Contents The Plan of Salvation and the Remnant of the Woman s Seed, Part 2 Introduction The Sanctuary s Cleansing and Our Preparation The Heavenly Sanctuary The Coming of the Third Angel The Day of Atonement The Golden Pot of Manna Aaron s Staff The Sealing Angel The Seal of the Living God The 144,000 Battle in Defense of the Law Perfect Victory The Great Multitude and the 144, The Special Resurrection A Symbolic or a Literal Number? Missionary Report from the General Conference Canvassing Department Fourth Quarter

4 Introduction In this quarter we will continue studying The Plan of Salvation and the Remnant of the Woman s Seed, including the third angel s message and the unique experiences of the 144,000, which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth, redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. Revelation 14:4. In addition, the sealing of the 144,000 is a truth that was shown to Sister Ellen G. White in the first vision after the disappointment in 1844 and is a teaching that cannot be taken lightly. In fact, many people today are concerned that it is being deliberately neglected. The Lord points out that one reason why precious souls today are dying of spiritual famine is because the present truth of the sealing message is not being taught. We should not forget that the third angel is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention. Early Writings, p Today many teach that the 144,000, presented in Revelation chapters 7 and 14, are a symbolic group and actually the same people as the great multitude. They claim that to teach that the 144,000 are a literal number is to limit God s limitless love. One hears questions such as, Why is the doctrine of the 144,000 so important? Do we have to be part of the 144,000? Why not just be saved? Why will so few people be saved? In examining this subject it is not our intention to limit God s love but to understand the plan of redemption from the Scriptures and be prepared for the events that are just ahead. We will also study the position and importance of the 144,000 in connection with the plan of salvation. If anyone is saved, it will be in the way appointed by God, in accordance with the plan of redemption, as the Spirit of prophecy affirms: The Lord works in His own way, and according to His own devising. Let men pray that they may be divested of self, and may be in harmony with heaven. Let them pray, Not my will, but Thine, O God, be done. Let men bear in mind that God s ways are not their ways, nor His thoughts their thoughts; for He says, As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Review and Herald, May 5, 1896) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, p Thus the plan of redemption is laid open to us so that every soul may see the steps he is to take in repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, in order to be saved in God s 4 Sabbath School Lessons

5 appointed way; yet beneath these truths, so easily understood, lie mysteries which are the hiding of His glory mysteries which overpower the mind in its research, yet inspire the sincere seeker for truth with reverence and faith. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p Cain did not want to be saved according to God s way and plan, and we know what the consequences were. We see that this was not just his problem. I have stated before them that, from what was shown me, but a small number of those now professing to believe the truth would eventually be saved-not because they could not be saved, but because they would not be saved in God s own appointed way. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p We are God s servants, and we are to be workers together with Him, doing His work in His way, that all for whom we labor may see that our desire is to reach a higher standard of holiness. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 96. Dear brothers and sisters, as the generation which is preparing to see the glorious coming of our Lord, we should study God s plan of redemption earnestly. The 144,000 are called the first fruit of the redeemed from this earth. The Lord sowed the seed of the gospel and watered it with His own blood; He also sent the Holy Spirit to take care of the plant so it will bear fruit. When the fruit is ripe and the number is complete, the Lord will come to harvest it. O, what a glorious truth is the plan of redemption! We may become familiar with this doctrine, and through these lessons we want to understand the plan of salvation more clearly so we will receive heavenly power to be part of the 144,000. The Spirit of prophecy states: Those whom the Lamb shall lead by the fountains of living waters, and from whose eyes He shall wipe away all tears, will be those now receiving the knowledge and understanding revealed in the Bible, the Word of God. Continuing the message, the call is given: Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand. (Review and Herald, March 9, 1905) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p May all who study these lessons receive the blessings and privileges of the 144,000. The brothers and sisters of the General Conference Fourth Quarter

6 1 The Special Sabbath School Offering is dedicated to ROMANIA Remember to give your offering as an expression of love and gratitude Sabbath, October 6, 2012 Memory verse The Sanctuary s Cleansing and Our Preparation Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. Daniel 12:10. The cause of the disappointment 1. Why did William Miller and his followers have to face two great disappointments? What was the generally accepted but erroneous idea that William Miller had accepted? Revelation 10:8-10. Miller accepted the generally received view that in the Christian age the earth is the sanctuary, and he therefore understood that the cleansing of the sanctuary foretold in Daniel 8:14 represented the purification of the earth by fire at the second coming of Christ. In explaining Daniel 8:14, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed, Miller, as has been stated, adopted the generally received view that the earth is the sanctuary, and he believed that the cleansing of the sanctuary represented the purification of the earth by fire at the coming of the Lord. When, therefore, he found that the close of the 2300 days was definitely foretold, he concluded that this revealed the time of the second advent. His error resulted from accepting the popular view as to what constitutes the sanctuary. The Great Controversy, pp. 324, 325, 352. I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as He wanted them; that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until His hand was removed. Early Writings, p Why did the Lord permit the mistake to remain hidden for a while? Isaiah 52:11; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Proverbs 17:3. 6 Sabbath School Lessons

7 I saw the people of God joyful in expectation, looking for their Lord. But God designed to prove them. His hand covered a mistake in the reckoning of the prophetic periods. Those who were looking for their Lord did not discover this mistake, and the most learned men who opposed the time also failed to see it. God designed that His people should meet with a disappointment. The time passed, and those who had looked with joyful expectation for their Saviour were sad and disheartened, while those who had not loved the appearing of Jesus, but embraced the message through fear, were pleased that He did not come at the time of expectation. Their profession had not affected the heart and purified the life. The passing of the time was well calculated to reveal such hearts. They were the first to turn and ridicule the sorrowful, disappointed ones who really loved the appearing of their Saviour. I saw the wisdom of God in proving His people and giving them a searching test to discover those who would shrink and turn back in the hour of trial. Early Writings, pp. 235, 236. Message and preparation 3. In His providence, how did God work through Miller s preaching of the prophecy? Are we always ready and eager to understand God s dealings with us? Isaiah 55:8, 9; John 13:7. I saw the disappointment of the trusting ones, as they did not see their Lord at the expected time. It had been God s purpose to conceal the future and to bring His people to a point of decision. Without the preaching of definite time for the coming of Christ, the work designed of God would not have been accomplished. It was necessary that the people be brought to seek earnestly for a present preparation. Early Writings, p What serious preparation was required of the high priest before he could enter the most holy place for the yearly service? What is known about the experience of the advent believers in their preparation for the coming of the Lord? Leviticus 16:3, 4, 6, 11. Said Miller in describing that work: There is no great expression of joy: that is, as it were, suppressed for a future occasion, when all heaven and earth will rejoice together with joy unspeakable and full of glory. There is no shouting: that, too, is reserved for the shout from heaven. The singers are silent: they are waiting to join the angelic hosts, the choir from heaven. There is no clashing of sentiments: all Fourth Quarter

8 are of one heart and of one mind. Bliss, pp. 270, 271. Of all the great religious movements since the days of the apostles, none have been more free from human imperfection and the wiles of Satan than was that of the autumn of Even now, after the lapse of many years, all who shared in that movement and who have stood firm upon the platform of truth still feel the holy influence of that blessed work and bear witness that it was of God. The Great Controversy, p The day of atonement 5. What was required of ancient Israel on the day of atonement to receive the blessing of the sanctuary s cleansing? How sacred and solemn was that day to the people? Leviticus 23:27, 28. God commanded that an atonement be made for each of the sacred apartments. He shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. An atonement was also to be made for the altar, to cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel. Leviticus 16:16, 19. Every man was required to afflict his soul while this work of atonement was going forward, and the whole congregation of Israel were to spend the day in solemn humiliation before God, with prayer, fasting, and deep searching of heart. The Great Controversy, pp In the typical service, when the work of atonement was performed by the high priest in the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary, the people were required to afflict their souls before God, and confess their sins, that they might be atoned for and blotted out. Selected Messages, book 1, p Which compartment of the heavenly sanctuary does the third angel point out? Where is the attention of God s people directed today? Leviticus 23:29; 10:1, 2; Philippians 2:12, last part. I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly sanctuary. As they by faith enter the most holy, they find Jesus, and hope and joy spring up anew. Many who embraced the third message had not had an experience in the two former messages. Satan understood this, and his evil eye was upon them to overthrow them; but the third angel was pointing 8 Sabbath School Lessons

9 them to the most holy place, and those who had had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly sanctuary. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels messages, and gladly received them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly sanctuary. Early Writings, pp. 254, What preparation is required today, in the real day of atonement when Jesus is in the heavenly most holy place? Leviticus 16:29; 20:7; Numbers 19:20. Thorough conversion is necessary among those who profess to believe the truth, in order for them to follow Jesus and obey the will of God not a submission born of circumstances, as was that of the terrified Israelites when the power of the Infinite was revealed to them, but a deep and heartfelt repentance and renunciation of sin. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p For review and meditation How has the sanctuary message in Adventist teaching developed into a call for thorough, heartfelt repentance and devotion? Why were the experiences made under the first and second angels messages necessary to understand the day of atonement and Jesus work in the most holy place? Personal question: Am I ready to meet Jesus in the most holy place by faith? 2 Sabbath, October 13, 2012 * * * The Heavenly Sanctuary Memory verse Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Hebrews 8:1, first part, 2. Key to the mystery 1. What was the key to understanding the disappointments suffered by the advent movement in 1844? Hebrews 9:23, 24. Fourth Quarter

10 The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God s hand had directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people. The Great Controversy, p What truth was revealed to Hiram Edson after the disappointment of October 22, 1844? Hebrews 9:11. Hiram Edson and O.R.L. Crosier set forth from the Scriptures the evidence for the understanding that the two phases of ministry in the earthly sanctuary service were a type of Christ s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. Consequently, according to Edson and Crosier, events that were to come to pass, beginning on October 22, 1844, were events taking place in heaven. Ellen Gould White, The Early Years, vol. 1, pp. 107, 108. I saw the third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest of the heavenly sanctuary. As they by faith enter the most holy, they find Jesus, and hope and joy spring up anew. I saw them looking back, reviewing the past, from the proclamation of the second advent of Jesus, down through their experience to the passing of the time in They see their disappointment explained, and joy and certainty again animate them. The third angel has lighted up the past, the present, and the future, and they know that God has indeed led them by His mysterious providence. Early Writings, pp. 254, How is the truth of the heavenly sanctuary related to faith in Jesus? Ezekiel 37:28. The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects and be able to give an answer to everyone that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them. The Great Controversy, pp. 488, 489. Type and antitype 4. Describe the relationship between the ceremonial law (the shadow) and Jesus work on earth and in the heavenly sanctuary (the reality). Hebrews 8:5. 10 Sabbath School Lessons

11 The gospel of Christ reflects glory upon the Jewish age. It sheds light upon the whole Jewish economy, and gives significance to the ceremonial law. The tabernacle, or temple, of God on earth was a pattern of the original in heaven. All the ceremonies of the Jewish law were prophetic, typical of mysteries in the plan of redemption. (Signs of the Times, July 29, 1886) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p Here is revealed the sanctuary of the new covenant. The sanctuary of the first covenant was pitched by man, built by Moses; this is pitched by the Lord, not by man. In that sanctuary the earthly priests performed their service; in this, Christ, our great High Priest, ministers at God s right hand. One sanctuary was on earth, the other is in heaven. The Great Controversy, p After Jesus ascension, where did John see Him serving as High Priest? Revelation 1:12, 13; 4:5. The holy places of the sanctuary in heaven are represented by the two apartments in the sanctuary on earth. As in vision the apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven, he beheld there seven lamps of fire burning before the throne. Revelation 4:5. He saw an angel having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. Revelation 8:3. Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the seven lamps of fire and the golden altar, represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. For eighteen centuries this work of ministration continued in the first apartment of the sanctuary. The blood of Christ, pleaded in behalf of penitent believers, secured their pardon and acceptance with the Father, yet their sins still remained upon the books of record. The Great Controversy, pp. 414, 415, On October 22, 1844, what place in the heavenly sanctuary did Christ enter? Revelation 11:19. I was shown what did take place in heaven at the close of the prophetic periods in I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with Him. Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the Father. Early Writings, pp. 251, 55. Fourth Quarter

12 Deception of Satan 7. What deception is Satan spreading? Acts 7:44; Hebrews 9:24. In the future, deception of every kind is to arise, and we want solid ground for our feet. We want solid pillars for the building. Not one pin is to be removed from that which the Lord has established. The enemy will bring in false theories, such as the doctrine that there is no sanctuary. This is one of the points on which there will be a departing from the faith. Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years? Evangelism, p At the termination of the 2300 days, in 1844, there had been no sanctuary on earth for many centuries. Thus the prophecy, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed, unquestionably points to the sanctuary in heaven. The Great Controversy, p Why should we be very interested in the heavenly sanctuary today? Psalms 73:16, 17; 77:13; 134:2. The scenes connected with the sanctuary above should make such an impression upon the minds and hearts of all that they may be able to impress others. All need to become more intelligent in regard to the work of the atonement, which is going on in the sanctuary above. When this grand truth is seen and understood, those who hold it will work in harmony with Christ to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God, and their efforts will be successful. By study, contemplation, and prayer God s people will be elevated above common, earthly thoughts and feelings, and will be brought into harmony with Christ and His great work of cleansing the sanctuary above from the sins of the people. Their faith will go with Him into the sanctuary, and the worshipers on earth will be carefully reviewing their lives and comparing their characters with the great standard of righteousness. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p For review and meditation What key solved the mystery of the disappointments in the advent movement? Why is Jesus ministry in the heavenly sanctuary so important? Why does Satan so strongly oppose the teaching about the sanctuary in heaven? * * * 12 Sabbath School Lessons

13 3 Sabbath, October 20, 2012 Memory verse The Coming of the Third Angel And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, Revelation 14:9, 10, first part. The third angel 1. What serious warning message is proclaimed by the third angel? When did this angel come down to the earth? Revelation 14:9-11; 7:2. The passing of the time in 1844 was followed by a period of great trial to those who still held the advent faith. And as they waited and watched and prayed to know the will of God they saw that their great High Priest had entered upon another work of ministration, and, following Him by faith, they were led to see also the closing work of the church. They had a clearer understanding of the first and second angels messages, and were prepared to receive and give to the world the solemn warning of the third angel of Revelation 14. The Great Controversy, pp. 431, 432. As the ministration of Jesus closed in the holy place, and He passed into the holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel with a third message to the world. Early Writings, p What is included in the message of the third angel? What do the open door and the closed door indicate? Revelation 11:19. As the ministration of Jesus closed in the holy place, and He passed into the holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel with a third message to the world. A parchment was placed in the angel s hand, and as he descended to the earth in power and majesty, he proclaimed a fearful warning, with the most terrible threatening ever borne to man. The third angel closes his message thus: Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Fourth Quarter

14 Then I was shown that the time for the commandments of God to shine out with all their importance, and for God s people to be tried on the Sabbath truth, was when the door was opened in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary, where the ark is, in which are contained the ten commandments. This door was not opened until the mediation of Jesus was finished in the holy place of the sanctuary in Then Jesus rose up and shut the door of the holy place, and opened the door into the most holy, and passed within the second veil, where He now stands by the ark, and where the faith of Israel now reaches. Early Writings, pp. 254, In vision, what did the Lord s servant see in the most holy place? What is known about its contents? 2 Chronicles 5:7; Hebrews 9:3, 4. In the holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On each end of the ark was a lovely cherub, with its wings spread out over it. Their faces were turned toward each other, and they looked downward. Between the angels was a golden censer. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. Jesus stood by the ark, and as the saints prayers came up to Him, the incense in the censer would smoke, and He would offer up their prayers with the smoke of the incense to His Father. In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron s rod that budded, and the tables of stone which folded together like a book. Jesus opened them, and I saw the ten commandments written on them with the finger of God. On one table were four, and on the other six. The four on the first table shone brighter than the other six. But the fourth, the Sabbath commandment, shone above them all; for the Sabbath was set apart to be kept in honor of God s holy name. The holy Sabbath looked glorious a halo of glory was all around it. I saw that the Sabbath commandment was not nailed to the cross. If it was, the other nine commandments were; and we are at liberty to break them all, as well as to break the fourth. I saw that God had not changed the Sabbath, for He never changes. Early Writings, pp. 32, To what part of the heavenly sanctuary does the third angel direct the attention of God s people? How are the people of God at the end of time characterized? Revelation 14:12. This message was designed to put the children of God upon their guard, by showing them the hour of temptation and anguish that was before them. Said the angel, They will be brought into close combat with the beast and his image. Their only hope of eternal life is to remain steadfast. Although their lives are at stake, they must hold fast the truth. The third angel closes his message thus: Here is the 14 Sabbath School Lessons

15 patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place. Early Writings, p Concerning which of the Ten Commandments did God s people receive special light? Exodus 20:8, 11. It was represented to me that the remnant followed Jesus into the most holy place and beheld the ark and the mercy seat, and were captivated with their glory. Jesus then raised the cover of the ark, and the tables of stone, with the ten commandments written upon them. They trace down the lively oracles, but start back with trembling when they see the fourth commandment among the ten holy precepts, with a brighter light shining upon it than upon the other nine, and a halo of glory all around it. They find nothing there informing them that the Sabbath has been abolished, or changed to the first day of the week. The commandment reads as when spoken by the voice of God in solemn and awful grandeur upon the mount, while the lightnings flashed and the thunders rolled; it is the same as when written with His own finger on the tables of stone: Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. They are amazed as they behold the care taken of the ten commandments. Early Writings, p The focal point of the final conflict 6. What will be the main issue at the end of the great controversy? Ezekiel 20:12, 20. After Jesus opened the door of the most holy, the light of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were tested, as the children of Israel were tested anciently, to see if they would keep God s law. Early Writings, p The Sabbath question is to be the issue in the great final conflict in which all the world will act a part. God has called us to uplift the standard of His downtrodden Sabbath. How important, then, that our example in Sabbathkeeping should be right. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 352, 353. The world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority. The Great Controversy, p How does Satan attempt to misrepresent Christ s death on the cross? What mystery does the Bible call this? Psalm 78:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 7. Fourth Quarter

16 Another deception was now to be brought forward. Satan declared that mercy destroyed justice, that the death of Christ abrogated the Father s law. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have died. But to abrogate the law would be to immortalize transgression, and place the world under Satan s control. It was because the law was changeless, because man could be saved only through obedience to its precepts, that Jesus was lifted up on the cross. Yet the very means by which Christ established the law Satan represented as destroying it. Here will come the last conflict of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. The Desire of Ages, pp. 762, How can the people of God be victorious at the end of the controversy? What determination of heart is necessary? 1 John 5:4, 5; Revelation 14:12, last part. Choose poverty, reproach, separation from friends, or any suffering rather than to defile the soul with sin. Death before dishonor or the transgression of God s law should be the motto of every Christian. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p 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. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character. The Desire of Ages, p For review and meditation What significance is there in the fact that God revealed in vision the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary? Whose faith do we need to keep the commandments of God? Do we have such faith? * * * 16 Sabbath School Lessons

17 4 Sabbath, October 27, 2012 Memory verse The Day of Atonement Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. Leviticus 23:27. The day of atonement 1. Into what part of the sanctuary did the high priest go once a year to perform the special cleansing service? Leviticus 16:2; Hebrews 9:3. Once a year, on the great Day of Atonement, the priest entered the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary. The work there performed completed the yearly round of ministration. Patriarchs and Prophets, p Jesus stands in the holy of holies, now to appear in the presence of God for us. There He ceases not to present His people moment by moment, complete in Himself. But because we are thus represented before the Father, we are not to imagine that we are to presume upon His mercy, and become careless, indifferent, and self-indulgent. Christ is not the minister of sin. We are complete in Him, accepted in the Beloved, only as we abide in Him by faith. (The Signs of the Times, July 4, 1892) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p What was special about the mercy seat? What revelation was given there? Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89. This ark was considered the glory and strength of Israel. The token of the Divine Presence abode upon it day and night. The Story of Redemption, p In the tabernacle and the temple His glory dwelt in the holy Shekinah above the mercy seat. In their behalf He constantly manifested the riches of His love and patience. Prophets and Kings, p. 18. There Jehovah had revealed His presence in the cloud of glory above the mercy seat. There rested the base of that mystic ladder connecting earth with heaven (Genesis 28:12; John 1:51) that ladder upon which angels of God descended and ascended, and which opened to the world the way into the holiest of all. The Great Controversy, p. 18. Fourth Quarter

18 When the high priest entered within the most holy, once a year, and ministered before the ark in the awful presence of God, he inquired, and God often answered him with an audible voice. When the Lord did not answer by a voice, He let the sacred beams of light and glory rest upon the cherubim upon the right of the ark, in approbation, or favor. If their requests were refused, a cloud rested upon the cherubim at the left. The Story of Redemption, p While the high priest was performing the special service in the most holy place on the day of atonement, what were the people doing? Leviticus 16:29, 31; 23: The whole ceremony was designed to impress the Israelites with the holiness of God and His abhorrence of sin; and, further, to show them that they could not come in contact with sin without becoming polluted. Every man was required to afflict his soul while this work of atonement was going forward. All business was to be laid aside, and the whole congregation of Israel were to spend the day in solemn humiliation before God, with prayer, fasting, and deep searching of heart. The Great Controversy, pp. 419, 420. The most holy place 4. Consider the prophecy concerning the 2,300 days and the cleansing of the sanctuary, the day of atonement, and Christ s entering the heavenly most holy place in the light of Revelation 11:19. As foretold in the Scriptures, the ministration of Christ in the most holy place began at the termination of the prophetic days in To this time apply the words of the Revelator, The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament. Revelation 11:19. The ark of God s testament is in the second apartment of the sanctuary. As Christ entered there, to minister in the sinner s behalf, the inner temple was opened, and the ark of God was brought to view. To those who by faith beheld the Saviour in His work of intercession, God s majesty and power were revealed. As the train of His glory filled the temple, light from the holy of holies was shed upon His waiting people on the earth. The Story of Redemption, p What separated the two compartments of the sanctuary, and what was located in the most holy place? Exodus 26:33; 2 Chronicles 5:7. Beyond the inner veil was the holy of holies, where centered the symbolic service of atonement and intercession, and which formed the 18 Sabbath School Lessons

19 connecting link between heaven and earth. In this apartment was the ark, a chest of acacia wood, overlaid within and without with gold, and having a crown of gold about the top. It was made as a depository for the tables of stone, upon which God Himself had inscribed the Ten Commandments. Hence it was called the ark of God s testament, or the ark of the covenant, since the Ten Commandments were the basis of the covenant made between God and Israel. The cover of the sacred chest was called the mercy seat. This was wrought of one solid piece of gold, and was surmounted by golden cherubim, one standing on each end. One wing of each angel was stretched forth on high, while the other was folded over the body (see Ezekiel 1:11) in token of reverence and humility. The position of the cherubim, with their faces turned toward each other, and looking reverently downward toward the ark, represented the reverence with which the heavenly host regard the law of God and their interest in the plan of redemption. Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 348, 349. The blood of Christ 6. In the services of the earthly sanctuary, what did the high priest take with him when he entered the most holy place? Hebrews 9:7. He entered the most holy place on the Day of Atonement, not without blood, as a mediator for all Israel. Patriarchs and Prophets, p The cleansing, both in the typical and in the real service, must be accomplished with blood: in the former, with the blood of animals; in the latter, with the blood of Christ. The Great Controversy, pp, 417, How were the people of Israel cleansed from all impurity on the day of atonement? Of what were those sacrifices a symbol? Hebrews 9:13; Leviticus 16:15, 16. Important truths concerning the atonement were taught the people by this yearly service. In the sin offerings presented during the year, a substitute had been accepted in the sinner s stead; but the blood of the victim had not made full atonement for the sin. It had only provided a means by which the sin was transferred to the sanctuary. By the offering of blood, the sinner acknowledged the authority of the law, confessed the guilt of his transgression, and expressed his faith in Him who was to take away the sin of the world; but he was not entirely released from the condemnation of the law. On the Day of Atonement the high priest, having taken an offering for the congregation, went into the most holy place with the blood and sprinkled it upon the mercy seat, above the tables of the law. Thus the claims of the law, which demanded the life of the sinner, were satisfied. Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 355, 356. Fourth Quarter

20 In the sacrificial offering, offered by the Jews, was seen a symbol of Christ, whose blood was to be shed for the salvation of the world. In the sacrificial system the truth of the atonement was to be impressed upon the world, that all might know that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. The Signs of the Times, August 28, For review and meditation When did the antitypical day of atonement begin? What attitude should the people who live in the time of the atonement have? Consider what the blood of Christ enables His people to do. 5 Sabbath, November 3, 2012 * * * Memory verse The Golden Pot of Manna Wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant. Hebrews 9:4. Manna 1. What was done with a pot of the precious manna that the Lord in His grace gave abundantly to Israel? Why was the manna kept in the ark in the most holy place? Hebrews 9:3, 4; Exodus 16:33, 34. In the holiest I saw an ark. In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron s rod that budded, and the tables of stone which folded together like a book. Early Writings, p How did the people of Israel regard the manna that God gave them from heaven? Numbers 11:6-8. Whenever their appetite was restricted, the Israelites were dissatisfied, and murmured and complained against Moses and Aaron, and against God. But God was proving His people. In order to develop what was in their hearts, He allowed them to pass through severe trials. When they failed, He brought them around to the same point again, trying them a little more closely and severely. In Egypt their taste had become perverted. God designed to restore their appetite to a pure, healthy state, in order that they might enjoy 20 Sabbath School Lessons

21 the simple fruits that were given to Adam and Eve in Eden. He was about to establish them in a second Eden, a goodly land, where they might enjoy the fruits and grains that He would provide for them. He purposed to remove the feverish diet upon which they had subsisted in Egypt; for He wished them to be in perfect health and soundness when they entered the goodly land to which He was leading them. Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p Lessons from the manna 3. What lesson does the pot of manna give to those who are living in the real day of atonement? Hebrews 9:3, 4. The state of the mind has largely to do with the health of the body, and especially with the health of the digestive organs. As a general thing, the Lord did not provide His people with flesh meat in the desert, because He knew that the use of this diet would create disease and insubordination. In order to modify the disposition, and bring the higher powers of the mind into active exercise, He removed from them the flesh of dead animals. He gave them angel s food, manna from heaven. Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p How significant is health reform to the people living in the actual day of atonement? 1 Corinthians 9:25. Both the manna and the showbread pointed to Christ, the living bread, who is ever in the presence of God for us. The Faith I Live By, p The light that God has given and will continue to give on the food question is to be to His people today what the manna was to the children of Israel. Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs. The eating of flesh is unnatural. We are to return to God s original purpose in the creation of man. Counsels on Diet and Foods, pp. 269, Considering that the Israelites fasted on the day of atonement, what should we do? What is the true fast? Isaiah 58:3-7. The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance. Men need to think less about what they shall eat and drink of temporal food, and much more in regard to the food from heaven, that will give tone and vitality to the whole religious experience. Counsels on Diet and Foods, p Fourth Quarter

22 The lost pot of manna 6. The Israelites failed to preserve the pot of manna that was kept in the ark. Is there a danger for modern Israel to forget the lesson of the manna? 2 Kings 8:9; 2 Chronicles 5:9. If Seventh-day Adventists practiced what they profess to believe, if they were sincere health reformers, they would indeed be a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. And they would show a far greater zeal for the salvation of those who are ignorant of the truth. Greater reforms should be seen among the people who claim to be looking for the soon appearing of Christ. Health reform is to do among our people a work which it has not yet done. There are those who ought to be awake to the danger of meat eating, who are still eating the flesh of animals, thus endangering the physical, mental, and spiritual health. Many who are now only half converted on the question of meat eating will go from God s people, to walk no more with them. Counsels on Health, p Can we possibly have confidence in ministers who at tables where flesh is served join with others in eating it? Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God. Every one who transgresses the laws of health will surely be visited with God s displeasure. Counsels on Diet and Foods, p What warning did God send to those who killed animals and enjoyed feasting on them on the day of fasting? Isaiah 22:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 2 Corinthians 7:1. In what same danger is modern Israel? Ignorance is no excuse now for the transgression of law. The light shines clearly, and none need be ignorant, for the great God Himself is man s instructor. All are bound by the most sacred obligations to God to heed the sound philosophy and genuine experience which He is now giving them in reference to health reform. He designs that the great subject of health reform shall be agitated and the public mind deeply stirred to investigate; for it is impossible for men and women, with all their sinful, health-destroying, brain enervating habits, to discern sacred truth, through which they are to be sanctified, refined, elevated, and made fit for the society of heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p Right arm of the third angel s message 8. How important is temperance in the Christian experience? In what danger are those who fail to recognize the importance of health reform? 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 9: Sabbath School Lessons

23 I saw that our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us the great blessing of light upon the health reform that we may obey the claims which He has upon us and glorify Him in our bodies and spirits which are His and finally stand without fault before the throne of God. Our faith requires us to elevate the standard and take advance steps. There are but few as yet who are aroused sufficiently to understand how much their habits of diet have to do with their health, their characters, their usefulness in this world, and their eternal destiny. Sabbathkeepers who are looking for the soon appearing of their Saviour should be the last to manifest a lack of interest in this great work of reform. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 488, 489. Those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character. Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p For review and meditation What is the lesson of the manna for us who live in the actual day of atonement? In what danger are we if we lose or ignore health reform? Personal question: How faithfully am I treasuring and obeying the heavenly concepts of health? God had fed Israel in the wilderness with bread from heaven, and they were still dependent upon His bounty, both for temporal food and spiritual blessings. Patriarchs and Prophets, p Sabbath, November 10, 2012 Memory verse * * * Aaron s Staff Behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. Numbers 17:8. Aaron s staff 1. What was in the ark of the covenant besides the two tables of the law and the pot of manna? Hebrews 9:3, Why was Aaron s staff kept in the ark? Numbers 17:5, 10. All the remarkable changes in the rod occurred in one night, to convince them that God had positively distinguished between Aaron Fourth Quarter

24 and the rest of the children of Israel. After this miracle of divine power, the authority of the priesthood was no longer called in question. This wonderful rod was preserved to be frequently shown to the people to remind them of the past, to prevent them from murmuring, and again calling in question to whom the priesthood rightfully belonged. After the children of Israel were fully convinced of their wrong, in unjustly accusing Moses and Aaron, as they had done, they saw their past rebellion in its true light, and they were terrified. (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4a, pp. 35, 36) Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p Rebellion against the leadership 3. What attempt to overthrow the leadership appointed by God was made in the camp of Israel? With what other case can this rebellion be compared? Numbers 16:1-3. In the rebellion of Korah is seen the working out, upon a narrower stage, of the same spirit that led to the rebellion of Satan in heaven. It was pride and ambition that prompted Lucifer to complain of the government of God, and to seek the overthrow of the order which had been established in heaven. Since his fall it has been his object to infuse the same spirit of envy and discontent, the same ambition for position and honor, into the minds of men. He thus worked upon the minds of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, to arouse the desire for self-exaltation and excite envy, distrust, and rebellion. Satan caused them to reject God as their leader, by rejecting the men of God s appointment. Patriarchs and Prophets, p What lesson must the church today learn from the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram? Who has given authority to the church? Matthew 16:18, 19. He who despises the authority of the church despises the authority of Christ Himself. The Desire of Ages, p By ignoring the authority of the church, they show contempt for God, who gave to the church its authority. The church is God s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of the church is treachery to Him who has bought mankind with the blood of His only-begotten Son. The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 306, 11. Lesson for the last generation 5. What lesson can we learn from the uprising of Korah and his associates in light of the fact that Aaron s staff provided a constant reminder of God s leadership through His chosen instruments? 1 Corinthians 10: Sabbath School Lessons

25 In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron s rod that budded, and the tables of stone which folded together like a book. Early Writings, p. 32. Study in Patriarchs and Prophets the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. This rebellion was extended, including more than two men. It was led by two hundred and fifty princes of the congregation, men of renown. Call rebellion by its right name and apostasy by its right name, and then consider that the experience of the ancient people of God with all its objectionable features was faithfully chronicled to pass into history. The Scripture declares, These things are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians 10:11. Selected Messages, book 2, p How does the history of rebellion in Israel serve as a mirror and warning for this generation? 1 Corinthians 10:1, 6. Do not the same evils still exist that lay at the foundation of Korah s ruin? Pride and ambition are widespread; and when these are cherished, they open the door to envy, and a striving for supremacy; the soul is alienated from God, and unconsciously drawn into the ranks of Satan. Like Korah and his companions, many, even of the professed followers of Christ, are thinking, planning, and working so eagerly for self-exaltation that in order to gain the sympathy and support of the people they are ready to pervert the truth, falsifying and misrepresenting the Lord s servants, and even charging them with the base and selfish motives that inspire their own hearts. By persistently reiterating falsehood, and that against all evidence, they at last come to believe it to be truth. While endeavoring to destroy the confidence of the people in the men of God s appointment, they really believe that they are engaged in a good work, verily doing God service. Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 403, May we say with certainty that we do not have a spirit that would form a faction and cause separation? Romans 2:8; Jude 19. Rebellion and apostasy are in the very air we breathe. We shall be affected by them unless we by faith hang our helpless souls upon Christ. Selected Messages, book 2, p Christ came to our world not to aid Satan in working up rebellion, but to put down rebellion. Wherever men start out in rebellion they will work secretly and in darkness, as they will not come as Christ has told them to do to the ones they have any matter against but will take their budget of falsehoods and enmity and evil surmisings and Satanic representations, as did Satan to the fellow angels under him, and gain their sympathy by false representations. (Letter 156, 1897) Seventhday Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p Fourth Quarter