Christ'S Great Prophecy: Senior Division First Quarter 1982

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CHRIST'S
GREAT
PROPHECY
SENIOR DIVISION
FIRST QUARTER 1982
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Lesson Titles for this Quarter
CHRIST'S
GREAT PROPHECY
1. Prophetic Signs
2. Jerusalem and the Jews "
3. Signs in the Heavens
4. Signs in the Earth
5. Signs in Social Life
6. Signs Among the Nations
7. Signs in the Religious World
8. Counterfeit Signs
9. The Last Great Sign
10. Religious Persecution
11. Close of Probation
12. The Second Coming of Christ
13. The New World Order
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Christ's Great Prophecy, for January-March, 1982, is
published by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference Sabbath
School Department. Printed and distributed by Reformation Herald Publishing Association,
P.O. Box 312, Blackwood, NJ 08012, U.S.A.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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FOREWORD
The lessons for this quarter are based especially upon the
God-given signs pointing to the greatest event of all ages, the
second coming of Christ in glory, which is "even at the doors."
As the wise men from the east watched for the sign of the
first coming of the promised Redeemer, so are we to watch for
the signs of His second advent, that we may be prepared to meet
Him when He comes.
Our preparation for the return of Christ has to do with the
development of our characters. "When the character of Christ
shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come
to claim them as His own."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69. This
spiritual transformation cannot be achieved at the coming of
Christ. Whatever is to be done in this line must be done while
our Intercessor is in the heavenly sanctuary.
"Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot
obtain it in the time of trouble or at any subsequent time. The
case of all such is hopeless."- The Great Controversy, p. 620.
May the richest blessings of God attend the teachers and
students as they study these lessons!
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
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BOOKS
FOR THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines consist of a group of 7,100 islands, large and small, with
a total land area of 115,800 square miles. In the west Pacific, off the coast of
southeast Asia and north of the Malaysian archipelago, it shares the same
general features of that archipelago, high mountains of volcanic origin, and
fertile plains and valleys. The climate is, generally speaking, tropical, but
conditions differ considerably from the coastal areas to those of the larger is-
lands where there are higher altitudes. About 400 islands are permanently
inhabited by a total population of 48,350,000.
Tagalog is the official language, spoken by some 55%, although it is the
mother tongue of only 23%. English is spoken by 45%, although it is the first
language of very few. There are many other languages of which the largest
groups are Cebuano, over 24% and Ilocano, 11%. '
The Roman Catholic religion claims the allegiance of 85%; the Muslim
faith, 4.3%; Protestant religions, 3.1% and other religions or pagans make
up the balance. In the Philippines there is religious liberty and with many
precious souls hungering and thirsting for the truth, this makes the country
a good missionary field. When the Spirit of Prophecy said that "God has in
reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the dark-
ness," in different parts of the world, and also "in the islands of the sea," the
Philippines were certainly included.
The work in that part of the world was organized in 1958, when Bro. D.
Nicolici, in answer to an invitation, visited a group of reform-minded Advent-
ist believers. Since that time, the work there has been growing, in spite of
difficulties and struggles. Chapels have been erected and meeting places
have been established in the most important islands. Many precious souls
have been brought to Christ and added to the church.
The Filipino brethren have a strong missionary zeal. For some time a
good number of our members have been canvassing with books. They are
confident that their territory is a fertile field for our publications. Bro. D.
Dumitru, the G.C. Missionary and Colporteur Department secretary, was
there in May, 1981, conducting a colporteur seminar. The development of
the literature ministry will certainly be a great asset to the work in that part
of the vineyard. But for the carrying out of this project they need financial
assistance from the brethren in other countries. Remember that there is not
much time left to give, sacrifice and work for the salvation of souls. The end
is very near. Your self-denying help will not be overlooked by Him before
whose eyes everything lies open.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
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Lesson 1 Sabbath, January 2, 1982
PROPHETIC SIGNS
Christ promised that the approach of the greatest event of all ages-His second
coming-would be announced by specific signs, to which we should pay close at-
tention, so that we may be ready to meet Him when He comes.
KEY TEXT: " ... when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at
the doors" ,(Matthew 24:33).
Signs in the Plan of God o Sunday

December 27
1. What is often associated with the work of God on earth? Exodus 4:1-8.
2. What is the purpose of the signs given by the Lord? Exodus 10:1,2; John
13:19.
"Then the Lord said unto Moses, 'Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his
heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might show these My signs before him; and
that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have
wrought in Egypt, and My signs which I have done among them; that ye may know
how that I am Jehovah.' The Lord was manifesting His power, to confirm the faith of
Israel in Him as the only true and living God." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 270.
Signs in the History of Israel o Monday

December 28
3. What signs were given to confirm the word of the Lord to: a) Moses? (Exodus
3:12); b) Gideon? (Judges 6:12, 17-23); c) Manoah and his wife? (Judges 13:3,
16-24); d) Eli? (l Samuel 2:34, 35).
" ... holy angels ... have communicated to men light and knowledge, telling
them what to do and what not to do, unfolding before them scenes of thrilling interest,
waymark by waymark in symbols and signs and illustrations." -Selected Messages, book I,
p.17.
4. What messages and signs were given to: a) Saul? (1 Samuel 10:1-7); b)
Jeroboam? (1 Kings 13:1-5); c) Hezekiah? (Isaiah 38:1-8).
"Like Moses in the land of Midian, like Gideon in the presence of the heavenly
messenger, like Elisha just before the ascension of his master, Hezekiah pleaded for
some sign that the message was from heaven. 'What shall be the sign,' he inquired of
the prophet, 'that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the
Lord the third day?' "-Prophets and Kings, p. 342.
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"Only by the direct interposition of God could the shadow on the sundial be made
to turn back ten degrees; and this was to be the sign to Hezekiah that the Lord had
heard his prayer. Accordingly, 'the prophet cried unto the Lord: and He brought the
shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.' " - Ibid.
Signs of Christ's First Coming D Tuesday

December 29
5. What signs of the coming of the promised Messiah were given through Balaam
and through Isaiah? Numbers 24:17 (Matthew 2:1,2); Isaiah 7:14 (Matthew
1:22,23).
"Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem, th~ Shiloh to ~ome, as future things swept
before them in mysterious procession."- The Desire of. Ages, p. 212.' .
"The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon that night when
the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem. As the light faded, a luminous star ap-
peared, and lingered in the sky. It was not a fixed star nor a planet, and the phenome-
non excited the keenest interest. That star was a distant company of shining angels,
but of this the wise men were ignorant. Yet they were impressed that the star was of
special import to them. They consulted priests and philosophers, and searched the
scrolls of the ancient records. The prophecy of Balaam had declared, 'There shall
come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.' Num. 24:17. Could
this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised One?" -Ibid., p. 60.
6. What sign had been given in the prophecy uttered by Jacob? Genesis 49:10.
How was that sign interpreted by John the Baptist?
"With awed yet exultant spirit he [John the Baptist] searched in the prophetic
scrolls the revelations of the Messiah's coming,-the promised seed that should bruise
the serpent's head; Shiloh, 'the peace giver,' who was to appear: before a king should
cease to reign on David's throne. Now the time had come. A Roman ruler sat in the
palace upon Mount Zion. By the sure word of the Lord,. already the Christ was born."-
The Desire 0/ Ages, p. 103. .'
Request of the Jews \ . D Wednesday

December 30
7. What tendency had been developed among the Jews? 1 Corinthians 1:22 (first
part); John 4:48. What did the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees request of
Jesus? Matthew 12:38; 16:1.
"Now the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Christ, asking for. a sign from heaven.
When in the days of Joshua Israel went out to battle with the Canaanites at Bethhoron,
the sun had stood still at the leader's command until victory was gained; and many
similar wonders had been manifest in their history. Some such sign was demanded of
Jesus. But these signs were not what the Jews needed. No mere external evidence
could benefit them. What they needed was not intellectual enlightenment, but-spiritual
renovation." - The Desire 0/ Ages, p. 406.
8. What was His answer? Matthew 12:39, 40; 16:2-4. What,signs had already
been given them?
"Christ's own words, spoken with the power of the Holy Spirit that convicted them
. [the Pharisees and Sadducees] of sin, were the sign that God had given for their salva-
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tion. And signs direct from heaven had been given to attest the mission of Christ. The
song of the angels to the shepherds, the star that guided the wise men, the dove and the
voice from heaven at His baptism, were witnesses for Him."- The Desire of Ages, p. 406.
"Every miracle that Christ performed was a sign of His divinity. He was doing
the very work that had been foretold of the Messiah; but to the Pharisees these works
of mercy were a positive offense. The Jewish leaders looked with heartless indiffer-
ence on human suffering. In many cases their selfishness and oppression had caused
the affliction that Christ relieved. Thus His miracles were to them a reproach." -Ibid.
Signs of Christ's Second Coming D Thursday

December 31
9. With what question did the disciples come to Jesus? Matthew 24:3. What
should we know when we see the signs given by the Lord? Matthew 24:33.
What distinction should we be able to make?
" ... Jesus did not answer His disciples by taking up separately the destruction of
Jerusalem and the great day of His coming. He mingled the description of these two
events. Had He opened to His disciples future events as He beheld them, they would
have been unable to endure the sight. In mercy to them He blended the description of
the two great crises, leaving the disciples to study out the meaning for themselves."-
The Desire of Ages, p. 628.
10. How do we know that the question of the disciples was in line with the plan of
God? Amos 3:7.
"The students of God's word may, then, confidently expect to find the most stu-
pendous event to take place in hu~an history clearly pointed out in the Scriptures of
truth."- The Greal Controversy, p. 324.
Recapitulation D Friday
January l'
a. Through what means does God often reveal His power?

b. What have holy angels used in conveying God's communications to men?
c. What brought to John the Baptist the conviction that the promised Messiah
was already born?
d. Explain how the Jews took the greatest evidence supplied by Christ, not as a
sign, but as an offense.
e. What may the students of God's word expect to find in the Scriptures? •
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JERUSALEM AND THE JEWS
As a homeless wanderer, the Saviour "went about doing good" among His peo-
ple, revealing His purpose to heal them both physically and spiritually. He
wanted to make them "the head, and not the tail." But they despised the plead-
ings of His love, spurned His counsels, ridiculed His warnings, and rejected Him,
their best Friend and Helper. So, they had to take the consequences.
KEY TEXT: "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things
which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes"
(Luke 19:42).
The Promises of God D Sunday

January 3
1. What was the purpose of God concerning Jerusalem? 2 Chronicles 6:6;
Psalm 122:1-6; Isaiah 2:3; 65:19.
2. What promise did God give to His people at the end of the Babylonian captiv-
ity? Zechariah 8:3. How should that promise have been understood by them?
"At the end of the years of humiliating exile, God graciously gave to His people
Israel, through Zechariah, the assurance: 'I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in
the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain
of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.' And of His people He said, 'Behold, ... I will
be their God, in truth and in righteousness.' Zechariah 8:3, 7, 8.
"These promises were conditional on obedience. The sins that had characterized
the Israelites prior to the captivity, were not to be repeated." -Prophets and Kings, p. 704.
The Conditions D Monday

January 4
3. What did the Jews overlook in connection with God's promises? Jeremiah
18:9, 10; Isaiah 1:19, 20.
"The Jews regarded their natural descent from Abraham as giving them a claim
to this promise [Jeremiah 31:35-37]. But they overlooked the conditions which God
had specified." - The Desire of Ages, p. 106.
4. Under what condition might Jerusalem have become the metropolis of the
world? Matthew 3:2; John 12:35, 36.
"If Jerusalem had known what it was her privilege to know, and had heeded the
light which Heaven had sent her, she might have stood forth in the pride of prosperity,
the queen of kingdoms, free in the strength of her God-given power. There would
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have been no armed soldiers standing at her gates, no Roman banners waving from
her walls. The glorious destiny that might have blessed Jerusalem had she accepted
her Redeemer rose before the Son of God. He saw that she might through Him have
been healed of her grievous malady, liberated from bondage, and established as the
mighty metropolis of the earth. From her walls the dove of peace would have gone
forth to all nations. She would have been the world's diadem of glory." -The Desire of
Ages, p. 577.
No Repentance o Tuesday
January 5
5. How did the Jews act and what was the moral situation of Jerusalem in the
Old Testament times? Lamentations 1:8; 2:13-15; Malachi 2:8-11.
"The professed people of God had separated from God, and had lost their wisdom
and perverted their understanding. They could not see afar off; for they had forgotten
that they had been purged from their old sins. They moved restlessly and uncertainly
under darkness, seeking to obliterate from their minds the memory of the freedom,
assurance, and happiness of their former estate. They plunged into all kinds of pre-
sumptuous, foolhardy madness, placed themselves in opposition to the providences of
God, and deepened the guilt that was already upon them."- The SDA Bible Commentary
[E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1137.
6. What description of the Jewish leaders and of Jerusalem was given in the
days of Christ? Matthew 23:27, 28; Luke 13:33, 34.
"As the whited and beautifully decorated tomb concealed the putrefying remains
within, so the outward holiness of the priests and rulers concealed iniquity." - The
Desi1"e of Ages, p. 617.
Unavoidable Consequences o Wednesday

January 6
7. What doom had been predicted for the rebellious city before by Daniel the
prophet? Daniel 9:26 (second part).
8. What sentence did Christ pronounce upon Jerusalem? Matthew 24:2; Luke
19:42-44; 21:20-22. What did He say about the city in one of His parables?
Matthew 22:1-7. What description does the Spirit of Prophecy give of the
foretold destruction?
"Christ would have averted the doom of the Jewish nation if the people had
received Him. But envy and jealousy made them implacable. They determined that
they would not receive Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. They rejected the Light of
the world, and henceforth their lives were surrounded with darkness as the darkness
of midnight. The doom foretold came upon the Jewish nation. Their own fierce pas-
sions, uncontrolled, wrought their ruin. In their blind rage they destroyed one
another. Their rebellious, stubborn pride brought upon them the wrath of their
Roman conquerors. Jerusalem was destroyed, the temple laid in ruins, and its site
plowed like a field. The children of Judah perished by the most horrible forms of
death. Millions were sold to serve as bondmen in heathen lands."-ProPhets and Kings. pp.
712,713.
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Unavoidable Consequences (continued) D Thursday
January 7
9. What fatal choice did the Jewish leaders make and what was the conse-
quence? John 19:15 (last part).
"Thus by choosing a heathen ruler, the Jewish nation had withdrawn from the
theocracy. They had rejected God as their king. Henceforth they had no deliverer.
They had no king but Caesar. To this the priests and teachers had led the people. For
this, with the fearful results that followed, they were responsible. A nation's sin and a
nation's ruin were due to the religious leaders." -The Desire of Ages, pp. 737, 738.
"The long-suffering of God toward Jerusalem only confirmed the Jews in their
stubborn impenitence. In their hatred and cruelty toward the disciples of Jesus they
rejected the last offer of mercy. Then God withdrew His protection from them and
removed His restraining power from Satan and his angels, and the nation was left to
the control of the leader she had chosen." - The Great Controversy, p. 28.
10. What was to be the fate of the Jewish people down through the centuries?
Luke 21:24 (first part); Matthew 27:25. Why? Galatians 6:7.
"Looking upon the smitten Lamb of God, the Jews had cried, 'His blood be on us,
and on our children.' That awful cry ascended to the throne of God. That sentence,
pronounced upon themselves, was written in heaven. That prayer was heard. The
blood of the Son of God was upon their children and their children's children, a
perpetual curse.
"Terribly was it realized in the destruction of Jerusalem. Terribly has it been
manifested in the condition of the Jewish nation for eighteen hundred years,-a
branch severed from the vine, a dead, fruitless branch, to be gathered up and burned.
From land to land throughout the world, from century to century, dead, dead in
trespasses and sins!" -The Desire of Ages, p. 739.
"The Jews had forged their own fetters; they had filled for themselves the cup of
vengeance. In the utter destruction that befell them as a nation, and in all the woes
that followed them in their dispersion, they were but reaping the harvest which their
own hands had sown." - The Great Controversy, p. 35.
January 8
a. What should Jerusalem have been called after the Babylonian captivity?
What did the new name suggest?
b. To what rank would Jesus have elevated Jerusalem and under what
conditions?
c. When Christ likened the Jewish leaders to the whited sepulchres, what did
He mean?
d. What would have happened if the Jewish nation had received Jesus Christ,
the promised Messiah?
e. Explain the fulfillment of the sentence that the Jews pronounced upon
themselves. •
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SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS
The Lord said that the nearness of His return would be made known by
undeniable signs in the heavens, where everyone can read them.
KEY TEXT: " ... and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven"
(Luke 21:11).
Celestial Signs Given in the Past D Sunday

January 10
1. What supernatural tokens w~re used in the days of Joshua and Hezekiah?
Joshua 10:12-14; 2 Kings 20:8-11.
"The Spirit of God inspired Joshua's prayer, that evidence might again be given
of the power of Israel's God. Hence the request did not show presumption on the part
of the great leader. Joshua had received the promise that God would surely overthrow
these enemies of Israel, yet he put forth as earnest effort as though success depended
upon the armies of Israel alone. He did all that human energy could do, and then he
cried in faith for divine aid. The secret of success is the union of divine power with
human effort. Those who achieve the greatest results are those who rely most implic-
itly upon the Almighty Arm. The man who commanded, 'Sun, stand thou still upon
Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon,' is the man who for hours lay pros-
trate upon the earth in prayer in the camp at Gilgal. The men of prayer are the men of
power." -Patriarchs and Prophets. p. 509.
2. What miraculous testimony did God give at the time of Christ's crucifixion?
Matthew 27:45.
"Inanimate nature expressed sympathy with its insulted arid dying Author. The
sun refused to look upon the awful scene. Its full, bright rays were illuminating the
earth at midday, when suddenly it seemed to be blotted out.... There was no eclipse
or other natural cause for this darkness, which was as deep as midnight without moon
or stars. It was a miraculous testimony given by God that the faith of after generations
might be confirmed."- The Desire of Ages, p. 753.
Omens of the End D Monday

January 11
3. Of what signs did two of the Old Testament prophets speak in connection
with the end? Isaiah 13:9-11; 24:23; Joel 2:31; 3:15.
4. To what heavenly bodies did Jesus refer when He gave the signs of His second
coming? Luke 21:11 (last part), 25 (first part).
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"Let men beware lest they neglect the lesson conveyed to them in the words of
Christ. As He warned His disciples of Jerusalem's destruction, giving them a sign of
the approaching ruin, that they might make their escape; so He has warned the world
of the day of final destruction and has given them tokens of its approach, that all who
will may flee from the wrath to come."- The Great Controversy, p. 37.
"Prophecy not only foretells the manner and object of Christ's coming, but
presents tokens by which men are to know when it is near." -Ibid., p. 304.
Sun, Moon and Stars o Tuesday
January 12
5. What did Jesus say about the sun and the moon as signs of the end? Mark
13:24.
"May 19, 1780, stands in history as 'The Dark Day.' Since the time of Moses no
period of darkness of equal density, extent, and duration, has ever been recorded. The
description of this event, as given by eyewitnesses, is but an echo of the words of the
Lord, recorded by the prophet Joel, twenty-five hundred years previous to their
fulfillment." - The Great Controversy, p. 308.
6. What did Jesus say about the stars as a sign of the end? Matthew 24:29 (sec-
ond part). What description does John the revelator give of this prophetic
event? Revelation 6: 13.
"This prophecy [Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:13] received a striking and impres-
sive fulfillment in the great meteoric shower of November 13, 1833. That was the
most extensive and wonderful display of falling stars which has ever been recorded;
'the whole firmament, over all the United States, being then, for hours, in fiery com-
motion! No celestial phenomenon has ever occurred in this country, since its first set-
tlement, which was viewed with such intense admiration by one class in the commu-
nity, or with so much dread and alarm by another.' "-The Great Controversy, p. 333.
Future Signs o Wednesday
January 13
7. What signs in the heavens, in connection with the quaking of the earth, was
displayed before John the revelator in a vision? Revelation 6:14 (first part).
"After these signs [of Christ's coming], John beheld, as the great event next im-
pending, the heavens departing as a scroll, while the earth quaked, mountains and
islands removed out of their places, and the wicked in terror sought to flee from the
presence of the Son of man." - The Great Controversy, p. 334.
8. What other sign will also be witnessed in the future? Luke 21:26 (last part).
"The powers of heaven will be shaken at the voice of God. Then the sun, moon,
and stars will be moved out of their places. They will not pass away, but be shaken by
the voice of God." -Early Writings, p. 41.
Christ's Warning and Appeal o Thursday

January 14
9. What warning is directed to us in view of the nearness of Christ's coming?
Luke 21:34,35.
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"We need now to take heed to ourselves. Warnings have been given. Can we not
see the fulfillment of the predictions made by Christ and recorded in the twenty-first
chapter of Luke? How many are studying the words of Christ? How many are deceiv-
ing their own souls and cheating themselves out of the blessings that others might
secure if they would believe and obey? Probation still lingers, and it is our privilege to
lay hold of the hope set before us in the gospel. Let us repent and be converted and
forsake our sins, that they may be blotted out."- Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 268.
10. How did Christ stress the need of constant preparedness for His coming?
Mark 13:35-37.
" ... What time is here referred to? Not to the revelation of Christ in the clouds of
heaven to find a people asleep. No; but to His return from His ministration in the most
holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, when He lays off His priestly attire and clothes
Himself with garments of vengeance, and when the mandate goes forth: 'He that is
unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and He that
is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.'
"When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided."- Tes-
timonies, vol. 2. pp. 190, 191.
Recapitulation o Friday
January 15
a. For what purpose did God give a miraculous testimony at the crucifixion of
Christ?
b. For what purpose did Jesus give the disciples a sign of the approaching
destruction of Jerusalem?
c. What do you know about "The Dark Day" in history?
d. What does the shaking of the powers of heaven mean?
e. To what event does Mark 13:35-37 point? •
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SIGNS IN THE EARTH
As the Holy Spirit is withdrawing from the world, everything here is in agitation.
Earthquakes, fires, floods and other calamities are becoming more and more fre-
quent. Wars, famines and pestilences indicate that more serious woes will be
seen in the future. The people of God should be able to read the meaning of these
signs.
KEY TEXT: "And I will shew ... signs in the earth beneath" (Acts 2:19).
Volcanoes and Earthquakes o Sunday

January 17
1. What is written about the volcanic eruptions to be witnessed in these last

days? Psalm 144:5,6; Isaiah 64:1-3; Acts 2:19.
" ... As the fire and water come in contact with ledges of rock and ore, there are
heavy explosions underground, which sound like muffled thunder. The air is hot and
suffocating. Volcanic eruptions follow; and these often failing to give sufficient vent
to the heated elements, the earth itself is convulsed, the ground heaves and swells like
the waves of the sea, great fissures appear, and sometimes cities, villages, and burn-
ing mountains are swallowed up. These wonderful manifestations will be more and
more frequent and terrible just before the second coming of Christ and the end of the
world, as signs of its speedy destruction." -Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 108, 109.
"The earth's crust will be rent by the outbursts of the elements concealed in the
bowels of the earth. These elements, once broken loose, will sweep away the treasures
of those who for years have been adding to their wealth by securing large possessions
at starvation prices from those in their employ." -Selected Messages, book 3. p. 391.
2. What do the seismological records indicate? Luke 21:11 (first part).
"Earthquakes in various places have been felt, but these disturbances have been
very limited.... Terrible shocks will come upon the earth, and the lordly palaces
erected at great expense will certainly become heaps of ruins." -Selected Messages, book 3,
p. 391.
"The time is now come when one moment we may be on solid earth, the next the
earth may be heaving beneath our feet. Earthquakes will take place where least ex-
pected." - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 421.
Rivers, Lakes and Oceans o Monday

January 18
3. What is to be expected more frequently as a result of earthquakes and sea·

quakes? Luke 21:25 (last sentence).
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"On earth whole countries will be in despair, afraid of the roar of the sea and the
raging tides." Luke 21:25 (Good News Bible).
" ... Yes, they [the roaring waves of the sea] shall pass their borders, and des-
truction will be in their track. They will engulf the ships that sail upon their broad
waters, and with the burden of their living freight, they will be hurried into eternity,
without time to repent." -Selected Messages, book 3, p. 417.
"He [John] saw the earth moved out of its place, the mountains carried into the
midst of the sea, the waves thereof roaring and troubled, and the mountains shaking
with the swelling thereof."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 982.
4. What has happened and will happen again, with more severity, in connection
with the lakes and rivers in certain areas? Nahum 1:3, 4; Psalm 107:33.
"Since the Flood, fire as well as water has been God's agent to destroy very wicked
cities. These judgments are sent that those who lightly regard God's law and trample
upon His authority may be led to tremble before His power and to confess His just
sovereignty. As men have beheld burning mountains pouring forth fire and flames
and torrents of melted ore, drying up rivers, overwhelming populous cities, and
everywhere spreading ruin and desolation, the stoutest heart has been filled with ter-
ror and infidels and blasphemers have been constrained to acknowledge the infinite
power of God." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 109.
Droughts, Fires and Violent Storms o Tuesday

January 19
5. What does prophecy say about the increasing frequency of droughts in these
last days? Joel 1:15-20.
6. What other means will God use to punish the wicked inhabitants of the
earth? Psalm 148:8 (first phrase); Joel 2:3.
"Storms, earthquakes, whirlwinds, fire, and the sword will spread desolation
everywhere, until men's hearts shall fail them for fear and for looking after those
things which shall come upon the earth."- Testimoni~s, vol. 4, p. 53.
Pollution, Hot Spells, Pestilence o Wednesday

January 20
7. What is the result of air pollution? Habakkuk 3:5; Matthew 24:7 (last part).
"God has not restrained the powers of darkness from carrying forward their
deadly work of vitiating the air, one of the sources of life and nutrition, with a deadly
miasma. Not only is vegetable life affected, but man suffers from pestilence." -Selected
Messages, book 3, p. 391.
8. How does prophecy describe the pollution of the waters? Revelation 16:3, 4.
What climatic changes must also be expected? Revelation 16:8, 9. What will
be the result?
"He [John] saw the vials of God's wrath opened, and pestilence, famine, and
death come upon the inhabitants of the earth."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 7, 982.
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The End o Thursday
January 21
9. What terrible manifestations will be witnessed before and at the second com-
ing of Christ? Isaiah 13:13; 24:19, 20; Revelation 16:17-21; Nahum 1:5,6.
"Before the Son of man appears in the clouds of heaven, everything in nature will
be convulsed. Lightning from heaven uniting with the fire in the earth, will cause the
mountains to burn like a furnace, and pour out their floods of lava over villages and
cities. Molten masses of rock, thrown into the water by the upheaval of things hidden
in the earth, will cause the water to boil and send forth rocks and earth." - The SDA Bible
Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 946.
"In the bowels of the earth God has in reserve the weapons that He will use to
destroy the sinful race. Since the Flood, God has used, to destroy wicked cities, both
the water and the fire that are concealed in the earth. In the final conflagration God
will in His wrath send lightning from heaven that will unite with the fire in the earth.
The mountains will burn like a furnace, and pour forth streams of lava."-Ibid.
10. What promises will be very precious to the faithful servants of God during
their very last days on earth? Psalms 46:2,3,11; 91:3-10; Habakkuk 3:17,
18; Isaiah 26:20, 21.
" ... What are the chambers in which they [Christ's people] are to hide?-They
are the protection of Christ and holy angels. The people of God are not at this time all
in one place. They are in different companies, and in all parts of the earth; and they
will be tried singly, not in groups. Everyone must stand the test for himself."-The
SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1143.
January 22
a. How will earthquakes affect accumulated treasures?

b. How shall the sea cause destruction?
c. What will cause men's hearts to fail them forJear?
d. What will cause more and more pestilence?
e. How should we understand the invitation and promise of God in Isaiah
26:20,21?
•
..
-16 -
SIGNS IN SOCIAL LIFE
There has never been so much corruption, violence and unrest as there is today.
No security can be found in anything that has been invented by man. Society is a
tottering mass. When the Lord considered these circumstances, He said: "Watch
ye therefore, and pray always."
KEY TEXT: "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving,
and being deceived" (2 Timothy 3:13).
As in the Days ofNoah D Sunday

January 24
1. What parallel did Jesus draw when He mentioned the last days? Luke 17:26.
2. How was it in the days of Noah? Genesis 6:2,5, 11, 12. How is it today?
"Men put God out of their knowledge and worshiped the creatures of their own
imagination; and as the result, they became more and more debased." -Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 9l.
"The inhabitants of the antediluvian world turned from Jehovah, refusing to do
His holy will. They followed their own unholy imagination and perverted ideas. It was
because of their wickedness that they were destroyed; and today the world is follow-
ing the same way. It presents no flattering signs of millenniaI glory. The trans-
gressors of God's law are filling the earth with wickedness. Their betting, their horse
racing, their gambling, their dissipation, their lustful practices, their untamable pas-
sions, are fast filling the world with violence."- The Desire of Ages, p. 633.
As in the Days of Lot D Monday

January 25
3. What other parallel did Jesus also draw? Luke 17:28.
4. How was it in the days of Lot? Ezekiel 16:49, 50; 2 Peter 2:7. What warning
should we take from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?
"In Sodom there was mirth and revelry, feasting and drunkenness. The vilest and
most brutal passions were unrestrained. The people openly defied God and His law
and delighted in deeds of violence. Though they had before them the example of the
antediluvian world, and knew how the wrath of God had been manifested in their des-
truction, yet they followed the same course of wickedness." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 157.
"The flames that consumed the cities of the plain shed their warning light down
even to our time. We are taught the fearful and solemn lesson that while God's mercy
-17 -
bears long with the transgressor, there is a limit beyond which men may not go on in
sin. When that limit is reached, then the offers of mercy are withdrawn, and the
ministration of judgment begins.
"The Redeemer of the world declares that there are greater sins than that for
which Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. Those who hear the gospel invitation
calling sinners to repentance, and heed it not, are more guilty before God than were
the dwellers in the vale of Siddim. An still greater sin is theirs who profess to know
GDd and to keep His commandments, yet who deny Christ in their character and their
daily life. In the light of the Saviour's warning, the fate of Sodom is a solemn admoni-
tion, not merely to those who are guilty of outbreaking sin, but to all who are trifling
with Heaven-sent light and privileges."-Ibid., pp. 162-165.
Characteristics of the Last Days o Tuesday
January 26
5. What did Paul say about these last days? 2 Timothy 3: 1. How do men and
women, and especially young people, debase themselves? 2 Timothy 3:2-4.
"The crisis is stealing gradually upon us. The sun shines in the heavens, passing
over its usual round, and the heavens still declare the glory of God. Men are still
eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying, and giving in marriage. Mer-
chants are still buying and selling. Men are jostling one against another, contending
for the highest place. Pleasure lovers are still crowding to theaters, horse races,
gambling hells. The highest excitement prevails, yet probation's hour is fast closing,
and every case is about to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short. He
has set all his agencies at work that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied and en-
tranced, until the day of probation shall be ended, and the door of mercy be forever
shut." - The Desire of Ages, p. 636.
6. How do many professors bring a reproach upon the cause of Christ? 2

Timothy 3:5.
"Wicked men will not oppose a form of godliness nor reject a popular ministry
which presents no cross for them to bear. The natural heart will raise no serious ob-
jection to a religion in which there is nothing to make the transgressor of the law
tremble or bring to bear upon the heart and conscience the terrible realities of a judg-
ment to come." - Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 344.
"No stronger delusion can deceive the human mind than that which makes them
believe that they are right, and that God accepts their works, when they are sinning
against Him. They mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof. They
suppose that they are rich, and have need of nothing, when they are poor, wretched,
blind, and naked, and need all things."-Ibid., vol. 1, p. 407.
Growing Iniquity o Wednesday
January 27
7. What picture of the present situation was given by Isaiah? Isaiah 59:13-15.
What is one of the consequences of the existing iniquity? Matthew 24:12.
How does the Spirit of Prophecy describe this state of things?
"There is coming rapidly and surely an almost universal guilt upon the in-
habitants of the cities because of the steady increase of determined wickedness. We
are living in the midst of an 'epidemic of crime' at which thoughtful, God-fearing men
everywhere stand aghast. The corruption that prevails is beyond the power of the
. human pen to describe. Every day brings fresh revelations of political strife, bribery,
-18 -
and fraud; every day brings its heartsickening record of violence and lawlessness, of
indifference to human suffering; of brutal, fiendish destruction of human life. Every
day testifies to the increase of insanity, murder, and suicide.
"The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah." - Testimonies, vol.
9, p. 89.
8. In what unmistakable language did Paul point to the worsening of these con-
ditions as we near the end? 2 Timothy 3: 13.
"Those in the world, having lost their connection with God, are making
desperate, insane efforts to make centers of themselves. This causes distrust of one
another, which is followed by crime. The kingdoms of the world will be divided
against themselves. Fewer and fewer will become the sympathetic cords which bind
man in brotherhood to his fellow man. The natural egotism of the human heart will be
worked upon by Satan. He will use the uncontrolled wills and violent passions which
were never brought under the control of God's will....
"Every man's hand will be against his fellow man. Brother will rise against
brother, sister against sister, parents against children, and children against parents.
All will be in confusion. Relatives will betray one another. There will be secret plot-
ting to destroy life. Destruction, misery, and death will be seen on every hand. Men
will follow the unrestrained bent of their hereditary and cultivated tendency to evil."-
Selected Messages, book 3, p. 418.
Capital versus Labor D Thursday

January 28
9. How does James picture the greed and oppression that would prevail in the
last days? James 5:1-6. What is his advice to us? James 5:7-11.
"The intense passion for money getting, the thirst for display, the luxury and ex-
travagance-all are forces that, with the great mass of mankind, are turning the mind
from life's true purpose. They are opening the door to a thousand evils. Many, ab-
sorbed in their interest in worldly treasures, become insensible to the claims of God
and the needs of their fellow men. They regard their wealth as a means of glorifying
self. They add house to house and land to land; they fill their homes with luxury,
while all about them are human beings in misery and crime, in disease and death.
"By every species of oppression and extortion, men are piling up colossal fortunes,
while the cries of starving humanity are coming up before God. There are multitudes
struggling with poverty, compelled to labor hard for small wages, unable to secure
the barest necessities of life. Toil and deprivation, with no hope of better things, make
their burden heavy. When pain and sickness are added, the burden is almost unbear-
able. Careworn and oppressed, they know not where to turn for relief."- Testimonies, vol.
9, p. 90.
10. In view of this fearful situation and of the impending destruction, to what ap-
peal should we also give special consideration? Romans 13:11-14.
"The day of God will find men absorbed in like manner in the business and
pleasures of the world, in feasting and gluttony, and in indulging perverted appetite in
the defiling use of liquor and the narcotic tobacco. This is already the condition of our
world, and these indulgences are found even among God's professed people, some of
whom are following the customs and partaking of the sins of the world."-Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 309.
-19 -
January 29
a. Describe the social and spiritual conditions in the antediluvian world.

b. What led to the utter corruption of Sodom and Gomorrah?
c. What does Satan do as he sees that his time is very short?
d. What description does the Spirit of Prophecy give of the breakdown of society
in the last days of this world's history?
e. What evils can be found even among God's professed people? •
- 20-
Lesson 6 Sabbath, February 6, 1982
SIGNS AMONG THE NATIONS
As Christ warned the disciples of the destruction coming upon Jerusalem, so He

has warned His people of the destruction coming upon the world. And He has
given us signs of its approach, that we may be able to escape the impending doom.
KEY TEXT: "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction
cometh upon them..." (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
Peace or War? o Sunday

January 31
1. In view of the prospective socio-economic-political crisis, what are men try-

ing to achieve through desperate peace efforts? Ezekiel 7:25. What do many
people say in line with these efforts? Isaiah 2:4.
2. On the other hand, what does the Lord say? Joel 3:9-11.
"The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times are right upon
us. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the near future."-
Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 11.
"Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the
nations from one end of the earth to the other." -Ibid., p. 17.
Nation Against Nation o Monday

February 1
3. What conditions would prevail among the nations in these last days? Psalms
2:1; 46:6; Revelation 11:18 (first sentence).
"I saw that the powers of earth are now being shaken and that events come in
order. War, and rumors of war, sword, famine, and pestilence are first to shake the
powers of earth, then the voice of God will shake the sun, moon, and stars, and this
earth also. I saw that the shaking of the powers in Europe is not, as some teach, the
shaking of the powers of heaven, but it is the shaking of the angry nations."-Early
Writings, p. 41.
"The nations are angry, and the time of the dead has come, that they should be
judged."- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 14.
4. What did the Lord mention as an omen of the end? Luke 21:9, 10.
"The powers from beneath are stirred with deep intensity. War and bloodshed
are the result."- Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 249.
- 21-
A Universal Alliance D Tuesday
February 2
5. What was predicted through Isaiah concerning the powers of earth? Isaiah
8:9-12.
"Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth,
uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that 'all, both small
and great, rich and poor, free and bond' (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to the
customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath." -The Great Controversy, p.
604.
"Kingdoms have confederated to sustain a false sabbath institution, which has
not a word of authority in the oracles of God."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 7, p. 977.
6. What similar prediction was made through John the revelator? Revelation
17:12-14. What will be the result?
" 'These have one mind.' There will be a universal bond of union, one great har-
mony, a confederacy of Satan's forces. 'And shall give their power and strength unto
the beast.' Thus is manifested the same arbitrary, oppressive power against religious
liberty, freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience, as was
manifested by the papacy, when in the past it persecuted those who dared to refuse to
conform with the religious rites and ceremonies of Romanists.
"In the warfare to be waged in the last days there will be united, in opposition to
God's people, all the corrupt powers that have apostatized from allegiance to the law
of Jehovah." -Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 392, 393.
"When the accumulated figures in heaven's record books shall mark the sum of
transgression complete, wrath will come, unmixed with mercy, and then it will be
seen what a tremendous thing it is to have worn out the divine patience. This crisis
will be reached when the nations shall unite in making void God's law."-Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 524.
Preparations for the Final Battle D Wednesday

February 3
7. What false cry will be uttered everywhere? 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (first part).
"When the reasoning of philosophy has banished the fear of God's judgments;
when religious teachers are pointing forward to long ages of peace and prosperity,
and the world are absorbed in their rounds of business and pleasure, planting and
building, feasting and merrymaking, rejecting God's warnings and mocking His mes-
sengers-then it is that sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not es-
cape. 1 Thes~~lonians 5:3." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 104.
8. Notwithstanding the "peace and safety" cry, what preparations will actually
be made? Revelation 16:13, 14.
"Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels, with their living cargo,
will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under
the leadership of satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under control till the time
shall come for the great battle of Armageddon."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 7, p. 967.
-22 -
The Coming Destruction D Thursday
February 4
9. What is holding back the final conflagration? Revelation 7:1-3.
"Everything in the world is in an unsettled state. The nations are angry, and great
preparations for war are being made. Nation is plotting against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom. The great day of God is hasting greatly. But although the nations
are mustering their forces for war and bloodshed, the command to the angels is still in
force, that they hold the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their
foreheads." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 968.
10. What should the true people of God be doing now, before it is forever too late?
Isaiah 1:16-18; 55:7. What will happen when the sealing work is finished? 1
,, Thessalonians 5:3 (second part); Isaiah 13:6-9; Ezekiel 7:6-8.
"I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion. War, bloodshed,
• privation, want, famine, and pestilence were abroad in the land. As these things sur-
rounded God's people, they began to press together, and to cast aside their little dif-
ficulties. Self-dignity no longer controlled them; deep humility took its place. Suffering,
perplexity, and privation caused reason to resume its throne, and the passionate and
unreasonable man became sane, and acted with discretion and wisdom.
"My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to be a little time of
peace. Once more the inhabitants of the earth were presented before me; and again
everything was in the utmost confusion. Strife, war and bloodshed, with famine and
pestilence, raged everywhere. Other nations were engaged in this war and confusion.
War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused pestilence. And then men's hearts fail-
ed them for fear, 'and for looking after those things which are coming on the
earth.' "- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 268.
"As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all
the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more
terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old." -The Great Controversy, p. 614.
February 5
a. What will come upon the world in the near future as indicated by the present
conditions?
b. What conditions are to be witnessed in connection with the shaking of the na-
tions,?
c. Who will be united against whom in this final conflict?
d. What will be invented for the battle of Armageddon?
e. What special opportunity is being extended to us now?
•
- 23-
Lesson 7 Sabbath, February 13,1982
SIGNS IN THE RELIGIOUS WORLD
The last days are characterized by a spirit of infidelity and apostasy-a spirit of
exaltation of human reason and scientific knowledge above a "Thus saith the
Lord"-and by an effort to band together all religious bodies in opposition to the
law of God. I,
KEY TEXT: " ... when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth"
(Luke 18:8)?
l'
The Truth Rejected o Sunday
February 7
1. How has the truth been treated for centuries? Daniel 8:12.
2. How is the professed Christian world treating the truth today? 2 Timothy
4:3,4.
"Behold the world today in open rebellion against God. This is in truth a froward
generation, filled with ingratitude, formalism, insincerity, pride, and apostasy. Men
neglect the Bible and hate truth. Jesus sees His law rejected, His love despised, His
ambassadors treated with indifference....
"Many do not hesitate to sneer at the word of God. Those who believe that word
just as it reads are held up to ridicule. There is a growing contempt for law and order,
directly traceable to a violation of the plain commands of Jehovah. Violence and crime
are the result of turning aside from the path of obedience. Behold the wretchedness
and misery of multitudes who worship at the shrine of idols and who seek in vain for
happiness and peace." -Prophets and Kings, p, 185,
Infidels and Scoffers o Monday
February 8
3. What would scoffers in the last days say about the promise of Christ's com-
ing? 2 Peter 3:3, 4. t
"The world, full of rioting, full of godless pleasure, is asleep, asleep in carnal
security. Men are putting afar off the coming of the Lord. They laugh at warnings. "
The proud boast is made, 'All things continue as they were from the beginning.'
'Tomorrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.' 2 Peter 3:4; Isa. 56:12.
We will go deeper into pleasure loving. But Christ says, 'Behold, I come as a thief.'
Rev. 16:15. At the very time when the world is asking in scorn, 'Where is the promise
of His coming?' the signs are fulfilling. While they cry, 'Peace and safety,' sudden
destruction is coming. When the scorner, the rejecter of truth, has become presump-
tuous; when the routine of work in the various money-making lines is carried on with-
- 24-
out regard to principle: when the student is eagerly seeking knowledge of everything
but his Bible, Christ comes as a thief."- The Desire of Ages, p. 635.
4. What spiritual condition will prevail in the Christian world at the time of
Christ's second coming? Luke 18:8 (second part).
False Prophets D Tuesday

February 9
5. What attitude characterizes the leaders of the popular churches in these last
days? 2 Peter 2:1-3,9-19.
"While exalting the 'sure word of prophecy' as a safe guide in times of peril, the
apostle solemnly warned the church against the torch of false prophecy, which would
J. be uplifted by 'false teachers,' who would privily bring in 'damnable heresies, even
denying the Lord.' These false teachers, arising in the church and accounted true by
I many of their brethren in the faith, the apostle compared to 'wells without water,
clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved
forever.' " - The Acts of the Apostles, p. 535.
6. To whom can these teachers be compared? Jeremiah 6:13,14. What does the
Spirit of Prophecy say?
"The advent of Christ will surprise the false teachers. They are saying, 'Peace
and safety.' Like the priests and teachers before the fall of Jerusalem, they look for
the church to enjoy earthly prosperity and glory. The signs of the times they interpret
as foreshadowing this. But what saith the word of Inspiration? 'Sudden destruction
cometh upon them.' 1 Thess. 5:3. Upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth,
upon all who make this world their home, the day of God will come as a snare. It
comes to them as a prowling thief."- The Desire of Ages, p. 635.
Antichrist D Wednesday
February 10
7. What religio-political system would grow into prominence before the second
coming of Christ? 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. What power will this system display
in these last days? 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.
"There is one pointed out in prophecy as the man of sin. He is the representa-
tive of Satan. Taking the suggestions of Satan concerning the law of God, which is as
unchangeable as His throne, this man of sin comes in and represents to the world that
he has changed that law, and that the first day of the week instead of the seventh is
now the Sabbath. Professing infallibility, he claims the right to change the law of God
to suit his own purposes. By so doing, he exalts himself above God, and leaves the
world to infer that God is fallible." -The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p.
910.
"
8. How does prophecy indicate that this system will regain its former power
and prestige? Revelation 13:3, 4.
"The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost supremacy, and that the
fires of persecution will be rekindled through the timeserving concessions of the so-
called Protestant world."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 975.
-25 -
Modern Babylon o Thursday
February 11
9. What symbols does prophecy use to represent all apostatized Christian chpr-
ches of today? Isaiah 4:1; Revelation 17:5.
"Babylon is said to be 'the mother of harlots.' By her daughters must be symbolized

churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrific-
ing the truth and the approval of God, in order to form an unlawful alliance with the
world."- The Great Controversy, p. 382, 383.
10. How does prophecy show that these churches will be united and that Protes-
tant America will follow in the steps of papal Rome? Revelation 13:11, 12.
"The professed Protestant world will form a confederacy with the man of sin, and
the church and the world will be in corrupt harmony."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.
White Comments], vol. 7, p. 975.
"Let the watchmen on the walls of Zion not join with those who are making of
r•
none effect the truth as it is in Christ. Let them not join the confederacy of infidelity,
popery, and Protestantism in exalting tradition above Scriptures, reason above
revelation, and human talent above the divine influence and the vital power of godli-
ness." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, pp. 1141, 1142.
February 12
a. How will those who believe in the word of God be treated by the so-called
Christian world?
b. What is taking place while men scoff at the belief in the soon coming of Christ?
c. Upon whom will the day of the Lord come as a snare?
d. Through whose support will the Roman power regain its former supremacy?
e. What will the apostatized churches form as they join forces with the political
powers? •
- 26-
COUNTERFEIT SIGNS
By pleasing sophistry and lying wonders Satan holds the popular churches under
his control. But he is not satisfied with that. His special efforts, now, are directed
against the very elect.
KEY TEXT: "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew
great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall
deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24).
Witchcraft and Hypnotism D Sunday
February 14
1. Give an example of counterfeit signs in the Old Testament times. Exodus
7:11,12.
"The magicians seemed to perform several things with their enchantments

similar to those things which God wrought by the hand of Moses and Aaron. They did
not really cause their rods to become serpents, but by magic, aided by the great
deceiver, made them to appear like serpents, to counterfeit the work of God. Satan
assisted his servants to resist the work of the Most High, in order to deceive the peo-
ple, and encourage them in their rebellion. Pharaoh would grasp at the least evidence
he could obtain to justify himself in resisting the work of God, performed by Moses
and Aaron. He told these servants of God that his magicians could do all these
wonders. The difference between the work of God and that of the magicians was, one
was of God, and the other of Satan. One was true, the other false." - The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E.G. White Comments). vol. 1, p. 1100.
2. What example is recorded in the New Testament? Acts 8:9-11.
"About the time of Paul's second arrest, Peter also was apprehended and thrust
into prison. He had made himself especially obnoxious to the authorities by his zeal
and success in exposing the deceptions and defeating the plots of Simon Magus the
sorcerer, who had followed him to Rome to oppose and hinder the work of the gospel.
Nero was a believer in magic, and had patronized Simon. He was therefore greatly in-
~ censed against the apostle, and was thus prompted to order his arrest."- The SDA Bible
Commentary [E.G. White Comments). vol. 6. pp. 1056. 1057.
Ancient and Modern Spiritism D Monday

February 15
3. What warning was given to the children of Israel against the snares of
spiritism? Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10, 11; Isaiah 8:19.
"The 'familiar spirits' were not the spirits of the dead, but evil angels, the mes-
sengers of Satan. Ancient idolatry, which, as we have seen, comprises both worship of
the dead and pretended communion with them, is declared by the Bible to have been
-27 -
demon worship.... In their supposed worship of dead men they were in reality wor-
shiping demons." -Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 685, 686.
4. What does the word of God say about modern spiritism? 1 Timothy 4: l.
What goal will Satan try to reach through spiritism in these last days? Revela-
tion 16:13, 14.
"Modern spiritualism, resting upon the same foundation, is but a revival in a new
form of the witchcraft and demon worship that God condemned and prohibited of old.
It is foretold in the Scriptures, which declare that 'in the latter times some shall depart
from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.' 1 Timothy 4:1."
-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 686.
"Satan and his angels will come down with power and signs and lying wonders to
deceive those who dwell on the earth, and if possible the very elect." - The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 982.
Miracles o Tuesday
February 16
5. When Christ announced the signs pointing to the nearness of His second
coming, what did He say about the multiplication of miracle men? Matthew
24:24. How will the professed people of God be deceived?
"Deceptions, delusions, impostures will increase. The cries will come in from every
quarter, 'La, here is Christ! La, there is Christ!' "-Selected Messages, book 3, p. 426.
"That time will soon come, and we shall have to keep hold of the strong arm of Je-
hovah; for all these great signs and mighty wonders of the devil are designed to deceive
God's people and overthrow them. Our minds must be stayed upon God, and we must
not fear the fear of the wicked, that is, fear what they fear, and reverence what they
reverence, but be bold and valiant for the truth." -Early Writings, p. 60.
"The Word of God ... is to be our defense when Satan works with such lying won-
ders that, if it were possible, he would deceive the very elect. It is then that those who
have not stood firmly for the truth will unite with the unbelieving, who love and make a
lie. When these wonders are performed, when the sick are healed and other marvels are
wrought, they will be deceived. Are we prepared for the perilous times that are right
upon us? Or are we standing where we will fall an easy prey to the wiles of the devil?"-
Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 407, 408.
6. How are many professed Christians deceiving themselves? Matthew 7:22,

23.
"[Matthew 7:21-23 quoted.] These may profess to be followers of Christ, but they
have lost sight of their Leader. They may say, 'Lord, Lord'; they may point to the sick
who are healed through them, and to other marvelous works, and claim that they have
more of the Spirit and power of God than is manifested by those who keep His law.
But their works are done under the supervision of the enemy of righteousness, whose
aim it is to deceive souls, and are designed to lead away from obedience, truth, and
duty. In the near future there will be still more marked manifestations of this miracle-
working power. .. ."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 975, 976.
Testing the Miracle- Working Powers o Wednesday
February 17
7. Whereby shall we know the distinction between the genuine and the counter-
feit? Matthew 7:20.
-28 -
"Says Christ, 'By their fruits ye shall know them.' If those through whom cures
are performed, are disposed, on account of these manifestations, to excuse their
neglect of the law of God and continue in disobedience, though they have power to
any and every extent, it does not follow that they have the great power of God. On the
contrary, it is the miracle-working power of the great deceiver." - The SDA Bible Commen-
tary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 911.
8. By what infallible standard are we to test miracles and miracle men? Isaiah
8:20.
" 'To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is
because there is no light in them.' Isaiah 8:20. The people of God are directed to the
Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive
power of spirits of darkness.... The last great delusion is soon to open before us.
Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So closely will the counter-
feit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by
the Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every statement and every miracle must be
tested." - The Great Controversy, p. 593.
The Crowning Act in the Drama ofDeception o Thursday

February 18
9. Through what great miracle will spiritism astonish the world? Revelation
13:13.
10. What will be the supreme delusion? 2 Corinthians 11:14.
"Satan came as an angel of light in the wilderness of temptation to deceive Christ;

and he does not come to man in a hideous form, as he is sometimes represented, but
as an angel of light. He will come personating Jesus Christ, working mighty miracles;
and men will fall down and worship him as Jesus Christ. We shall be commanded to
worship this being, whom the world will glorify as Christ. What shall we do?-Tell
them that Christ has warned us against just such a foe, who is man's worst enemy, yet
who claims to be God; and that when Christ shall make His appearance, it will be with
power and great glory, accompanied by ten thousand times ten thousand angels and
thousands of thousands; and that when He shall come, we shall know His voice."-The
SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, pp. 1105, 1106.
Read also in The Great Controversy, p. 624.
February 19
a. What was the difference between the signs wrought by Moses and Aaron and
those performed by the magicians?
b. What is spiritualism according to the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy?
c. What attitude is recommended by the Spirit of Prophecy as a defense against
the wiles of spiritualism?
d. What should we know about those who perform cures but transgress the
commandments of God?
e. What shall we be "commanded" to do in the presence of Satan's crowning
deception? •
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THE LAST GREAT SIGN
Before long, the preaching of the threefold message of Revelation 14 will stir up
the religious bodies and become an important controversial issue.
KEY TEXT: "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" (Matthew
24:14).
God's Purpose D Sunday

February 21
1. As the Jews proved to be unfaithful husbandmen, what change did the
Householder make in connection with His vineyard? Matthew 21:33-41.
Through whom will God, finally, accomplish His purpose? Revelation 22:17.
"That which God purposed to do for the world through Israel, the chosen nation,
He will finally accomplish through His church on earth today. He has 'let out His vine-
yard unto other husbandmen,' even to His covenant-keeping people, who faithfully
'render Him the fruits in their seasons.' Never has the Lord been without true
representatives on this earth who have made His interests their own. These witnesses
for God are numbered among the spiritual Israel, and to them will be fulfilled all the
covenant promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people.
"Today the church of God is free to carry forward to completion the divine plan
for the salvation of a lost race." -Prophets and Kings, pp. 713, 714.
2. Why must the human race hear God's last invitation and warning before the
end comes? Joel 3:13, 14.
" ... not one is made to suffer the wrath of God until the truth has been brought
home to his mind and conscience, and has been rejected.... He who reads every
heart and tries every motive will leave none who desire a knowledge of the truth, to
be deceived as to the issues of the controversy.... Everyone is to have sufficient
light to make his decision intelligently." - The G,'eat Controversy, p. 605.
"The attention of the people must be arrested. Our message is a savor of life unto
life or of death unto death. The destinies of souls are balancing. Multitudes are in the
valley of decision." - Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 446.
The Everlasting Gospel D Monday
February 22
3. What did Christ say about the great work to be completed in our days? Mat-
thew 24:14.
"Before the fall of Jerusalem, Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, declared that the
gospel was preached to 'every creature which is under heaven.' Col. 1:23. So now, be-
fore the coming of the Son of man, the everlasting gospel is to be preached 'to every
- 30-
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.' Rev. 14:6, 14. God 'hath appointed a
day, in the which He will judge the world.' Acts 17:31. Christ tells us when that day
shall be ushered in. He does not say that all the world will be converted, but that 'this
gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations;
and then shall the end come.' " - The Desire of Ages, p. 633.
4. With what messages will the everlasting gospel bring the world to a decision?
Revelation 14:6-12.
"The third angel of Revelation 14 is represented as flying swiftly through the

midst of heaven crying: 'Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the
faith of Jesus.' Here is shown the nature of the work of the people of God. They have
a message of so great importance that they are represented as flying in the presenta-
tion of it to the world. They are holding in their hands the bread of life for a famishing
world. The love of Christ constraineth them. This is the last message. There are no
more to follow, no more invitations of mercy to be given after this message shall have
done its work."-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 206, 207.
The Earth Lightened with the Glory of God o Tuesday
February 23
5. What did some of the Old Testament writers say about the climax of this
work? Numbers 14:21; Psalm 72:19; Isaiah 6:3; Habakkuk 2:14.
"Today this prophecy [Numbers 14:21] is meeting rapid fulfillment. The mission-
ary activities of the church of God on earth are bearing rich fruitage, and soon the gos-
pel message will have been proclaimed to all nations." -Prophets and Kings, p. 313.
6. What did John the revelator say about this event? Revelation 18:1. What ap-
peal was made to the church in 1890?
"Mystic Babylon has not been sparing in the blood of the saints and shall we [not]
be wide awake to catch the beams of light which have been shining from the light of
the angel who is to brighten the earth with his glory." -Selected Messages, book 3, p. 426.
The Loud Cry o Wednesday
February 24
7. What will be accomplished through the loud cry to be given by the movement
symbolized by the angel of Revelation 18? Revelation 18:2, 3.
"The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third angel's message is to
lighten the whole earth with his glory. A work of world-wide extent and unwonted
power is here foretold." - The Great Controversy, p. 611.
"The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observ-
ances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but
rapid progress of the papal power-all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings
the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never
heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the
church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent
to her from heaven."-Ibid., pp. 606, 607.
"By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will
be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers.
Satan also works with lying wonders, ~ven bringing down fire from heaven in the sight
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of men. Revelation 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take
their stand." -Ibid., p. 612.
8. How will the professed people of God treat the landmarks and pillars of our
faith? What call will be made at the end of the loud cry? Revelation 18:4 (first
part).
"After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, every conceivable
power of evil will be set in operation, and minds will be confused by many voices crying,
'Lo, here is Christ; 10, He is there. This is the truth, 1 have the message from God, He
has sent me with great light.' Then there will be a removing of the landmarks, and an
attempt to tear down the pillars of our faith. A more decided effort will be made to exalt
the false sabbath, and to cast contempt upon God Himself by supplanting the day He
has blessed and sanctified. This false sabbath is to be enforced by an oppressive law.
"Satan and his angels are wide awake and intensely active, working with energy
and perseverance through human instrumentalities to bring about his purpose of
obliterating from the minds of men the knowledge of God. But while Satan works
with his lying wonders, the time will be fulfilled foretold in the Revelation, and the
mighty angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory will proclaim the fall of
Babylon, and call upon God's people to forsake her."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.
White Commentsl, vol. 7, p. 985.
One Fold and One Shepherd D Thursday

February 25
9. Why must the people of God leave the fallen churches before probatil)n
closes? Revelation 18:4 (second part), 5.
"The Lord is about to punish the world for its iniquity. He is about to punish
religious bodies for their rejection of the light and truth which has been given
them."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 949.
10. What will be the result of the last call? John 10:16. What does the Lord's ser-
vant say?
"I saw that God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the fallen
churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and people will be
called out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth. Satan knows this;
and before the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in these
religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think that God is with
them. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that God is still working
for the churches. But the light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen
churches, and take their stand with the remnant."-Early Writings. p. 261.
February 26
a. What assurance has been given regarding all those who actually wish to
know the truth?
b. What does the Spirit of Prophecy say concerning those who are doing the
work of the third angel?
c. What light has been shining since 1888?
d. What will be unmasked under the loud cry?
e. What will soon happen to all apostatized churches and why? •
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Lesson 10 Sabbath, March 6, 1982
RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
History shows that the powers of hell and earth are arrayed against the truth and
its advocates. Persecution has been and will be the heritage of the true followers
of Christ. But there is a precious promise for those that remain true to the end.
KEY TEXT: " ... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life"
(Revelation 2:10).
The Offense of the Cross D Sunday

February 28
1. While the gospel brings peace to the heart (John 14:27), what does it cause in
the world? Matthew 10:34.
"How, then, can the gospel be called a message of peace? When Isaiah foretold
the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to Him the title, 'Prince of Peace.' When angels
announced to the shepherds that Christ was born, they sang above the plains of Beth-
lehem: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' Luke
2:14. There is a seeming contradiction between these prophetic declarations and the
words of Christ: 'I came not to send peace, but a sword.' Matthew 10:34. But, rightly
understood, the two are in perfect harmony. The gospel is a message of peace. Chris-
tianity is a system which, received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony, and
happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will unite in close brotherhood
all who accept its teachings. It was the mission of Jesus to reconcile men to God, and
thus to one another. But the world at large are under the control of Satan, Christ's bit-
terest foe. The gospel presents to them principles of life which are wholly at variance
with their habits and desires, and they rise in rebellion against it. They hate the purity
which reveals and condemns their sins, and they persecute and destroy those who
would urge upon them its just and holy claims. It is in this sense-because the exalted
truths it brings occasion hatred and strife-that the gospel is called a sword."- The Great
Controversy, pp. 46, 47.
,
2. How will true Christians live and what must they expect? Titus 2:12; 2 Tim-
othy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12.
" ... It was the holiness of Christ that stirred up against Him the fiercest passions
of false hearted professors of godliness. Christ came not with the wealth and honors of
earth, yet the works which He wrought showed Him to possess power greater than
that of any human prince. The Jews looked for the Messiah to break the oppressor's
yoke, yet they cherished the sins that had bound it upon their necks. Had Christ
cloaked their sins and applauded their piety, they would have accepted Him as their
king; but they would not bear His fearless rebuke of their vices. The loveliness of a
character in which benevolence, purity, and holiness reigned supreme, which enter-
- 33-
tained no hatred except for sin, they despised. Thus it has been in every age of the
world. The light from heaven brings condemnation on all who refuse to walk in it.
When rebuked by the example of those who hate sin, hypocrites will become agents
of Satan to harass and persecute the faithful." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 608.
"Whoever sees the repulsive character of sin, and in strength from above resists
temptation, will assuredly arouse the wrath of Satan and his subjects. Hatred of the
pure principles of truth, and reproach and persecution of its advocates, will exist as
long as sin and sinners remain. The followers of Christ and the servants of Satan can-
not harmonize."- The Great Controversy, p. 507.
The Only Safe Course o Monday
March 1
3. What warning should we heed to avert unnecessary persecution? Romans
12:18; 13:1.
"We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as seeming to advocate
treason. We should weed out from our writings and utterances every expression that,
taken by itself, could be so misrepresented as to make it appear antagonistic to law
and order. Everything should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on
record as encouraging disloyalty to our country and its laws. Weare not required to
defy authorities. There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible
truth, we shall be treated as traitors; but let not this time be hastened by unadvised
movements that stir up animosity and strife."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 394.
"[We are] not to provoke those who have accepted the spurious sabbath, an in-
stitution of the Papacy, in the place of God's holy Sabbath. Their not having the Bible
arguments in their favor makes them all the more angry and determined to supply the
place of arguments that are wanting in the Word of God by the power of their might.
The force of persecution follows the steps of the dragon. Therefore great care should
be exercised to give no provocation." -Selected Messages, book 3, p. 384.
4. However, where a plain "Thus saith the Lord" is involved, what should be
our stand? Acts 5:29. Give an example. Daniel 3:16-18.
"He who has God's law written in the heart will obey God rather than men, and
will sooner disobey all men than deviate in the least from the commandment of God.
God's people, taught by inspiration of truth, and led by a good conscience to live by
every word of God, will take His law, written in their hearts, as the only authority
which they can acknowledge or consent to obey. The wisdom and authority of the
divine law are supreme."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 361.
An Expected Change o Tuesday
March 2
5. Why.is there no persecution in many parts of the world? John 15:19 (first
part).
" ... Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The
only reason is that the church has conformed to the world's standard and therefore
awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and
holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles.
It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the
word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in
the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let there be a
-34-
revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be
revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled."- The Great Controversy, p. 48.
6. What change in our attitude will change the attitude of the world toward us?
John 15:19 (second part), 20.
"When those who profess to serve God follow Christ's example, practicing the
principles of the law in their daily life; when every act bears witness that they love
God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, then will the church have power to
move the world." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 340.
"When men are bound together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they
show the working of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this
oneness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity, that
a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that there is power in the divine
nature to withstand the supernatural agencies of evil, and that the grace of God sub-
dues the selfishness inherent in the natural heart.
"This love, manifested in the church, will surely stir the wrath of Satan."- The
Desire of Ages, p. 678.
Our Bitter Cup o Wednesday

March 3
7. What did the disciples suffer before the destruction of Jerusalem? John 16:1,
2. What must we suffer in these last days before the coming of Christ? Mat-
thew 24:9. What promise belongs to us if we remain faithful? Revelation
2:10 (last part).
"Through His servants, God gave the Jewish people a last opportunity to repent.
He manifested Himself through His witnesses in their arrest, in their trial, and in their
imprisonment. Yet their judges pronounced on them the death sentence. They were
men of whom the world was not worthy, and by killing them the Jews crucified afresh
the Son of God. So it will be again. The authorities will make laws to restrict religious
liberty. They will assume the right that is God's alone. They will think they can force
the conscience, which God alone should control. Even now they are making a begin-
ning; this work they will continue to carry forward till they reach a boundary over
which they cannot step. God will interpose in behalf of His loyal, commandment-
keeping people." - The Desire of Ages, p. 630.
8. What is one of the consequences of religious persecution? Matthew 24:10.
"On every occasion when persecution takes place, those who witness it make
decisions either for Christ or against Him. Those who manifest sympathy for the ones
wrongly condemned show their attachment for Christ. Others are offended because
the principles of truth cut directly across their practice. Many stumble and fall, apos-
tatizing from the faith they once advocated. Those who apostatize in time of trial will,
to secure their own safety, bear false witness, and betray their brethren. Christ has
warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the unnatural, cruel course of those
who reject the light."- The Desire of Ages, p. 630.
"Many who have had great light have not appreciated and improved it as it was
their privilege to do. They have not practiced the truth. And because of this the Lord
will bring in those who have lived up to all the light they have had. And those who have
been privileged with opportunities to understand the truth and who have not obeyed
its principles will be swayed by Satan's temptations for self-advancement. They will
deny the principles of truth in practice and bring reproach upon the cause of God.
- 35-
"Christ declares that He will spue these out of His mouth, and leave them to
follow their own course of actions to distinguish themselves. This course of action
does indeed make them prominent as men that are unfaithful householders.
"The Lord will give His message to those who have walked in accordance with
the light they have had, and will recognize them as true and faithful, according to the
measurement of God. These men will take the place of those who, having light and
knowledge, have walked not in the way of the Lord, but in the imagination of their
own unsanctified hearts." -Selected Messages, book 3, pp. 421, 422.
The Final Test D Thursday

March 4
9. What prophecy shall we see fulfilled in the near future, as the Protestant
churches unite with Rome and with the world? Revelation 12:17; 13:7, 11,
15-17.
"Under the symbols of a great red dragon, a leopardlike beast, and a beast with
lamblike horns, the earthly governments which would especially engage in trampling
upon God's law and persecuting His people, were presented to John. The war is car-
ried on till the close of time. The people of God, symbolized by a holy woman and her
children, were represented as greatly in the minority. In the last days only a remnant
still existed. Of these John speaks as they 'which keep the commandments of God,
and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.' "-TheSDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments],
vol. 7, p. 972.
10. How will the remnant be victorious in this conflict? Revelation 17: 14.
"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. Satan numbers the world as his subjects, he has gained control of the
apostate churches; but here is a little company that are resisting his supremacy." - Tes-
timonies, vol. 5, pp. 472, 473.
March 5
a. What is the basic cause of all religious persecution?

b. What will the true people of God take as their highest authority?
c. What happens when men are bound together by the love of God?
d. What is to be expected on every occasion when persecution takes place?
e. Who are the only ones that dare resist the supremacy of Satan in this last
conflict? •
- 36-
CLOSE OF PROBATION
Christ is soon to cease His work as our Intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary.
Then the great work for man's salvation shall be completed, and the door of
mercy will be shut forever. Therefore, whatever is to be done in the interest of
our salvation, must be done now, before Jesus leaves the most holy place.
KEY TEXT: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him
be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he
that is holy, let him be holy still" (Revelation 22:11).
A Time Limit (Old Testament) o Sunday

March 7
1. How do Old Testament writers teach that there is a limit to the forbearance
of God toward the wickedness of man? Isaiah 49:8; 55:6; Jeremiah 8:20.
"In every age there is given to men their day of light and privilege, a probationary
time in which they may become reconciled to God. But there is a limit to this grace.
Mercy may plead for years and be slighted and rejected; but there comes a time when
mercy makes her last plea. The heart becomes so hardened that it ceases to respond
to the Spirit of God. Then the sweet, winning voice entreats the sinner no longer, and
reproofs and warnings cease." -The Desire of Ages, p. 587.
2. What examples do we find in the Old Testament that God's patience has its
limits? Genesis 6:3 (the antediluvians); 18:20; 19:17, 24, 25 (Sodom and
Gomorrah).
In the days of Noah

"When great and wise men had proved to their satisfaction that it was impossible
for the world to be destroyed by water, when the fears of the people were quieted, when
all regarded Noah's prophecy as a delusion, and looked upon him as a fanatic-then it
was that God's time had come. 'The fountains of the great deep' were 'broken up, and
the windows of heaven were opened,' and the scoffers were overwhelmed in the
waters of the Flood." -Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 103, 104.
In the days of Lot
" ... That last night was marked by no greater sins than many others before it;
but mercy, so long slighted, had at last ceased its pleading. The inhabitants of Sodom
had passed the limits of divine forbearance-'the hidden boundary between God's pa-
tience and His wrath.' The fires of His vengeance were about to be kindled in the vale
of Siddim." -Ibid., p. 159.
A Time Limit (New Testament) o Monday
March 8
3. What evidence do we have in the New Testament that mercy has its limits?
Matthew 22:12-14; 25:10-13; Luke 13:25-28.
- 37-
4. Of what was the sentence pronounced upon Jerusalem and the Jewish nation
a symbol? Luke 13:6-9; 19:42-44.
"For more than a thousand years the Jewish nation had abused God's mercy and
invited His judgments. They had rejected His warnings and slain His prophets. For
these sins the people of Christ's day made themselves responsible by following the
same course. In the rejection of their present mercies and warnings lay the guilt of
that generation. The fetters which the nation had for centuries been forging, the peo-
ple of Christ's day were fastening upon themselves." -The Desire of Ages, pp. 584-587.
"The Jewish nation was a symbol of the people of all ages who scorn the
pleadings of Infinite Love. The tears of Christ when He wept over Jerusalem were for
the sins of all time. In the judgments pronounced upon Israel, those who reject the
reproofs and warnings of God's Holy Spirit may read their own condemnation.
"In this generation there are many who are treading on the same ground as were
the unbelieving Jews. They have witnessed the manifestation of the power of God;
the Holy Spirit has spoken to their hearts; but they cling to their unbelief and resist-
ance. God sends them warnings and reproof, but they are not willing to confess their
errors, and they reject His message and His messenger. The very means He uses for
their recovery becomes to them a stone of stumbling."-Ibid.
Self-Destruction D Tuesday
March 9
5. When an individual, or a family, or a nation is destroyed, who is to blame?
Hosea 4:6 (first part); 13:9. Why? Jeremiah 6:19.
6. How did Jesus emphasize this principle? John 3:19, 20.
"Bible truth, the religion of Christ, struggles against a strong current of moral im-
purity. Prejudice is even stronger in the hearts of men now than in Christ's day.
Christ did not fulfill men's expectations; His life was a rebuke to their sins, and they
rejected Him. So now the truth of God's word does not harmonize with men's prac-
tices and their natural inclination, and thousands reject its light. Men prompted by
Satan cast doubt upon God's word, and choose to exercise their independent judg-
ment. They choose darkness rather than light, but they do it at the peril of their souls.
Those who caviled at the words of Christ found ever-increased cause for cavil, until
they turned from the Truth and the Life. So it is now. God does not propose to remove
every objection which the carnal heart may bring against His truth. To those who
refuse the precious rays of light which would illuminate the darkness, the mysteries
of God's word remain such forever. From them the truth is hidden. They walk blindly,
and know not the ruin before them."- The Desire of Ages, pp. 587, 588.
End of Christ's Mediatorial Work D Wednesday
March 10
7. When the mission of the gospel is completed, and mercy no longer pleads in
behalf of sinners, what announcement will be made in the heavenly sanctu-
ary? Revelation 22:11. What change will then take place in the ministration
of Christ? Daniel 12:1. What will then be poured out? Revelation 16:1.
"Then I saw that Jesus would not leave the most holy place until every case was
decided either for salvation or destruction, and that the wrath of God could not come
until Jesus had finished His work in the most holy place, laid off His priestly attire, and
clothed Himself with the garments of vengeance.... The nations are now getting
angry, but when our High Priest has finished His work in the sanctuary, He will stand
up, put on the garments of vengeance, and then the seven last plagues will be poured
out." -Early Writings, p. 36.
- 38-
8. Through what experience will the people of God be going at that time?
Jeremiah 30:5-7.
"Jacob's experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the
trial through which the people of God must pass just before Christ's second coming.
The prophet Jeremiah, in holy vision looking down to this time, said: 'We have heard
a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.... All faces are turned into paleness.
Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble;
but he shall be saved out of it.' Jeremiah 30:5-7.
"When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man's behalf, then this time of
trouble will begin." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 2oi.
A Fundamental Difference o Thursday
March 11
9. How will multitudes show, in vain, that they now desire the shelter of God's
mercy which they have so long despised? Amos 8:11, 12. What will come
upon the earth and its inhabitants? Isaiah 34:1-4.
"The plan of salvation had been accomplished, but few had chosen to accept it.
And as mercy's sweet voice died away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terri-
ble distinctness they heard the words, 'Too late! too late!'
"Those who had not prized God's Word were hurrying to and fro, wandering
from sea to sea, and from the north to the east, to seek the Word of the Lord. Said the
angel, 'They shall not find it. There is a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor
a thirst for water, but for hearing the words of the Lord. What would they not give for
one word of approval from God! but no, they must hunger and thirst on. Day after day
have they slighted salvation, prizing earthly riches and earthly pleasure higher than
any heavenly treasure or inducement. They have rejected Jesus and despised His
saints. The filthy must remain filthy forever.' "-Early Writings, pp. 281, 282.
"The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on
every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into fury. There
is heard the shriek of a hurricane like the voice of demons upon a mission of destruc-
tion." -The Great Controversy, p. 637.
10. How will God manifest His power in behalf of His chosen ones, who will then
be in fear of death by starvation or by violence? Malachi 3:17; Isaiah 33:16.
What difference will then be seen? Malachi 3:18.
"Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in God, and He will sustain us. I saw
that our bread and water will be sure at that time, and that we shall not lack or suffer
hunger; for God is able to spread a table for us in the wilderness. If necessary He would
send ravens to feed us, as He did to feed Elijah, or rain manna from heaven, as He did
for the Israelites." -Early Writings, p. 56.
March 12
a. What have men been granted in every age?
b. Who should read their condemnation in the sentence pronounced upon the
Jewish nation?
c. Why do men reject the light of God's truth?
d. What does Jacob's experience during the night of wrestling represent?
e. What assurance has God given us for the time of trouble? •
- 39-
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
While God has, for good reasons, withheld from our knowledge the exact time of
Christ's return, He has given us evidence enough to indicate when this great event
is approaching. We know that His advent "is near, even at the doors." Let us,
therefore, be on the alert, working, watching and praying for our Lord's return.
KEY TEXT: "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour
when ye think not" (Luke 12:40).
Keynote of the Scriptures o Sunday

March 14
1. What is one of the most solemn and glorious truths taught in the Bible? Jude
14, 15; Job 19:25-27; Psalms 50:2-4; 96:11-13.
"The doctrine of the second advent is the very keynote of the Sacred Scriptures.
From the day when the first pair turned their sorrowing steps from Eden, the children
of faith have waited the coming of the Promised One to break the destroyer's power
and bring them again to the lost Paradise. Holy men of old looked forward to the ad-
vent of the Messiah in glory, as the consummation of their hope."- The Great Controversy,
p.299.
2. When the Lord was about to be separated from the disciples, with what
assurance did He comfort them? Matthew 25:31; John 14:1-3. What warn-
ing has He left for us? Luke 12:40.
"The object of Christ's departure was the opposite of what the disciples feared. It
did not mean a final separation. He was going to prepare a place for them, that He
might come again, and receive them unto Himself. While He was building mansions
for them, they were to build characters after the divine similitude."- The Desire 0/ Ages, p.
663.
Blessed Hope o Monday

March 15
3. How did two angels repeat to the disciples the promise of their Master's
return? Acts 1:11. How did the disciples change their views of heaven?
"What a source of joy to the disciples to know that they had such a Friend in
heaven to plead in their behalf! Through the visible ascension of Christ all their views
and contemplation of heaven are changed. Their minds had formerly dwelt upon it as
a region of unlimited space, tenanted by spirits without substance. Now heaven was
connected with the thought of Jesus, whom they had loved and reverenced above all
others, with whom they had conversed and journeyed, whom they had handled, even
-40 -
in His resurrected body, who had spoken hope and comfort to their hearts, and who,
while the words were upon His lips, had been taken up before their eyes, the tones of
His voice coming back to them as the cloudy chariot of angels received Him: 'Lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world.'
"Heaven could no longer appear to them as an indefinite, incomprehensible space,
filled with intangible spirits. They now looked upon it as their future home, where
mansions were being prepared for them by their loving Redeemer." - The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1054.
4. What was the blessed hope of the early Christians and of Christ's true
followers in all ages? Titus 2: 13.
"The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His true followers.
The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet, that He would come again, lighted up
the future for His disciples, filling their hearts with joy and hope that sorrow could
not quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and persecution, the 'appearing of the
great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ' was the 'blessed hope' "- The Great Controversy. p.
302.
Manner of Christ's Coming D Tuesday

March 16
5. How visible will Christ's coming be? Isaiah 40:5; Matthew 24:27, 30.
6. How many shall see Him coming? Revelation 1:7. Why is it that the eye of
faith and spiritual understanding could not be meant in this reference? Luke
18:8 (second part). What does the Spirit of Prophecy say about the manner
of Christ's coming?
"No human pen can portray the scene [of Jesus' return as a mighty conqueror
accompanied by a vast, unnumbered throng of angels]; no mortal mind is adequate to
conceive its splendor. 'His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His
praise. And His brightness was as the light.' Habakkuk 3:3, 4. As the living cloud
comes still nearer, every eye beholds the Prince of life." - The Great Controversy, p. 641.
Object of Christ's Coming D Wednesday

March 17
7. How did Jesus explain the purpose of His second coming? Matthew 25:34,
41. What did Jude and John the revelator say? Jude 14, 15; Revelation
22:12.
8. What kingdom will then be established? Daniel 2:44; Revelation 11:15.
"About His coming cluster the glories of that "restitution of all things, which God
hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:21.
Then the long-continued rule of evil shall be broken; 'the kingdoms of this world' will
become 'the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and
ever.' Revelation 11:15."-The Great Controversy, p. 301.
"It is then that the peaceful and long-desired kingdom of the Messiah shall be
established under the whole heaven."-Ibid., p. 302.
-41-
Effects of Christ's Coming o Thursday
March 18
9. What changes will be experienced by the righteous dead and the living righ-
teous at the coming of Christ? 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; Philippians 3:21; 1
Thessalonians 4: 16, 17.
"The living righteous are changed 'in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.' At
the voice of God they were glorified; now they are made immortal and with the risen
saints are caught up to meet their Lord in the air."-The Great Controversy, p. 645.
10. What shall be the fate of the earth and its rebellious inhabitants? Isaiah 24:1,
5,6; 26:21; 66:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.
"At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth
-consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His
glory. Christ takes His people to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its
inhabitants....
"The whole earth appears like a desolate wilderness. The ruins of cities and
villages destroyed by the earthquake, uprooted trees, ragged rocks thrown out by the
sea or torn out of the earth itself, are scattered over its surface, while vast caverns
mark the spot where the mountains have been rent from their foundations. "-The Great
Controversy, p. 657.
March 19
a. What are we to build on earth while our Saviour is building mansions for us
in heaven?
b. What lighted up the future for the early disciples and for us?
c. How does Habakkuk describe the coming of Christ in line with Matthew
24:27?
d. What rule shall be broken at the coming of Christ?
e. How does the Spirit of Prophecy describe the destruction of the wicked and
the desolation of the earth at the coming of Christ? •
.' (
.1
-42 -
THE NEW WORLD ORDER
Through the plan of salvation, this world is to be fully restored to its original con-
dition and purpose. The devil, his works and his adherents will be destroyed, and
this earth will become the eternal abode of the obedient.
KEY TEXT: "But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess
the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever" (Daniel 7:18).
The Ransomed Throng D Sunday

March 21
1. What will be the mission of the holy angels at the coming of Christ? Matthew
13:30, 39 (second part)-43.
"From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains and
deserts, from the caves of the earth and the caverns of the sea, Christ will gather His
children to Himself. On earth they have been destitute, afflicted, and tormented.
Millions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy because they· refused to
yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals the children of-God have
been adjudged the vilest criminals. But the day iSlnear when 'God is judge Himself..'
(Ps. 50:6.) Then the decisions of earth shall be reversed. 'The rebuke of His people
shall He take away.' Isa. 25:8. White robes will be given to everyone of them. (Rev.
6:11.) And 'they shall call them the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.' Isa.
62: 12."-Christ's Object LeSSOllS, pp. 179, 180.
2: To what place in the universe will the redeemed be translated? Isaiah 26:2;
Revelation 21:24-27.
"Before the ransomed throng is the Holy City. Jesus opens wide the pearly gates,
and the nations that have kept the· truth enter in. There they behold the Paradise of
God, the home of Adam in his innocency.?'- The Great Controversy, p. 646. ,
"As the ransomed ones are welcomed to the city of God, there rings out upon the
air an exultant cry of adoration." -Ibid., p. 647.
Translation D Monday
March 22
3. To whose presence will the redeemed be admitted? Revelation 7:9-15.
Where is the Lord's throne? Psalm 11:4.
4. What change will take place for them? Revelation 21:3, 4.
"This earth is the place of preparation for heaven. The time spent here is the
Christian's winter. Here the chilly winds of affliction blow upon us, and the waves of
- 43-
trouble roll against us. But in the near future, when Christ comes, sorrow and sighing
will be forever ended. Then will be the Christian's summer. All trials will be over, and
there will be no more sickness or death."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments],
vol. 7, p. 988.
"The days of pain and weeping are forever ended. The King of glory has wiped
the tears from all faces; every cause of grief has been removed."- The Great Controversy, p.
650.
The Millennium o Tuesday

March 23
5. How long will the redeemed stay in heaven and what will they do there? Rev-
elation 20:4; 1 Corinthians 6:2.
"During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the
judgment of the wicked takes place. The apostle Paul points to this judgment as an
event that follows the second advent. 'Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord
come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make
manifest the counsels of the hearts.' 1 Corinthians 4:5. Daniel declares that when the
Ancient of Days came, 'judgment was given to the saints of the Most High.' Daniel
7:22. At this time the righteous reign as kings and priests unto God." -The Great Con-
troversy, pp. 660, 661.
6. What events will take place at the end of the thousand years? Revelation
20:5-9; Psalm 11:6; Malachi 4:1.
"At the close of the thousand years, Christ again returns to the earth. He is ac-
companied by the host of the redeemed and attended by the retinue of angels. As He
descends in terrific majesty He bids the wicked dead arise to receive their doom.
They come forth, a mighty host, numberless as the sands of the sea."-The Great Con-
troversy, p. 662.
"As the New Jerusalem, in its dazzling splendor, comes down out of heaven, it
rests upon the place purified and made ready to receive it, and Christ, with His people
and the angels, enters the Holy City." -Ibid., p. 663.
"Fire comes down from God out of heaven. The earth is broken up. The weapons
concealed in its depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning
chasm. The very rocks are on fire. The day has come that shall burn as an oven. The
elements melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein are
burned up. Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter 3:10. The earth's surface seems one molten mass-a
vast, seething lake of fire. It is the time of the judgment and perdition of ungodly men
-'the day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy
of Zion.' Isaiah 34:8." -Ibid., pp. 672, 673.
The New Earth o Wednesday

March 24
7. What promises have been made concerning a new world order? 2 Peter 3: 13;
Isaiah 65:17, 18; Daniel 7:18; Matthew 5:5.
8. Describe some of the living conditions in the new earth. Isaiah 65:21-25;
32:18; 33:24. Why is it impossible adequately to describe the new earth? 1
Corinthians 2:9.
-44 -
"In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called 'a country.' Hebrews 11:14-16.
There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of
life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the na-
tions. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees
cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the
wide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their
lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, besides those living streams, God's people,
so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home." - The Great Controversy, p. 675.
God's Purpose Fulfilled o Thursday
March 25
9. What relationship enables us to inherit the promises of God? John 1:12;
Romans 8:14, 17; 1 John 3:1-3.
"To everyone who offers himself to the Lord for service, withholding nothing, is
given power for the attainment of the measureless results. For these God will do great
things. He will work upon the minds of men so that, even in this world, there shall be
seen in their lives a fulfillment of the promise of the future state." - The Ministry oj Heal-
ing, p. 160.
10. As we consider God's promises, what will become insignificant to us?

Romans 8:18.
"The years of self-denial, of privation, of trial, affliction, and persecution that Paul
endured, he called a moment. The things of the present time were not considered
worth mentioning when compared with the eternal weight of glory that awaited them
when the warfare should be over. These very afflictions were God's workmen, ordained
for the perfection of Christian character. Whatever may be the circumstances of the
Christian, however dark and mysterious may be the ways of Providence, however
great his deprivation and suffering, he may look away from them all to thE. '..mseen and
the eternal. He has the blessed assurance that all things are working for his good...."
-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1099.
"Viewed in the light of the cross, the things of this life were vanity and eMptiness.
The glory that attracted him was substantial, weighty, durable, beyoild the power of
language to describe.
"Yet Paul comes as near to expressing it as he can, that the imagination may grasp
the reality as far as is possible to finite minds. It was a weight of glory, a fullness of
God, knowledge that was measureless. It was an eternal weight of glory. And yet
Paul feels that his language is tame. It falls short of expressing the reality. He reaches
out for words more expressive. The boldest figures of speech would fall far short of
the truth. He seeks the broadest terms which human language can supply, that the
imagination may grasp in some degree the superlative excellency of the glory to be
given the final overcomer." -Ibid., p. 1100.
March 26
a. Whence do the redeemed come?
b. What does the Spirit of Prophecy say about the Christian's winter and sum·
mer?
c. When and where will the judgment of the wicked take place?
d. What does the Bible call the inheritance of the saved?
e. For what is Paul at a loss when referring to the glory to be given to the final
overcomer? •
-45 -
....Let U~ 'temembe't . . .
the Thirteenth Sabbath by mak-
ing a definite plan to bring along
a generous gift. Read again page
four and see what specific need
;
this special offering will go to
meet. We can all take part in
assisting our Filipino brethren to
, have the literature necessary to
do colporteur work among their
countrymen.
See other details on pages 4, and 48.
- 46-
NOTES
PHILlPPINFS
8
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BATAHEa :"
-tf.8A~M
WWN STHAJT"'¢-
PRINCIPAL CITIES
PHILIPPINES
L NORTH aORNEO
B B E B A

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1/82

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

Signs in the Plan of God o Sunday

Signs in the History of Israel o Monday

Signs of Christ's First Coming D Tuesday

Request of the Jews \ . D Wednesday

Signs of Christ's Second Coming D Thursday

a. Through what means does God often reveal His power?

JERUSALEM AND THE JEWS

The Promises of God D Sunday

The Conditions D Monday

Unavoidable Consequences o Wednesday

SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS

Celestial Signs Given in the Past D Sunday

Omens of the End D Monday

Christ's Warning and Appeal o Thursday

SIGNS IN THE EARTH

Volcanoes and Earthquakes o Sunday

1. What is written about the volcanic eruptions to be witnessed in these last

2. What do the seismological records indicate? Luke 21:11 (first part).

Rivers, Lakes and Oceans o Monday

3. What is to be expected more frequently as a result of earthquakes and sea·

Droughts, Fires and Violent Storms o Tuesday

Pollution, Hot Spells, Pestilence o Wednesday

a. How will earthquakes affect accumulated treasures?

SIGNS IN SOCIAL LIFE

As in the Days ofNoah D Sunday

As in the Days of Lot D Monday

6. How do many professors bring a reproach upon the cause of Christ? 2

Capital versus Labor D Thursday

a. Describe the social and spiritual conditions in the antediluvian world.

SIGNS AMONG THE NATIONS

As Christ warned the disciples of the destruction coming upon Jerusalem, so He

Peace or War? o Sunday

1. In view of the prospective socio-economic-political crisis, what are men try-

Nation Against Nation o Monday

Preparations for the Final Battle D Wednesday

9. What is holding back the final conflagration? Revelation 7:1-3.

,, Thessalonians 5:3 (second part); Isaiah 13:6-9; Ezekiel 7:6-8.

SIGNS IN THE RELIGIOUS WORLD

False Prophets D Tuesday

"Babylon is said to be 'the mother of harlots.' By her daughters must be symbolized

"The magicians seemed to perform several things with their enchantments

2. What example is recorded in the New Testament? Acts 8:9-11.

Ancient and Modern Spiritism D Monday

6. How are many professed Christians deceiving themselves? Matthew 7:22,

The Crowning Act in the Drama ofDeception o Thursday

10. What will be the supreme delusion? 2 Corinthians 11:14.

"Satan came as an angel of light in the wilderness of temptation to deceive Christ;

THE LAST GREAT SIGN

God's Purpose D Sunday

"The third angel of Revelation 14 is represented as flying swiftly through the

One Fold and One Shepherd D Thursday

The Offense of the Cross D Sunday

Our Bitter Cup o Wednesday

The Final Test D Thursday

a. What is the basic cause of all religious persecution?

A Time Limit (Old Testament) o Sunday