.

SABBATH SCHOO~ LESSONS

SENIOR DMSION

Third and Fourth Quartors of 1854

 FOREWORD
The present lessons deal with the book of Revel-
ation. There has never been a time when the books
of Daniel cnd Revelation needed to be more appreci-
ated and studie:! than they today. In vision the
final events of this earth's history were opened before
the apostle John. The reader of these books will
find that both prophets describe the events as vividly
as if they had lived in our own days, and al~hough
the books were written at widely different periods,
yet they radiate a great and glorious light which
reaches down into our own times. We believe that
those who studied the previous lessons well, will be
more eager than ever to understand the last book
of the Bble also.
"To John the Lord opened the subjects that He
S(:J.w would be needed by His people in the last days.
The instruction that He gave is found in the book
of Revelation. Those who would be co-workers with
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will show a deep
interest in the truths found in this book. With pen
and voice they will show a deep interest in the truths
found in this book. With pen and voice they will
strive to make plain the wonderful things that Christ
came from heaven to reveal." Vol. 8:301.
"When the books of Daniel and Revelation are
better understood, believers will have an entirely
different religious experience. They will be given
such glimpses of the open gates of heaven ~hat heart
and mind will be impressed with the character that
all must develop in order to realize the blessedness
which is to be the reward of the pure in heart." Test.
to Min. 114.
In the hope and with the prayer that these lessons
may be spiritual food in season we place them in the
hands of cur dear brethren and sisters. May these
studies help to prepare us for the events and trials
of the last days.
Your brethren of the
General Conference Committee.
 Lesson No. I-Sabbath, July 3, 1954.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPHECY

Questions

1. How did the Lord commune with man alte'!' his fall?
Heb. 1:1.
2. What assurance did God give to His church? Amos 3:7.

3. By what means did the Lord prJserve His -people and

His church? Hosea 12:13.

4. What' word of Scripture is most important for our times?

iII Peter 1:19.

5. .What is the line of demarcation between God and men?

Duet. 29:29.

6. Through whom has ~he Lord spoken to His church in

the rast days? Heb. 1:2.

NOTE: "In ancient times God spoke to men_ by the mouth

of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them
by the testimonies of His Spirit. . There was never a time
when _God instructed His people more earndstly than he
instructs them now concerning His will, and the course that
He would have them pursue. But will they profit by His
teachings? Will they receive His reproofs and heed His
warnings? God will accept of no partial obedience; He will
sanction no compromise with self." Vol. 4:148. •
7. Does :the church choos~ the prophets and apostles?
Amos 7:14,15: John 1.5:16.
8. What power has a chosen messenger of God when he
performs his duty faithfully? Jer. 1:9,10.

9. How did the prophets proclaim the message sent by

God? Upon what does our security depend in these last
days? Jer. 10:1,2.
3
NOTE: "Let 'us go to the word of God, for guidance. Let uS
seek for a 'Thus saith the Lord.' We have had enough of
human methods. A mind trained only in worldly science
fails to understand the things of God; but the same mind,
converted and sanctified, will see the divine power in the
word. Only the mind and heart cleansed by the sancti-
fication of the Spirit can discern heavenly things." Vol. 8:301.

10. Of what should all beware when explaining the Scrip-

tures? II Peter 1:20: 3:16.

NOTE: A personal interpretation of Scripture ts imperfect

because it is built upon human wisdom. This is the found-
ation upon which Satan has built all the false religions in
the world. 1'he Bible explains itself through other passages
of Scripture. We are warned against following human
interpretations. "The vague and fanciful interpretations
of Scripture... to discover something odd or originaL" G. C.
557,558. .
-<.
11. What position should we take in the preaching 01 the
Gospel? II Cor. 2:17.

NOTE: "I beseech those who are laboring for God not to
accept the spurious for the genuine. Let not human reason
be placed where divine, sanctifying truth should be. Christ
is waiting' to kindle faith and love in the hearts of His people.
Let . not erroneous theories receive 'countenance Irom the
people who ought to be standing firm on the platform of
eternal truth. God calls upon us to hold firmly to the funda
mental principles that are based upon_unquestionable auth-
ority." Vol. 8:298.

12. What! invitation does the Spirit 01 God give in these !ast
momenta of mercy to those who are able to hear and
understand? Rev. 22:17.

NOTE: "There is no work in our world so great, so sacred

an::! so glorious, no work that God honors so much, as this
gospel work. The message presented at this time is the
last message of mercy for a fallen world. Those who have
the privilege of hearing this message, and 'who persist in
refusing to heed the / warning, cast away their last hope. of
salvation. There will be n? second probation." Vol. 6:19.
 Lesson No.2-Sabbath, July 10. 1954. .,
THE BOOK OF "REVELATION"
Questions

1. What name has inspiration given to the lafilt book of the

Bible? Rev. 1:1.
NOTE: The word "Revelation" means the revealing in a
divine monner of divine truth which had hitherto been secret
or sealed and thus beyond the reach of mortals. It is a
document which reveals the past, present and future events.
2. What position do many religious leadC'Is take at t'he
present time and who prophesied of this? Isa. 29:11.
NOTE: "Yet religious leaders have declared that it is a
sealed book and its secrets cannot be explained. Therefore
many have turned from' the prophetic record refusing to
devote time and study to its mysteries. But God does not
wish His people to reqard the book' thus. It is 'the revelation
of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto
His servants things which must shortly come to pass.'''
A. A, SR3.
3. How did Jesus and the apostle Paul regard the wisdom
of their'days and also of ours? Matt. 11:25: I Cor. 1:20.21.

4. For what reason have the Jews remained in ignorance

of the true Messiah? Jer. 2:13.
NOTE: "At the time of Christ's first advent, the priests and
scribes of the holy city, to whom were entrusted the oracles
of God, might ha~e discerned the signs of the times, and
proclaimed the coming of the Promised One. The prophecy
of Micah designated His birthplace; Daniel specified the time
of His advenf. God committed these' prophecies to the Jewish
leaders; they were without excuse if they did not know and
declare to the people that the Messiah's coming was at h<lI\d.
Their ignorance was the result of sinful neglect. The Jews
were building monuments' for the slain prophets of Goc;l,
while by their deference to the great men bf earth they were
paying homage to the! servants of Satan. Absorbed in tjleir
ambitious strife for place and power among men, they lost
sight of the divine honors proffered them by the King of
heaven." G, C. 313. -
5
 5. What position did the Jews take at the first advent of
Christ and why? John 1:11,12..
NOTE: "The Jews perished as a nation because they were
drawn from the truth of the Bible by their rulers priests,
and elders. Had they heeded the lessons of Je~us, and
searched the Scriptures for themselves, they would not have
perished." T. M. 109.
"It· suits the policy of Satan, that men should retain
the forms of religion jj 'but the spirit of vital godliness is;
lacking. After their rejection of the gospel, the Jews con-
hnu'ed zealously to maintain' their ancient rites, they rigor-
ously preserved their national exclusiveness, while they them-
selves could not but admit that the presence of God was
no longer manifest among them, The prophecy of Daniel
pointed so unmistakably to the time of Messiah's coming,
and so directly foretold His death, that they discouraged its
study, and finally the rabbis pronounced a curse on all who
should attempt a computation of the time. In blindness and
impenitence, the people of Israel for 1900 years have stood
indifferent to the gracious offers of salvation, unmindful of.
the blessings of the gospel, a solemn and fearful warning
of the danger of rejecting light from heaven." G. C, 378.
6. What is stated by John> concerning this 'Revelation' which
bas- such a d(rect application to the- Christian world
awaiting the second advent of Christ? Rev. 1:2.

7. What special promise is given to those who read this

book and why? Rev. 1:3.
NOTE: "In the revelation given to him the're was unfolded
scene after scene of thrilling interest in the. experience of the
people of God, and the history of the church,' was foretold to
the very close of time. In figures and symbols subjects of
vast importance were presented to John which' he' was to
- record. that the people of God living in his age and in
future ages' might have an intelligent' understanding of the
perils and conflicts before them." A. A. 583.
8. Although they hear these promises. what do many do?
What responsibilitty rests upon those who know the pres-
ent truth? II Tim. 4:1-3.
NOTE: "Says the prophet: 'Blessed is he that readeth'-there
are those who will not read; the blessing is not for them. 'And

6
ihey that hear'-there are so'me, also, who refuse to hear
anything concerning the prophecies; the blessing is not for
this class. 'And keep those things which are written therein'
-many re.fuse to heed the warnings and instructions contained
in the' Revelation; none of these can claim the blessing
promised. All who ridicule the subjects of the prophecy,
and mock the symbols here solemnly given, all who refuse
iq reform their lives, and prepare for the coming of the Son
of Man, will be unblessed." G. C. 341.

9. For what purpose were the prophecies of Revelation

given? Do these prophecies refer only to the time since
1844 or do they refer to the· whole Christian dispensation?
Rom. 15:4.

NOTE: "This revelation was given for the guidance and

comfort of the church throughout the Christian dispensation."
A. A. 583.

10. W·hat did the angel Gabriel say to the prophet Daniel
as he was writing the last wO'rds of. his book? What
command wa~ given to John concerning his book? What
manner of book is the Revelation? Dan. 12:4; Rev. 22:10.

NOTE: "In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and
end. Here is the compile~ent of the book of D~niel. One
is a prophecy; the other a revelation. The book that was
sealed is not the Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy
of Daniel relating to the last days. The angel commanded,
'But thou, 0 Daniel, shut up the words, "'and seal the book,
even to the time of the end.''' A. A. 585.

II. How should we as God's people value the Revelation

and what responsibility rests upon us? Isa. 60:1,2.

NOTE: "The solemn messages that have been given in their

order in the Revelation are to occupy the first place in the
minds of God's people. Nothing else i& to be allowed to
engross our attention.
"Pr~cious time is rapidly passing, and there ·is danger
that many will be robbed of the time which should be given
to the proclamation of the messages that God has sent to
a fallen world. Satan is pleased to see the diversion of minds
ihat should be engaged in a study of the truths which have
io do with eternal realities." Vol. 8:302.

7
12. What responsibility rests uion our leading brethren, our
publishers and upon the whole church? What will be
the result of studying these precious truths and what
should we- expect to come soon? John 12:35;
NOTE: "A message that will arouse churches is to be pro-
claimed. Every effort is to be made to give the light, not
only to our people, but to the world. I have been instructed
that the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation should 'be'
printed. in small books, wilh the necessary explanations, and
should be sent all over the world. Our own people need to
have the light placed before them in clearer lines." T. M. 117.
"The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work
we are to warn the people of the danger- they are in. Let not
the solemn scenes ·which prophecy has revealed be left un-
touched. If our people were half awake, if they realized
the nearness of the events portrayed in the Revelation, a:
reformation would be wrought in our churches, and many
more would believe the message. We have no time to lose;
God calls upon us to watch for souls as they that must give
an account. Advance new principles, and crowd in the clear
cut truth. It will be a sword CUlling both ways. But be not
too ready to take a controversial atilude. There will be-
times when We must stand still and see the salvation of God.
Let Daniel speak, let the Revelati~n speak, and tell what is-
truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented uplift
Jesus as the centre of all hope, 'the- Root and Offsp;ing of
David, and the brigh1 and morning Star.''' T_ M. 118.

Lesson. No. 3-Sabbath, July 17, 1954.

JOHN'S FIRST VISION

Questions

1. With what words does John begin the Revelation and in

what places were the churches to which he refers? Rev. 1:4
NOTE: Many who read Revelation do not stop 10 think for
a moment that Christ personally commanded His servant
Johf.l to send His divine greetings to all His follower~­
ou1 the ages. This is very important for us for by this we can
see t at He regards us as belonging to His family. We
~hould all desire and have an interest to know the message
which aUf heavenly Father sends us.

8
 ~. Were there at that time only seven churches in Asia
Minor. or do these writings reler to aU the churches
throughout ther ages up to the close of the time 01 grace?
Gal. 1:2,3; Phil. I :1,2: Col. 1:2: I Thess. 1:1: James 1:1.
NOTE: We can see that nearly all the writers of the different
epistles use this greeting of grace, peace, leive, joy and hope.
ihe words "seven spirits" which are mentioned in the previ-
ous question symbolize a perfection of knowledge that all
which happens in heaven and earth is known to God and is
under His control and wisdom. In.J~e same wa ,:,,~ere I
that the churches to whiJ:::h_ this ~ook ref~s §y.Ill£oJize God's 1
--
church throughout the ages.
3.
-~-
Who is the real author 01 Revelation? What testimony
does John give 0If Him that we should believe on Him?
Rev. 1:5.
4. What heiitage is ours as a result 01 His love and sacrilice?
What def we owe Him? Rev. 1:6.
NOTE: In the law which was given to Israel there is a
beautiful symbol of Christ's relationship to His people. When
a Hebrew was compelled by poverty to relinquish his father's
heritage and to sell himself as a slave, the duty fell' upon
the next of kin to redeem him Clnd his heritage. (Lev. 25:25,
47-49; Ruth 2:20.) In the same way. our redemption 'and
our heritgge which was lost by sin fell upon our nearest
relative. Through our redemption He became our nearest
kinsman. The Lord our Saviour is nearer to us than father,
mother, brother, friend or lover. "Fear not," He says, ",for I
bave redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; tho\.1 art
mine. . . . Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast
been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I
give men for thee and people for thy life." Iso. 43:1,1.

5. What is the lirst promise written in the book 01 Revel-

ation which should cheer our hearts? What special class
01 people is mentioned in connection with the second
coming of Christ? Rev. 1:7. .
NOTE: In the RevelatIon there are a' gTeat number of
messages and truths whose importance is not understood by
many. But the Lord will reveal these truths before the end
of the time of .grace. Every word of this book is important.
'Besides the proclamation of our Lord's return in glory we

II
read in verse 7 that.every eye will see Him. Even those who
have pierced Him will have to see Him. These wi!! be
resurrected shortly before the advent of Christ in a partial
resurrection.
"There are those who mocked Christ in His humiliation.
Wath thrilling power come to their minds the Sufferer'p words,
when, adjured by the high priest, He solemnly declared,
'Hereafter shall ye see the Son of maR sitting on the right
hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.' Now
they behold Him in His g·lory, and they are yet to see Him
sitting on the right hand of power.
'''Those who derided His claims to be the Son of GO,d
ar,e speechless now. There is the haughty Herod who jeered
at His royal title and bade the mocking soldiers crown Him
king. There ar'e the very men who with impious hands
placed upon His form the purple robe, upon His sacred brow
the thorny crown, and in His unresisting hand the mimic
sceptre, and bowed before Him in plasphemous mqckery. The
men who smote and spit upon the Prince of life. now turn
frcm His piercing gaze, and seek to flee from the overpowering
glory of His presence. Those who drove the nails throtlgh
His hands and feet, the soldier who pierced His side, behold
these marks with terror an.d remorse." G. C. 643.

6. What revelation was given Daniel concerning this par-

tial and mixed resurrection? Dan. 12:2.

NOTE: Only in this case do we read of a mixed and partial

resurrection. At the first general resurrection only the right-
eous, mentioned in Dan. 12:1 are resurrected. The general
resurrEjction of the wicked takes place after the thousand
years according to Rev. 20:5 (first part) None of the righteous
haV'e a -part in this resurrection.. .
7. What special blessing is pronounced upon those who
live in the liime of the investigative judgment and what
privilege is theirs when they suffer in the l,O'rd? Rev. 14:13.

NOTE: "Graves are opened, and 'many of them that sleep

in the dust of the earth.... awake, some to everlasting life,
.and some to shame and everlasting contempt.' All who ha'!e·
died in the faith of the third angel's message come forth
from the tomb glorified, to hear_ God's covenant of peace
with those who have kept His law. 'They also which pierced.
Him: those that mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies.
10
and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people
are raised to behold Him in His glory, a'nd to see the hono;
placed upon the loyal and obedient." G. C. 637.

8. With what words does the Lord try to lead men to believe
the truth? Of what are these scriptures a proof? Rev. 1:8:
John 1:1-5.
9. Under what circumstances and in what place did John
receive the Revelation? Why was he there? Rev. 1:9.

1Il0TE: "It was at this critical time in the history of the

church that John was sentenced to banishment. Never had
his voice been needed by the church as now. Nearly all
his former associates in the ministry had suffered martyrdom.
The remnant of believers was facing fierce opposition. To all
outward appearance the day was not far distant when the
enemies of the church of Christ would triumph.
"But the Lord's hand was moving unseen in the darkness.
1ri the providenc'e of God, fohn Iqas placed where Christ
could give him a wonderful revelation of Himself and of
divine truth for the enlightenment bf the churches.
"In exiling John, the enemies of truth had hoped to
silence forever the ~oice' of God's faithful witness; but on
Patmos the disciple received a message, the influence of which
was to continue to strengthen the church till the' end of time.
Though not released from the responsibility of their wrong
act, those who banished John became instrum~nts in the
hands of God to carry out Heaven's purpose; and thE:)' very
effort to extinguish the light placed the truth in bold relie!."
A. A. 581.
10. On what day did John receive this glQrious revelation
from God? Which day did he regard as the Lord's day?
Rev. 1:10.
NOTE: "It was on the Sabbath that the Lord of glory ap-
peared to the exiled apostle. The Sabbath was as sacredly
observed by John on Patmos as when he was preaching to the
people in the towns and cities of Judea. He claimed as his
own. the precious promises that had been given regarding
that day." A. A. 581.
II. Ho-w does John inl1roduce himself? What was John
commanded to do and where was he to send these mes-
sages? Rev. 1:11.

11
 NOTE: "The seven churches mentioned here by Christ were
the most important in Asia. These churches were the de-
positories of the' treasure of the Kingdom of God. Weo notice
that the churches of Jerusalem, Judea or Samaria are not
mentioned. The most precious truths which human beings
\ have ever received were entrusted to these seven churches,
and the solemn duty of ·spreading these truths devolved
upon them. It seems that these churches had to be admon-
ished more than others because they were in danger of
being influenced by the prevailing wickedness around them.
12. What meaning is found in the names of the seven
chulI'ches? What meaning has the number seven? Are
these messages also important for later times?
NOTE: "The ~~he .sev$l! chlJI:.ch~are ..§YjIlbo1(!L.of
~hurch in different "p~i!2.ds i!:L!Jle Ch!istiCm era. The
number seven indicates completeness, and is symbolic of
·~t that the messages extend to the end of time, while
Q1e symb~ used reveal the condition 0 th~~hurch at dif-
ferent periods in the _histor of the woiJd. :.zcJr"SE

Lesson No.4-Sabbath. July 24. 1954.

CHRIST AS OUR HIGH PRIEST II':t THE HEAVENLY

SANCTUARY
Questions

1. When John turned in the direction of the voice which

spoke to him. what did he see? R.ev. 1:12.
2. 'What wonderful person is then described by John? Rev.
1:13.
3. What is especially noticed in this description? What
vivid figure is used to describe the penetrating eyes of
this person? Rev. 1:14.
4. With what metal does John compare the feet of this-
majestic personage? What does the' voice he hears
bring to his mind? Rev. 1:15. ;-
5. What truth does the apostle Paul reveal con,ceming'
the work of Christ in the first century? Where did he
see the Lord and what position did He take? Heb. 8:1,2.
12
NOTE: The first chapter of ReveJationcontains a fundamental
truth which was established at creation. The plan of redemp-
tion is explained distinctly in the book of Revelation. With-
out the knowledge of this truth which is presented in the
first chapter of Revelation, all our Christian experience would
be null and void and we would not be able to stand in the
last great trial. This truth is the most important in the whole
Bible. The cross of Christ is made the cen~Te of all the main
theme upon which we should meditate. The truth ~oncerning
the sanct~ary is another important Bible subject brought to
light in Revelation. All churches which do not possess these
two fundamental truths, are moving along the wrong road
·which will eventually lead them to the final deception.
6: In what part of the sanctuary do we find the candle-
sticks of which it is said that Christ is in the midst?
Heb. 9:1,2.
NOTE: Those who teach and explain the Scriptures as if
Christ had ascended into the Holy of Holies after His resur-
rection are virtually denying the book of Revelation.' John
:saw Him almost at the end of the first century in the Holy
·place where the candlesticks were.

7. According to the commandment of the Lord. what were

the children of Israel to bring into the sanctuary so that
'the lamps might burn? Whose duty was it to see that
everything was there? In what part of the sanctuary
were the candlesticks in the days of the Levitical priest.
hood? Lev. 24:1·4.
NOTE: How many come to the sanctuary today to worship
without oil in their lamps like the foolish virgins. Not only
do they bring no oil themselves, but they hinder others from
bringing it too. Such will surely remain in the outer dark-
ness. The command was given to Aaron to see thaff oil was
brought and that the lamps burned continually.

8. What truth does the prophet Zechariah reveal concern-

ing this subjec? Zech. 4:2.3.
9. What did Christ do from -the time of His. ascension to
the end of the 2.300 days (in accordance with Dan. 8:14)?
Dan. 9:14-17.
NOTE: "Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the
13
golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the'
churches. He is in constant communion with His people. He-
knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety r
their devotion. Although. He is high priest and mediator in
the sanctuary above. yet He is represented as walking up
and down in the midst of His ch~rches on the earth. With
untiring wakefulness and unremitting vigilance, He watches
to see whether the light of any of His sentinels is burning dim
or going out. If the candlesticks were left to mere human
care, the flickering flame would languish and die; but He is'
the true watchman in the Lord's house, the true warden of
the temple courts. His continued' care and sustaining grace-
are the source of life and light." A. A. 586. .
10. What encouraging message did the Apostle Peter give
under the power of the Former Rain? To what time
especially did his words refer? Acts 3:19·21.
NOTE: The words 'that your sins may be blotted out' refer
directly to the service which Christ was to perform at the
end of the 2,300 days in the closing work in the Most Holy
Place. This "Was fulfilled in the year 1844. Since this lime·
the investigative judgment is being held on the dead and
now on the living.
"The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the
great truth arouna which all other truths cluster. In order
to be rightly undestood and appreciated, every truth in the
word of God from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied
in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary. I pres-
ent before you the great, grand monument of mercy and
regeneration, salvation and redemption,-the Son of God up-
lifted on the cross. This is to be the foundation of every
discourse given by our ministers." G. W. 315.
II. What must happen before we can expect the Lalter
Rain? I Peter 4:17'.
NOTE: "The work of the investigative judgment and the-
blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second
advent of the Lord. Since the dead are to be judged out
of the things written in the books, it is impossible that the
sins of men should be blotted out until after the judgment
at which their cases are to be investigated. But the Apostle
Peter 'distinctly states that the sins of believers will be blotted
out 'when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence
of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ.' When the investi-
14
 gatl~e judgment closes,_ Christ will come, and His reward
'will be with Him to give to every man as His work shall be."
G. C. 485. .
12. What should be our prayer at the present time? What
disappointment wjll those experience who have neglected
to prepare and sanctify themselves? Can their sins be
blotted . out in the sanctuary? Will they receive the
Latter Rain?
NOTE: "I saw that many were neglecting' the preparation
so needful, and were looking to ·the time of 'refreshing' and
the 'latter rain' to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord,
and to live in His sight. Oh. how ffi::!Yly I saw in the time
of trouble 'without a shelter! They had neglected the needful
preparation. therefore they could not receive the refreshing
that a.1l mlist have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God.
Those who refuse to De hewed by the prophets, and fail to
purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are
willing to believe that their condition is far better than it·
really-is, wm come up to the tme of·the falling of the plagues,
and then see that .they needed to be hewed and squared for
the buiding." E. W. 71.
13. What subject should be the theme of every preacher,
worker or member of the church' of God' Gal. 2:20: I Cor.
2:2. What work of deception are we to expect in the
future?
NOTE: "But such subjects as the sanctuary, -in cpnnection
with the 2,300 days, the commandments of' God and' the faith
of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent
movement and show what our present position is, establish
the faith' of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious
future. These, I have frequently seen, were' the principal
subjects on which the messengers should dwell." E. W. 63.
"The solemnity of the truth co~cerning the sanctuary.
-While Christ is cleansing the sanctuary the worshippers
>; on earth should carefully examine their lives and compare
their character:! with the standard of righteousness." R.&H.
April 8, 1890.
"False teachings concerning the sanctuary.-In the future
all kinds of deceptions will arise and then we shall need a
firm foundation beneath our feet. We need firm pillars for
our building. Not a nail should be taken away from that
which the L9rd has erected. The enemy will bring in false

15
theories, as, for example, the teaching: that there i·s no sanct-
uary. This a point upon which an apostasy will take place.
Where shall we lipd security if we do not lind it in the truth
which the Lord has given in the last lifty ye!=1rs? R.&H. May
25, 1905.

Lesson No.5-Sabbath. July 31, 1954.

THE MESSAGE AND THE FINAL WORK OF OUR

HIGH PRIEST IN THE MOST HOLY PLACE
J. .......
Questions

1. What did John see in the Hand of our Saviour as He

was performing His service in tbe Sanctuary? Rev. 1:16
(first part)
NOTE: "These things saith He that holdeth the ¥~ven stars
. in His right; Hand! These words are spoken to the teachers
in the church,-those entrusted by God with weighty re-
sponsibilities. The sweet influences that are to be abundant
in the church are bound up with God's ministers', who are
to reveal the love of. Christ. The stars cl heaven are under
His control. He fills them with light. He guides and directs
their movements. If He did not do this, they would become
fallen stars. So with His' ministers. They are but instru-
ments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done
through His power. Through them His light is to shine forth.
The Saviour is to" be their efliciency. If they will look to Him
a~ He looked to the Father, they will be enabled to do His
work. As they make God their dependence, He will give them
l!is brightness to reflect to the world." . A. A. 586.
".-
2. What did fhe apostle. who was impressed by the maj-'
esty of Christ'. see coming out of His mouth? What sur-
rounded His Person? Rev. 1.16 (second and .1ast part).
NOTE: '''Richly favored was this beloved disciple. He had
seen His Master .in Gethsemane, I-lis fac~ marked with the
blood-drops of agony, His ·visage... marred more than any
man, and His form more than the sons of men.' He had seen
Him in the hands of the Roman soldiers, clothed with an old
purple robe and crowned with thorns. He had seen Him
henging on the cross of Calvary, the object of cruel mockery
16
and abused. Now John is onCe more permitted to behold
his Lord. Bu1 how changed is His <!ppearance! He is no
longer a man o~ sorrows despised and humiliated by men.
He is clothed in a garme~t of heavenly brightness. 'His head
and His hair are 'white like wool, as white as snow; and
His eyes... as a flame of fire; and His feet like unto fine
brass, as i/ theY'burned in a furnace.' His voice is like the
music of many waters. His countenance l?hines as the sun.
In His! hand are seven .stars, and out of His mouth issues a
'sharp two-edged sword, an emblem of the power of His word..
Patmos'is made resplendent with the glory of the risen Lord."
A. A. 582.

3. What effect had the vision of the sanctuary upon th~

man of God? Who came to help him and what words
were spoken to Him? Rev. .1:17.
NOTE: "John was strengthened to live in the presence of
. His glori/ed Lord. Then before his wondering vision were
opened the glories of heaven. He was permitted to see the
throne of God, and looking beyond the conflicts of earth,
to behold the white robed throne of the redeemed. He heard
the music of the heavenly angels, and the triumphant songs
of those who had overcome by the blood of 'the Lamb and the
word of their testimony." A. A. 582,583.

4. How does the High 'Priest introduce Himself to John so

that He may be recognized by him? In what position
does He now stand befOlre him? Rev. 1:18.

NOTE: He is the living, th~ risen Redeemer. Thus introduces

Himself to John. He it 'is who was dead. He it is to whom
all the sacrifices of 1he Jews pointed. He 'it is to whom all
the prophets referred and through whom we have forgiveness
of sins. He died to make His testament valid. He has the
power of resurrection in His hands to call forth 1hose who
sleep in the graves.
5. What command did John receive from the Son of God
during the vision of the heavenly sanctuary? Rev. 1:19.
NOTE: John received the command to write ,the events as they
had been shown him. He had been a living witness of these
things.
6. Why didt he Lord show His servC'mt th~s solemn scene
17
 in the heavenly sa~ctuary? What solemn duty rests, upon
those who are called to watch for souls? Ezekiel 33:1-9.
'NOTE: "If wrongs are apparent among His people, and if
the servants of God pass on indifferent to them, they virtually
sustain and justify the sinner, and are alike guilty, and will
just as surely receive. the displeasure of Gad; for they will
be made responsible for the sins of the guilty. In vision I
have been pointed to many instcmces where the displeasure
of God has been incurred by a neglect on the part of His
servants to deal with the wrongs and sins existing among
them. Those who have 'excused' these wrongs have been
thought by the people to be very amiable and lovely in
disposition, simply because they shunned to discharge a plain
Scriptural duty. The task was not agreeable to their fe~lings;
. therefore they avoided il." Vol. 3:266.
'7. What promise can we claim today when we ask God
for the forgiveness of our sins in the name of our High
Pdest? What terrible responsibility rests upon the whole
churcl1: when it tolerates open sin? II ehron. '7:14,15.

NOTE: "God holds His people, as a body, responsible for

the sins existing in individuals among them. If the leaders
of the church neglect to diligently search out the sins which
bring the displeasure of God upon the body, they become
responsible for these sins." Vol. 3:269.
8. What does both the individual and the peopl"e as a body
find difficult to do? What great blessing comes to the
doer of these words? I John 1:9.
:nOTE: "Neither wicked men nor devils can hinder the work
of God, or shut out His presence from His peole, if they will
with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their
sins, and in faith claim His promises. Ever temptation,
every opposing influence, whejher open or secret. may be
s~cceSsfully resisied, 'not by might, nor b _power ~ul by
JIlLSpirit, saith the Lord of hosts.''' G. C. 529.
9. What kind of watchmen will the Lord use today in the
closing work? Isa. 62:6,7.
NOTE: "These are Satan's snares eet lor unw.ary feel. But
these slavish bands must be broken; the f!esh' must be cruci-
fied with the affections and lusts. We cannot be half the
18
Lord's and half the world's. We are not God's people unlesp
"we are such entirely. Every weight, every besetting sin, must
be laid aside. God's watchmen will not cry, 'Peace, peace:
when God has not spoken peace. The voice of the faithful
watchmen will be heard: 'Go ye out from hence, .touch not
the unclean. Go ye out of the midst of her. Be ye clean
that bear the vessels of the Lord.''' Vol. 5;83.

:l0. What manner of people is the Lord gathering together

in these last days of earth's history? What alone can
keep the church from becoming entangled in the snares
of the world.? Titus 2:14,15.

NOTE: "The plal!1-.straig~U~imol,lY_1Jlllst!Eft in the church,

·01\ the curse of God will rest upon His people as surely as i
.did upon ancient Israel because of their sins." Vol. 3:269.
"Choose poverty, reproach, separation from friends) or
'any suffering., rather than to defile the soul with sin. Death
before dishonor or the transgression of God's law should
be the motto of ever·y Christian. As a people prof~ssing to
"be reformers, treasuring the most solemn purifying truths
.of God's word, we must elevate the standard far higher than
it is at. the present time Sin and sinners in the church must
be promptly dealt with, that others may not be contaminated.
Truth and purity require that we make more thorough work
to cleanse the camp from Achans. Let those in responsible
positions not suffer sin in a brother. Show him that he must
·either put away his sins or be separated from the church."
Vol. 5:147.
,.-
:II. What great burden should rest upon those who bear
responsibilities in the church of God? Mal. 2:2; I Cor. 9:16.

-NOTE: "Every soul that names the name of Christ should

be under service. All should say, 'Here am'1; send me.' The
lips that are willing to speak, though unclean, will be touched
-with the living coal and purified. The'y will be enabled to
speak words that will burn their way to the soul. The time
will come when men will be called to give an account for
1he souls to whom they should have communicated light, but
who have not cherished it, so that they have none to impart,
are classed in the books of heaven' with those that are at
enmity with God, not subject to His will or under His
guidance." Fund. -of Chr. Ed. 472,473.
19
I
12. What explanation does the Lord give to John concern-·
ing the stars and the seven candlesticks? Rev. 1:20.
NOTE: How many people there are who consider that the-
book Revelation contains nothing of value for them. How
many die without ever having read it. Some were unable to
understand the symbols which represent nations, kingdoms.
and churches. John testifies of the solemnity of the time·
already at the beginnng of the first Christian perjod. How'
much more should .we appreciate the value of this important
bookl Christ declares and also shows His interest for the-
churches. He knew that victory depends upon the members
so He wished to keep them in His own hands justt as IT'
sculptor at work. holds his instruments in his hands. Christ
tries to do the same thing with His messengers. He wishes'
to prepare them that they may become useful instruments:
in' His hands for the saivation of souls. The stars which
represent the angels of the various chu~ches are the preachers,
the lamps are the churches through which the inhabitants
of the earth receive the gospel.

Lesson No.6-Sabbath, August 7. 1954.

THE SEVEN SYMBOLIC CHURCHES

THE FIRST CHURCH-EPHESUS
Questions

1. With what does Christ compare His church? How can

the church of God remain pure in this world'il Matt. 5:13.14.
2. What work is entrusted to His messengers? What is
demanded of them in proportion to the trust given?
n Gor. 5:19.20; I Cor. 4:l.2.
3. What is required of those to 'whom the Lord has en-
ttu~ted the care of 'His flock? Matt. 24:45.
4. Where is the only sure place for our preachers. church.
officers and members? n Tim. 2:19-21.
NOTE: The seven churches embrace the whole Christian
era, from the time of the first Christians to the close of the
time of grace. The letters are not of a local character, but
have a universal application. The word "church" does not

20
 mean a building but refers to the members who are closely
connected by the same spirit in brotherliness and faHh. The
number seven symbolizes perfection and completeness. The
Christiaps 01 the seven periods are represented by the sym-
bolic names of the different churches. The message Which
is sent to ·the seven churches is a message of warning for
<Ill from the beginning till the end of lime. The angel of
-each of the seve churches is a symbol used to represent the
leadership of the church at different periods of time. The
indiViidual 'warnings gaven /to each church are' perfectly
:suitable for every era. Our High Priest knows exactly the
condition of the church. He also knows that a godly rem-
nant will be gathered as the living c4urch of God, and this
church wiil finaUy be victorious. The book of Revelation
would have no meaning without these seven churches.. It
would be "like a building without inhabitants.
. .5. To whom is the first message sent? Who dictated the
contents of these messages?" What does He hold in His
hands? Where did He walk in the time of John? Rev. 2:1.
'£. By what does the prophet represent God's servants in
~he new dispensation? From where do they receive the
oil to keep the lamps burning? Zech. 4:2,3,11,12.
NOTE: "Read and study the fourth chapter of Zechariah.
The two olive trees empty their golden oil through the golden
pipes into the golden bowls from which the lamps of the
'sanctuary are fed. The golden oil represents the Holy Spirit.
God's ministers must have a supply of this oil continually so
·that they on their part may supply the church. 'Not by
might nor by pow'er, but by, my spirit saith the Lord of hosts.'
.It is only by inner purity of heart and sanctification that
'God's servants can gain the victory. It is of the greatest
importance that ministers should give a right example. If
they follow lax, loose principles, their example is quoted
by those who are doing wrong as a vindication of their
course. The whole synagogue of Satan is watching for the
defects in the lives of God's representatives, and the most
is made of every defect. R. & H. December 22, 1904.
.1.. What is said of the activity of the first Christian church?
What class of people tried to hinder the progress 01 the
work? Rev. 2:2. \
NOTE: "The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people.
I
21
Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were IT
continual reproof that disturbed the sinner's peace. Though-
few in unmbers, without wealth, position or honorary titles,.
they were a terror to evil-doers where ever their character
and doctrines were known. Therefore they were hated by the·
wicked, even as Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain. For
the same reason thdt Cain slew Abel, did those who sought
to throw off the restraint of the Holy Spirit put to death God's
people. It was for the same reason that the Jews rejecetd
and crucified the Saviour,-because the p~rity and holiness
of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness.
and corruption. From the days of <;:;hrist until now, His'
faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of
those who love and follow' the ways of sin." G. C. 46.
The so-called "apostles" here mentioned do not refer
to the Jewish church. It refers to what Paul mentions already
in II Thess. 2:3-11. These tried. to bring a separqion in the
church even at its beginning, but as long as the apostles
lived this w'as prevented. When John saw the vision, the
false apostles were already in open oppositjo~.
8. For what is the first church commended? What comes.
upon the church of God as a result of its faithfulnesa.
to God? nev. 2:3.
NOTE: "The history of the early church testified to the ful-
filment of the Saviour's words. The powers of earth and
hell arrayed themselves against Christ in the person of His
followers. Paganism foresaw that should' the gospel triumph,
her temples and altars would be swept away; therefore she
summoned her forces to destroy Christianity. The lires of
persecution were kindled. Christians were stripped of their
possessions and driven from their homes. They 'endured a
great fight of afHictions.' They 'had trial of cruel mo~kings
and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonm,ent.'
Great numbers sealed their testimony with their blood. Noble
and slave, rich and poor, learned and' ignorant. were alike
slain without mercy.' '! G. C. 39,40.
"Under ·the fiercest persecution, these witnesses for Jesus
k.ept their faith' unsullied. Though deprived of every comfort,
shut away from the light of the sun, making their home in
the dark but friendly bosom of the earth, they uttered no
complaint. With words of faith, patience, and hope, they
encouraged .one another to endure privation and distress.
The loss of every earthly blessing could not force them to
22
renounce their belief in Christ, triais and persecution were
but steps bringing them nearer their rest and their reward."
G. C. 41.
9. What did the Son of man prophecy concernfng the
apostasy of this church? How. did this, happen? Rev. 2:4.
,
NOTE: "Satan therefore laid his plans to war more suc-
cessfully against the government of God, by planting his
banner in the C!<lristian ,church. If the followers of Christ
could be deceived, and led to displease God, then thetr
strength fortitude, and firmness would fail, and they would
fall an 'easy prey." G. C. 42.
"Christ 'ascended to heaven, and sent His Holy Spirit
to give power to the work of His disciples. Tho'usands were·
converted in a day. In a single generation the gospel was
carried to every nation under heaven. But little by little a
change came. The church lost her first love. The enemy
cast his spell upon thos.e to whom God had given light for
a wtJrld in darkness,-Iight which should have shone in good
works. The' world was robbed of the blessings that God
desired meI)-. ,to ·receive." Vol. 8:26.
. /
10. What did the Son of God finally say concerning the
, ," church as a body? What was the only course which' the
-'" .. faithful ones could take? What had Christ decided to·
do if the lamps would cease to burn? Rev. 2:5.

NOTE: "Satan therefore decided that he must come in a

milder form. He had already corrupted the doctrines of the
Bible, and traditions which were to ruin millions were taking
deep root. Restraining his hate, he decided not to urge on his
subjects to such bitter persecution, but lead the church to
contend for various traditions" instead of for the faith 'once
delivered to the saints. As he prevailed on the church to
receive favors and honors from the world. under the pretense
of receiving benefits, she beg'an to lose favor with God.
Shunning to declare the straight tI:uths which' shut out the
lovers of pleasure and friends of the world, she gradually
lost her power," E. W. 226,227(
II. What position did the church take? Against whom did
the fafthful stand? Rev. 2:6.

NOTE: In the first Christian church there existed a class

of people who stood in direct opposition to a sanctified life.

23
They yielded themselves fully to licentiousness and dissipat·
ion. Through this class the morals of the church were des-
troyed. This class which sought the favor and joy of the
world were in far greater numbers than the faithful.
"There have ever been two classes among those who
profess to be followers of Christ. While one class studies
the Saviour's life, and earnestly seek to correct their defects
and conform to the pattern, the other class shun the plain,
practical truths which expose their errors. Even in her
best estate, the 'church was not composed wholly of the true,
pure' and sincere." G. C. 43.
12. Whcit warning was given by James concerning the dan-
·ger which threatened the church of God? What was the
main reason why the first Christian church fel'! into
apostasy? James 4:4.

NOTE: "Now the church was in fearful peril. Prison, tor-

ture, fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this.
Some of the Christians stood firm, declaring that they ·could
make no compromise. Others were in favor of yielding or'
modifying some feah~res of their faith, and 'uniting with those
who had accepted a part of Christianity, urging that this
might be the means of their full conversion. That was a
time of deep anguish to the faithful followers of Christ.
Under a cloak of pretended Christianity Satan was insinu-
·ating himself into the church, to corrupt their faith, and turn
their minds from the word of truth." G. C. 42,43.

13. What message did John bring on his return. from Patmos
in order to save the faithful? I John 3:10·16.

NOTE: "But after a time the zeal of the believers began

to wane, and their love for God and for one another grew
Jess. Coldness crept into the church. Some forgot the wonder-
ful manner in which they had received the truth. One by
one the old standard-bearers fell at their post. Some of the
younger workers, who might have shared the burdens of
these pioneers, and thu.s have been {prepared for wise
leadership, had become weary of oft repeated truths In
their desire for something novel and startling they attempted
to introduce new phases of doctrine, more pleasing to many
minds, but not in harmony wi"th the fundamental principles
of the gospel. In their self-confidence and spiritual blind-
ness they failed to discern that these sophistries would cause
24
many to ques1ion the experience of the past, and would thu9
lead to confusion and unbelief." A. A. 580.

14. What hope and promise was given to the faithful who'
were willing to obey the command of God? What pos-
ition did the faithful take when the whole church did'
not return to their first love? Rev. 2:7.

NOTE: "After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few.

decided ·to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she
still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. They
saw that separation was an absolute necessity if they would
obey the word of God. They dared not tolerate errors fatal
to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil
the faith of their children and children'~ children. To secure
peace and unity they were ready to make any concession
consis1ent with fidelity to: God; but they felt that even peace'
would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle.
-If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth:
and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even
war.." G. C. 45.

15. What lesson can we learn from this for the church today?'
What spirit will be revealed in the last church? What
is the ·only hope for the faithful remnant? I Cor. 10:11.

NOTE: "There is another and more important question that

should engage the attention of the churches of today. The
apostle Paul declares that 'all who will live godly in Christ
Jesus shall suffer persecution.' Why is it, then that perse-
cution seems to' CIl great degree to sumber? 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 1he 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 wi1h the world. Let there be a 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 re-
kindled. G. C. 48.
25
 Lesson No. 7,-Sabbalh·, August 14, 1954.

SMYRNA-THE SECOND CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Questions

1. How does the Son of Man inlroduce Himself to the sec-

ond church? Rev. 2:8.

NOTE: The words of the prophet Isaiah (1:9) and Zeph-

aniah (3:12) and the words of our Lord in Luke 12:32 can
be applied to the small remnant which remained of the church
of Ephes·us.
"How feeble the church appeared when Christ spoke
these words! There was only a handful of believers, against
whom all the power of demons and evil men would be di-
rected; yet the followers of Christ were not to fellf. Built
upon the Rock of their strength, they could not be overthrown.
For six thousand years, faith has builded upon Christ.
For six thousand years the floods and tempests of satanic
wrath have beaten upon the Rock of our salvation; but it
stands unmoved." D. A. 413.

2. Who keeps a record of the deeds of men and of the

church? What did the faithful renfnant find? Rev. 2:9;
Mal. 3:16.
NOTE: "It required a desparate' struggle for those who
would be faithful to stand firm against the deceptions and
abominations which were disguised in' sacerdotal garments
and introduced into the( church. The Bible was not accepted
·as the standard of faith. The doctrine of religious freedom
was termed heresy, and its upholders were hated and pro-
scribed." G. C. 45.
"The remnant of believers was facing fierce oppositien.
10 all outward appearance the day was not far distant wheri
the epemies of the church of Christ would triumph." A. A. 581.
Th,e "Tews" mentioned here became the synagogue of
Satan were once the defenders of the truth, but now through
fear of persecution they revealed more fear of Caesar than
fear of God. These aP.osiatized ones persecuted the faith-
iul remnant. and although they· might maintain that they
were God's people, they ceased to be the church of God.
3. How does the apostle John regard those who forsake the
26
 purity of the gospel for friendship with the world? Why
did they take up such a posiiion? I John 2:19-21.
NOTE: Although the number who had separated from the
apostatized church "{ere very few, the apostles considered
that tpe others had forsakeT) the principles. It was not a
question of where they worshipped but a question of faith-
fulness to principle.
4. Of what" time did the Son of 'God prophesy to the faith-
ful in the second church? Rev. 2:10.

NOTE: . "God permits the wicked to prosper, and to reveal

their enmi1y against Him, that when they shall have £i.lIed
up the measure of their iniquity, all may see His justice' and
mercy in their utter destruction. The day' of His vengeance
hastens, when all who have transgressed His law and op-
pressed His people will meet the just recompense of their
deeds; when every act of cruelty or injustice toward God's
faithful ones will be punished as though done) to Christ Him-
self." G. C. 48.
5. What promise did the I,ord give to His apostles before
His crucifixion?' John 15:19-21.
6. What came upon the faithful during this period? What
was their only hope? Heb. 10:38.39: 11:36-38: Mati. 24:13.

7. What solenin exhortation does the apostle Paul give

the faithful for times of difficulty and trial? Phil. 1:29.
8. What should the children of God expect? How can the
true confessors of Christ be recognized? II Tim. 3:11-13.
9. What promise was given to the faithful in Smyrna?
Rev. 2:11.
NOTE: "The Smyrna period is known as the time of martyr-
dom. Justin Martyr with six other Christians was scourged
and beheaded in the year of our Lord 165. It is supposed
that Irenaeus was killed in the year 202 during the perse-
cution of Severus. Cyprian died in 258 under the persecution
of Trajan and Victorinus in 304 during the persecution under
Dioc1etian. Eusebius says of these terrible iimes: 'We ~aw
with our own eyes how the houses of prayer were razed to
the ground and the HOly Scriptures consigned to the flames ...
We saw (in Thebes) great numbers dying in one day; some

27
 were beheaded, others burned, so that the murderous sword
became blunt and even broke and the executioners them-
.selves became tired and had to relieve each other." Ecc-
lesiastical History, Book 8, ch. 2.
10. In what words did Chrisf clearly show the separation
that should exist between church and state and the re-
spective duties of each? How does the apostle Paul
explain this? Malt. 22:21: Rom. 13:8'-10.
NOTE: Aft~r severe persecution under Diocletian the maj-
ority of the believers decided to unite with the Roman flag
in order .to avoid --further persecution. History records that
-an edict was issue"d by Caesar specifying that Christians
- had either to unite with the Roman army and give up their
-faith or be persecuted and killed. Th~ir churches were then
to be burned and destroyed. In order to come to a clear
decision a whole night was spent in prayer. The majority
were of the' opinion that they should accept the edict and in
a time like that should remain' quiet in order to save the
church and the family. They thought that this time would
pass and then they would be able to serve tlie church again
in a better way. In the book "Clemens and Alexander" we
read, "Tertullian was born betwe~n the years 150-160 A. D.
He says: It is impossible to bring the oath which we have
given to God into harmony with the human oath to the flag,
which would amount to uniting the banner of- Christ with the
banner of Satan, the hosts of light with the hosts of darkness.
For Tertullian every Christian is a soldier for Christ. To have
a part· in the army is a betrayal and a transgression of the
oath. Our battle order is "rather to die than to kill." Now
the question may be asked:. Can a Christian become a sol-
dier, and is it possible for a soldier to be accepted as a
Christian? We cannot be faithful to the banner of God and
to the earthly flag, the one being the ensign of Christ's army
and the other the ensign of Satan's aFmy. The children of
light and the children of darkness cannot be in harmony.
-One and the same person cannot stand under an obligation
to obey God and Caesar. About the yean 200 A.D. the faith-
-ful said: 'The trumpet sounds and a loud voice. cries: gather
-the ~arriors to battle. Proclaim war. But will not Christ
who blows His trumpets of peace to the ends of the earth
gather His soldiers of peace? He musters His army by His
words and His blood with the intent that they should not shed
blood. Christ Himself has giv.en the Kingdom of God into
28
their hands. The trumpet of God is His gospel. H~ lets it
sound and we should obey. Then let us be armed with the
weapons of peace and let us take the shield of faith.''' From
the book "Clemens and Alexander."
11. How long did this church exist? What does the Lord
say especially about the period of persecution? Rev. 2:10
(last part).
NOTE: The name Smyrna which is used for this church
means "Sweet odour." Their life and their consecration to
God was exceptional. They had the promise of God that the
second death would have no power over them and that they
would receive the crown of life. The per"secution lasted from'
302 to 312 A.D. accord.ing to Dr. Adam Clark. The greatest
persecutors during the first cent-uries were Nero, Domitian.
Trajan, Hadrian, Severus, Maziminus, Decius, Valerian, Au-
relian and biocletian. Each of these persecutors was a
defender of ihe gods of Rome. This church Smyrna lasted
from 100 to 323 A.D.

Lesson 8-Sabbath, August 21. 1954.

PERGAMOS-THE THIRD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Questions

1. How does the Son of man address the angel and the
church? Rev. 2:12.
NOTE: We notice that Christ revealed Himself to each church
Cllccording to its neecis. In Ephesus He shows Himself to be
the one who holds the stars in His hands and walks in the
midst of the golden candlesticks in the sanctuary. By this
He reveali: io the church the service which he is performing.
Tv the church of Smyrna He reveals Himself as the first and
the last the one 'which was dead. and is alive.' These ~ords
show th~t He was the first who passed through persecution and
cruelty. The believers are to follow His example. To Per-
gamos He introduces ·Himself as the one' who holds the-
sharp sword with two edges in His hand. This means that
only the living word of God is able to keep the church pure-
and undefiled.
2. What does Christ .ay He had knowledge of in the church.

29
 and who had made his centre there? What other class
existed also at the same time' as this church? Rev. 2:13.
3. What prophecy wast now fulfilled? Dan. 11 :34.
NOTE: "Little by little, at first in stealth and silence and
then mo;e openly as it increased in strength and gained. con-
trol of the minds of men,. the mystery of iniquity ccmied for-
ward its deceptive and blasphemous work. Almost imper-
ceptibly the customs of heathenism found their -way into
the Christian church. The spirit of compromise and conformity
was restrained for a time by the fierce persectiltons which
the church endured under paganism." But as persecution
ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of
bngs, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and His
apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and' rulers;
-and in place of the requirements of God, she substi:tuted human
theories and traditions. The nominal conversion of Con-
stantine, in the early part of the fourth century, cgused great
rejoicing; and the world, cloaked with the form 0f righteous-
ness, walked into the church. Now the work of corruption
rapidly proqressed. Paqanism, while appearinq to be van-
quished, became the conqueror. Her spirit controlled the
church. Her doclrin~s, ceremonies, and superstitions were
incorporated into the faith and worship of the professed fol-
lowers; of Christ." G. C. 49-50.
4. What warning does the apostle Paul give the Christians?
What e<J/rnes!i appeal was specially made to Christ's
followers? n Cor. 6:14-16.
NOTE: "This compromise between paganism and Christ-
icmity resll.h",d· in the development of the 'man of sin' fore-
told in prophecy as opposing and exalting himsell above
God. That qiqantic system of false religion is q master-
piece of Satan's power. . . .
Satan once endeavoured to form a compromise with
Christ. Hp. camp. to thp. Scm of God in the wilderness of
temptation, and showinq Him all the kinqdoms of the world
and the qlory of them offered to qive all into his hands if he
would acknowledge the' supremacy of the prince of darkne:53,
Christ rebuked- the presumptuous tempter, and forced him to
depart. But Satan meets with greater success ~n presenting
the same temptations to man. To secure worldly gains and
"honors. the church was led to seek the favor and support of
the great men of earth. .', .
30
 It is one of the leadinq doctrines of Romanism that the
-pope is the visible head of the 1Jniversal chllTch of Christ,
invested with supreme authority ove; bishops and pastors
in aJ] parts of the world. More than this" the pope has been
given the very titles of Deity. He has been! styled 'Lord God
ihe Pope' and has been declared infallible. He demanCls the
"homage of all men." G. C. 50.
5. What prophecy was made concerning this church and
who observed it? What special teaching had been ac-
cepted by this church? Rev. 2:14.
'NOTE: "Most of the Chris·tians at last consented to lower
-their standard, and a union was formed between Christianity
·and paganism. Although the worshippers of idols professed
io be converted, and united wiih the church, they still clung
10 their idolatry, only changing the objects of their worship
'io images of resus, and even of Mary and the saints. The
foul leaven of idolatry, thus brought into the church, con-
iinued its baleful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious rites,
ond idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into her faith
and worship. As the followers of Christ uni1ed with idolaters,
. the Christian religion became corrupted an'd the church lost
her purity and power. There were som~, however, who were
not misled by these delusions. They still maintained 1heir
-fidelity to the Author of truth, and worshipped God alone."
<G. C. 43.
6. What was the teaching of Balaam which is here men-
tioned by the Son of God as a warning? What position
did Balaaml take towards the children of God when their
enemies came to. him? Num. 22:5-13.
'NOTE: The Lord accused this church of having the teaching
-of, Balaam. Balaam knew thai Israel were God's people and
ihis knowledge made' him accountable. According to' the
custom of heathen nations he had been called to curse Israel.
Although he knew exactly what was right, he failed in not
refusing immediately but asked' God to tell him what he
'should do, whether he sho\lld go or not. By flatteries and-
prom!ises of reward the enemy succeeded in destroying
Balaam's judgmen1. He did not wish to offend God nor on
ihe other hand God's open enemies. He showed himself
very friendly to the enemies of God's people taking them
into his house and feeding them. The Lord said that he
:should not go with 1hem nor curse the people whom God had

31
blessed. It was clearly evident that Balaam was disappointed
with the answer and he expressed thi.s regret to the s~rvants
of Balak. He told thent that the Lord .would not allow him to-
go with them. How many are doing the same work today
among us as a people? How many protect the enemies of
God and are polite to them in order not to offend them al-
though they offend God by this. attitude?

7. For what reason did ,the messengers again return to-

Balaam? What did he do when he was tesfed the second
time? Num. 22:15-21.
NOTE: - The Lord allowed Ihat this test should be repeated.
ThA sin of CovAtousness must be overcome or i{ will take-
complete possession of thA hAnr!. Balaam COllId have over-
come this temptntion. He c01J.ld have said that he was not
willing to do such a traitorous work, but instead he brought
the mnt!Ar once nqnin before God for a decision. The enemies;
continued to press the temptation upon him when they saw
him waver in his decision. Although the Lord fulfilled
Balaam's' wishes it led to his uJ-timate destruction. The same'
spirit prevailed in the church of Perqamos. Formal religion
took possession of the church. Instead of educating the-
people to become true Christic'1llS' the' church educated them
to become hypocr.ites and betrayers. As soon as the enemy
had entered the church with a spirit of compromise, there-
was manifested more sympathy for the Balaamites, the half
converted heathen, than for those who were faithful and
steadfast to God. Antipas refers to those who were opposed
to making compromises with the unconverted heathen and
in consequence suffered martyrdom. We must beware or
this danger in the church. After Balaam had been defeated
a second time and lost his reward, he united openly with
the enemies of God and brought about the moral fall of the-
IsraeHtes at the feast of the Midianites.
8. What other class existed at this period? Where alan.
can 'we find security today? Rev. 2:15.

NOTE: "Those who have not a living connection with God

have not an appreciation of the Holy Spirit's manifestation. _
and do not distinguish between the sacred qnd the common.
They do not obey God's voice, because' as the Jewish nation,
they know not the time of their visitation. There is no help
for man, woman or child, who will not hear and' obey the-
32
-voice of duty; for' the voice of duty' is the voice o~ God. The
eyes, 1he ears, and the heart will become unimpressible if
men and- women refuse to give heed to the divine counsel,
and choose the way that is best pleasing to themselves."
·T. M. 402.

a. What decided atlJitude did the Son of Man take towards

jthis church? What is the only hope for salvation? Rev.
2:16.
10. What came into the church at the time of .the emperor
Constantine when the heathen had become powerful?
II Thess.. 2:3-4.
NOTE: "In. the early part of the fourth century, the emperor
-Constantine' issued a decree making' Sunday a public fes-
1ival throughout the Roman empire. The day of the sun
was reverenced by his pagan subjects, and was honored
by Chris1ians; it was the emperor's policy to unite the con-
iliCting intereS'ls 'of heathenism and Christianity. He was
urged. to do this by the bishops of the church, who, inspired
by ambition and thirst for power, perceived that if the same
da~ was observed by both Christians and heathen, it would
promote the nominal acceptance of Christianity by pagal}s,
-and thus advance 1he power and glory of the church. But
while many God-fearing Christians were gradually led to
:regard Sunday as possessing a degree of sacredness, they
-stHi held the true Sabbath as the holy of the Lord, and ob-
:served it in obedience 10 the fourth commandment." G. C. 53.
"The laW' issued by Contantine on the 7th March, AD. 321,
Tegarding a day of rest read thus: 'Let all judges and all
,city people, and all tradesmen, rest upon the vener~ble day
d the sun. But let those dwelling in the country freely and
with full liberty attend to the culture of their fields; since it
-frequently happens, that no other day is so fit for the sowing
-of grain, or the planting of vines; hence the favorable time
-should not be al10wed to pass; lest the provisions of heaven
'be lost.''' G. C. 680.
11. What promise is given to· those who overcome? Rev. 2:17.
NOTE: The name "Pergamos" means "exal1ed." The period
d this church was between 323 and 538 A.D..
12. 'What call did the faithful remnant obey under these
circumstances? What leJlson should we learn from this?
n Cor. 6:17.18.
33
NOTE: . "Well would it be for the church and the world it
the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were re-
vived in the hearts of God's professed people. There is an
alarming indifference in regard to the doctrines which are·
the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is gaining·
ground, that, after all, these are not of vital importance. This
degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan,
so that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful
in ages past imperiled their lives to resist and expose are·
now regarded with favor by thousands who claim to be fol-
lowers of Chris!." G. C.· 46.

Lesson No.9-Sabbath, August 28, '1954.

THYATIRA-THE FOURTH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Questions

1. In what 'way does the Lord introduce Himself to the· anger

of the church of Thyatira? Rev. 2:18.
NOTE: Here the Lord introduce~ Himself as the Son of God
who has eyes like uTIfo a flame and W!"l0 examines the church
through and through and purifies it. He has feet like fine
brass which means that He is the foundation of the earthly
and heavenly sanctuary.
2. What does the prophet David say about the all-seeing
eye of God? Psalm 139:1-12.
3. What special chal'acteris~ics were manifested in this·
church in its labor for God? What does the LOlrd say
especially against this church? Rev. 2:19,20.
NOTE: "In the sixth century the papacy had become firmly
established. Its seat of power was fixed in the imperIal city,
and the bishop of Rome was declared to be the head over
the entire church. Paganism had given place tel the. papacy.
The dragon had given to the beast 'his power and his seat,
and great authority.' And now began 1260 ~ears of papal
oppression foretold in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation.
Christians were forced to choose either tCl yield their integrity
and accept the papal ceremonies and worship, or to wear
away their lives in dungeons or suffer death by the rack, the
fagot, or the headman's axe. Now were fulfilled the words
of Jesus: 'Ye shall be betrayed beth to parents, and brethren,

34
and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause
to. be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my
name's sake.' Persecution opened upon the faithful with.
greater fury than ever before, and world became a vast
battlefield.· For hundreds of years the church of Christ 'found
refuge in seclusion and obscurity. Thus saith the prophet:
'The woman fled into the wilderness, where sh~ hath a: place
prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand
two_ hundred and threescore days.''' G. C. 54,55.
4. What prophecy was literally fulfilled on this occasion?'
Dan. 7:25.
NOTE: "The arch-deceiver had not completed his work. He
was resolved to gather the Christian world under his banner,
and to exercise his power through his vice-gerent, the proud
pontiff who claimed to be the representative of Christ. Through
half converted pagans, ambitious prelates, and world-loving
churchmen, he accomplished his purpose. Vast councils
were held from time to time, in which the dignatarl'es of the
church were conven~d from all the world. In nearly every
council the Sabbath which God had instituted w9s pressed
down a little lower, while the Sunday was correspondingly
exalted. Thus' the pagan festival came finally to be honored
as a divine institution, while the Bible Sabbath was pro-
nounced a relic of Tudaism, and its'observers were declared
to be accursed." G. C. 53.
5. What evil character of the past' was used to symbolize
the ~post.bsy that at this time entered the church? Was
opportunity given for repentance? What punishment will
the Lord mete out to her and her followers? Rev. 2:20-23.
NOTE: "The darkness seemed to qraw mOTp. dense. Image
worship became more general. ·Candles were burned before
images, and prayers were offered to them. The most absurd
and superstitious customs prevailed. The minds of men were
so completely controlled by superstition that reason itself
seemed to hnvp. lost its sway." G. C. S7.
6. What stand did the faithful take during the trials of the
dark ages? What· did the Lord promise these faithful
ones? Why was no other burden to be put upon them?
Rev. 2:24.
NOTE: "The few faithful builders upon the true foundation
were perplexed and hindered, as the rubbish of false doc-
35
trine obstructed the work. Like the builders upon the wall
of Jerusalem in Nehemiah's day, some were ready to say,
'The strength of the bearers of burdens-is decayed, and there
is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build.' Wearied
with the constant struggle against persecution, fraud, iniquity.
cmd every other obstacle that Satan could devise to hinder
iheir progress, some who had been faithful builders became
disheartened; and for the sake of peace and security for thetr
lives, they turned away from the true foundation. OthElls,
undaunted by the opposition of their enemies, fearlessly de-
clared, 'Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which
is great and terrible:' and they proceeded with the work,
everyone' with, hi sword girded by his side." G. C. 56
7. How did the people of God hold fast to the gospel and
spread it? What encouragement did they receive at
this time? Acts 14:22.
NOTE: "Those were days of peril for the church of Christ
The faithful standard bearers were few indeed. Though the
iruth was not lell without witnesses, yet at times it seemed
ihat error and superstition would wholly prevail, and true
religion would banish from the earth. The gospel was lost
sight of, but the forms of religion were multiplied, and the
people were burdened with rigorous exactions." G. C. 55.
8. Wha~ heritage did Christ promise his followers here on
earth and f;r what reason? H'eb. 12:10: James 1:2-4.

NOTE: "The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the

im'purities and roughness from our character. Their hewing,
squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a
painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding
wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place
i:1 the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material ,does the
Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His prec-
. ious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace,"
Thouqhts frem the Mount. 23,24.
9. Under which obligation were the people of God in the
dcrrk middle ages? Rev.2:25.
NOTE: "Amid the gloom tllat settled upon the eCirth during
the k'?1q perio'd 'of papal supremacy, the liqht of truth could
not be wholly extinguished. In every age there were wit·
nesses for "God.-men who chp.rished faith in Christ as the

36
only mediator between God and mono who held the Bible
as the only rule of life, and who hallowed the true Sabbath.
How much the world owes to these men, posterity will never
know. - They are branded as heretics, their motives impugned,
their characters maligned, their writings suppressed, mis-
represented. or mutilated. Yet they stood firm, and from age
to age maintained their faith in its purity, as a sacred heri-
tage for the generations to come." G. C. 61.

10. What promise has the' Lord given to those who overcome?
When will this promise be literally fulfilled? Rev. 2:26,27;
Matt. 25:31,32.
NOTE: This promise which is given to the overcomers will
be fulfilled after the thousand years when all the wicked will
have been resurrected. During the thousand years the saints
will judge the wicked according to theJr works.

11. What furlh<1r promise dId the Lord give to those who
endured the cruelties and torture inflicted' upon them by
the, papacy? Rev. 2:28,29.

NOTE: "Foremost among those .who were called to lead the

church from the darkness of popery into the light of a purer
faith, stood Martin Luther. Zealous, ardent and devoted,
knowing no fear but the fear of God, and acknowledgIng no
foundation for religious faith but the Holy Scriptures, Luther
was the man for His time; through him, God accomplished
a great work for the reformation of the church and the enlight-
enment of the world." G. C. 120.
"In the thi.rl.eenth "'AntllTY W(lS Ast,oblished the most
terrible of all the engines of the papacy,-The Inquisition. . .
Popery had become, the world's despot Kings and emperors
bowed to the decrees of the' Roman pontiff. The destinies
of men, both for time and for enternity., seemed under his
control. For hundreds of years the doctrines of Rome had
been extensively and implicitly received, its rites reverently
performed, its festivals generally observed. Its clergy were
honored and liberally sustained. Never since has the! Roman
church attained to greater dignity, magnificence, or power."
G. C. 59,60.
12. How did the Lord lead His people during t'he dark middle
ages? 11 Cor. 4:~; I Peter 2:9. How long was this d'crrk-
·ness to last? Rev. 13:5.
37
NCTE: "Cod permitted great light to shine upon the minds
of these men, revealing to them many, of the errors of Rome;
but they did not receive all the light that was to be given' to
the 'world. Through these, His servants, God was leading
the people out of the darkness of Romanism; but there were
many great obstacles for them to meet, and he led them on,
step, by step, as they could bear it. They were not prepared
to receive all the light at once. Like the full glory of the
noontidGl sun to those who have long dwelt in darkness, it
would, if presented, have caused them to turn away. There-
fore He revealed it to the leaders little by little, as it could
be received by the people. From centary to century, othJ
faithful workers were to follow; to lead the people on still
farther in the path of reform." G. C. 103.
The period of papal supremacy began in the year 538 A.D.
It ended with ·the French Revolution in 1798. In the sixteenth
century the morning star of Reformation arose in the person
of John Wycliffe. In all parts of Europe the Lord awakened
men and women, who had one great burden which was to
bring light to their fellow men. The Bible was trdnslated and
spread among the people. The 42 months of 1260 prophetic
days correspond to the same number of years. The name
"Thyatira" means 'sacrifice' or 'contrition' and 'longsuffering'.
During this period the people were often very few in number.
A remnant out of the Catholic church emerged from the middle
ages.

Lesson No. IO-Sabbath, September. 4. 1954.

SARDIS-THE FIFTH CHRISTIAN. CHURCH

Questions
1. How does the Son of God introduce Himself to the angel
of the church of Sardds? What is said about the con-
dition of this church? Rev. 3:1.
NOTE: "To prepare a pepple to stand in the day of God,
a great work of reform was to be accomplished. God saw
thet r.any of His professed people were not building for
entern:ty, and in His mercy He was about to send a message
of wG~::~ng to arouse them from their stupor, and lead them
to malee ready for the coming of the Lord." G. C. 311.
The church of Sardis here mentioned was composed of
(;Ill the reformed churches which had separated themselves

38
from the Catholic church. After all their conflicts and unrest
they had lost their zeal. They ceased to go forward. The name
of this church which means "reformation" existed only in
the thoughts of men but not in their deeds. Sardis also means
"that which remains." This church covers the period from
1798 to 1833.
2. What solemn warning does the Lord· give to this back-
sliding church? What charme took place after the deat'h
of the pioneers? Rev. 3:2.
NOTE: "Has not the same process been repeated in nearly
every church calling itself Protestant? As 'its founders, those
who possessed the true spirit of 'reform, pass away, their
descendants come forward and 'new-model the cause'. While
blindly clinging to the creed of their fathers and refusing to
accept any truth in advance of what they saw, the children
of the reformers departed widely from their example of hu-
mility, self-denial, and renunciation of the world. Thus 'the
first simplicity disappears.' A worldly flood, flowing into the
church, 'carries with it its customs, practices, and idols.'''
G. C. 385.
"3. What plan does the Lord follow in reforming the church?
Ecc. 3:15.
NOTE: "In the choice of instrumentalities for the reforming
of the church the same divine plan is seen as inj that for the
planting of the church. The heavenly Teacher passed by
ihe great men of earth, the titled and wealthy, who were
so proud and self-confident in their boasted superiority that
ihey could not be moulded to sympathize, with their fellow-
men, and to become colaborers with the humble man of
Nazareth. To the unlearned, toiling fishermen of Galilee was
the call addressed, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers
of men'. These disciples were humble and teachable. The
less they had been influenced by the false teaching of their
time, the more successfully could Christ instruct and train
them for His 1?ervice. So in the days of the Great Reformation.
the leading Reformers were men from humble Iife,-men who
were most free of any qf their time from pride of rank, and
-from the influence of bigotry and priestcraft. It is God's
plan to employ humble instruments to accomplish great
results. Then the glory will not be given to men, but to Him
who works through them to will and to do of His own good
pleasure." G. C. 171.
39
4. Which man was chosen to bring about a revival and
reformation in the symbolic church of Sardis?
Answer: William Miller.
How did he answer God's call? Is. 6:8.
NOTE: "As Elisha was called from following his oxen in
the field, to receive the mantle of consecration to the pro-
phetic office, so was William Miller called to leave his plough,
and open to th€ people the mysteri'es of the kingdom of
God. With trembling he entered upon his work, leading
his hearers down, step by step, through the prophetic periods.
to the second appearing of Christ. With every effort he
gained strength and courage as he saw the wide-spread
interest excited by his words." G. C. 33l.
5. What did William Miller believe concerning the second
coming of Christ? What burden did he feel? Heb. 10:37.

NOTE: "He had devoted two years to the study of the Bible,
when, in 1818, he reached the. solemn- conviction that in
·about 25 years Christ would appear for the redemption of
His people. 'I need not speak: says Miller, 'of the joy that
filied my heart in view of the delightful prospect, nor of the
ardent longings of my soul for a participation in the joys of
the redeemed. The bible was, now to me a new book. It
was indeed a feast of reason; all that was dark, mystical,
or obscure to me in its teachings, had been dissipated from
.ny mind before the clear light that now dawned from its
1acred pages; and oh, how bright and glorivus the truth.
appeared! All the contradictions.and inconsrstencies I had
before found in the Word were gone; and although then~
were many portions of which r was not satisfied I had a fuJI
understanding, yet so much light had emanated from it te>
the illumination of my before darkened mind that I felt a
delight in studying the Scripture which I had not before-
supposed could be derived from its teachings: ".. G. C. 329.

6. What responsibility did he feel after he had obtained

this knowledge? Luke 12:42.
NOTE: "He began to present his views in private as he had
oppcr.tunity, praying that some minister might feel their
. force and devote' himself to their promulgation. But he could
not banish the conviction that he had a personal duty te>
co
perform in giving the warning. The words were ever re-
curring to his mind, 'Go and tell it to the world; their blood
will I require at thy hand.' For nine years he waited, the
burden sUlI pressing upon his soul, until in 18~1 he for the
first time publicily gave the reasons of his faith." G. C. 330-1.
7. What solemn warning message is delivered to the 'ap-
ostle John for this church and its leaders? How did Chriat
promise He would come? When did Miller beg~n his
offidial mission? Rev. 3:3.
NOTE: "In 1833 Miller received a license to preach, from
the Baptist Church, of which he was a member. A large
number of the ministers of his den.omination also approved
his work, and iI was with their formal sanction that he con-
tinued his labors." G. C. 332.
S. What event inspired Miller and his followers to proclaim
the second coming of Christ with still greater zeal?
NOTE: "In 1833, two years after Miller began to present in
public the evidences of Christ's soon coming, the last of
the signs appeared which were promised by the Saviour as
tokens of His second advent. Said Jesus, 'The stars shall
fall from heaven.' And John in the Revelation declared, as
he beheld in vision the scenes that should herald the day
of God, 'The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a
fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a
'mighty wind.''' G. C. 333.
9. In spite of tlie corruption in the church. what had the
Lord still there? Rev. 3:4.
NOTE. "The spirit of worldly conformity is invading the
churches throughout Christendom. Robert Atkins, in a sermon
preached in Lordon, draws a dark picture of the spiritual
-declension that prevails in England': 'The truly rlghieous
are diminished from the earth, and no man laveth it to heart.
the professors of religion of the present day, in every church,
are lovers of the world, conformers to the w'Orld, lovers of
creature comfort, and aspirers after respectability. They are
called to suffer .with Christ, but they shrink from even re-
proach. . .. Apostasy, apostasy, apostasy is engraven on
the very front of every church; and did they know it, and did
they feel ii, there might be hope;' but, alas.! they cry, "We
<Ire rich, atld increased in goods and stand in need of
nothing." , " G. C. 388. - ,

41
 10. According to what plan did the Lord work in former
reforma~ions? How should we regard the present WO'rk
of Reformation? Cor. 1:26.27.
NOTE: 'The work of God in the earth presents, from age
to age, a striking similarity in every great reformation qT'
religious movement. The principles' of God's dealing with
men are ever the same. The important movements of the
present have their parallel of great value for our own time."
G. C. 343.
11. What promise is given to the remnant of this church?
What was the condition of the churc:h at this period?
Rev. 3:5.6.
NOTE: "In the month of February of the same year, Pro-
fessor Finney, of Oberlin College, said: 'We have had the
fact before our minds, that, in general, the Protestant church,es· •
of our country, as such, were either apathetic or hostile to
nearly all the moral reforms of· the age. There are partial
exceptions, yet not enough tei render the fact otherwise. than
general. WEi have also another. corroborated fact: the almost
universal absence of revival influences in the churches. The
spiritual apathy is almost all-pervading and is fearfully
deep; so the religious press of the whole land' testifies...
"ery .extensively, church members are becoming. devotees:
of fashion,-join hands with the ungodly in parties of pleasure,
In dancing, .in festivities, etc. . .. But we need not expand.
this painful subject. Suffice' it that the evidence thickens
and rolls heavily upon us, to show that the ;hurches gener-
ally 'are becoming sadly degenerate. They have gone very
far from the Lord, and He has withdrawn Himself.,jrom them.'''
G. C. 377.
Does not the same spirit prevail in the churches' of the
present day and in the church of Laodicea? Should we,
who are living in the last solemn times when the destiny
of men is being d~ided to have a name only when spiritually
we are dead? Should we flatter ourselves because of the
. ~knowledge we possess if it. aoes not lead us to a sanctified
life in accordance with the fait If which we 'confess?

42
 Lesson No. ll-Sabbath, September n, 1954.

PHILADELPHIA-THE SIXTH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Questions

1. How does the Son of God begin His message to the

church of Philadelphia? Rev. ,3:7.
2. What does "holy" and "true" mean? What admonition
does Paul give concern,ing this? Heb. 1"2: 12-14.
NOTE: "It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which
creates in man enmity against Satan. Without this con-
-verting grace and renewing power, man. would continue to be
the captive of Satan, a servani ever ready to do his bidding.
But the new principle in the soul creates conflict where
bithert0 had been peace. The power which Christ imparts,
·enables man io resist the tyrant and usurper. Whoever is
seen to abhor sin instead of loving it whoever resists and
conquers those passions that have h~ld sway within, dis-
plays the operation of a principle wholly from above." G. C .
.506. -
:3. What do we understand by the "key" which has the
power to open and to shut? Luke 11 :52. .
:NOTE: "'The keys of the kingdom of heaven' are the words
-of Christ. All the words of Holy Scripture are His, and are
bere included. These words have power to open and to
'shui heaven. They declare the conditions upon which men
are receive-d or rejected. Thus the work of those who pleach
God's word is a savor of life unto life or of death unlo death.
iheirs is a mission weighed with eternal results." D. A. 414.
4. What wonderful words of commendation does the Lord
give this church? What is set before her? How did
Miller continue his work? Rev. 3:8.
NOTE: "In preaching the doctrine of the second advent,
William Miller and his associates had labored with the sole
purpose of arousing men to a preparation for the judgment.
They had sought to G1waken professors of religion to "the true
hope of the church, and to their need of a deeper Christian
experience; and they laboured also to awaken the uncon-
verted to the duty of immediate repentance and conversion

43
to God. 'They' made no attempt to convert men to a sect or
party in religion. Hence they labored among all parties and
sects, without interfering with their organization or dsclpIine.' ..
G l C. 375.
5. What special prophecy drew the attention' of Miller?
Dan. 8:14.
NOTE: "Thus far every specification of the prophecies is.
strikingly fulfilled, and the beginning of the seventy weeks
is fixed beyond question at B.C. 457, and their expiration in
A.D. 34. From this data there is no difficulty in finding the'
termination of the 2,300 days. The seventy weeks--490 days·
-having been cut off from the 2,300, there were 1810 days
remammg, After the end of 490 days, the 1810 days were-'
still to be fulfilled. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844.
Consequently the 2,300 days of Daniel 8:14 terminate In 1844.
At the expiration of this great prophetic\ period, upon the
testimony of the angel of God, 'the sanctuary shall be cleans-
ed.' Thus the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary-which
wC;;s almost universally believed to take ,place at the second
advent-was definitely pointed, out." G. C. 328.
6. What call for separation was not understood by Miller
w:hen he preached this message? Why did the churches
allow him to preach th,lis message for a time? II Cor.
6:17.18.
NOTE:" "'In all my labours: said Miller, '1 have never had
the desire or thought to establish any separate interest from
that of existing denominations, or to benefit one at the expense
of another. I thought to benefit all. Supposing that all
Christians would rejoice in the prospect of Christ's coming,
and that those who could not see as I did would not love
any· the less those who should embrace this doctrine, I did
not conceive there would be ever any necessity for separate
meetings. My whole object was a desire to convert souls
to God, to notify the world of a coming judgment, and to
induce my fellow-men to make that preparation of heart
which will enable them to meet their God in peace. The
great majority of those who were converted under my labors
united with the various existing churches.''' G. C. 375.
7. What manner of people were revealed in the various
ch\lfches? How does the Lord regard these churches
and what will He do one day? Rev. 3:9.
44
 NOTE: "You believe that those who fall at the feet of the
saints and worship (Rev. 3:9.) will be finally saved. 1 am
of other opinion on this matter, because God has shown
me that this class were nominal adventists who have apos-
tatized and 'who crucified to themselves the Son of God
afresh. and put him to an open shame.' And in the 'hour
d trial' which is to come to reveal the character of every
individual, they will see that they are eternally lost and over-
:Come with anguish of spirit they will fall at the feet of the
:saints." A word to the Little Flock (E. G. White)
B. W'hat promise was given to the church of Philadelphia?
What was to, come upon it? . How: many were tested at
that tfime? Rev. 3:10.
NOTE: '.'The experience of the disciplE<s who preached the
'gospel of the kingdom' at the first advent of Christ, had its
<:ount~rpart in the experience of those who proclaimed the
message of .His second advent. As the disciples went out
preaching, 'The time is fulfilled the kingdom of God is at
band' so Miller and his associate's proclaimed that the longest
-and last prophetic perio.d brought to view in' the. Bible was
·about to expire, that the judgment was at hand, and the
everlasting kingdom was to be ushered in. The preaching
-., of the disciples in regard to time ~as based on the 70 weeks
of Daniel 9. The message' given by Miller and his. assoclates
<mnounced the termination of the 2,300 days of Daniel 8: lA,
of which the 70 weeks form a part. The preaching of each
Was based upon the fulfilment of a different portion of the
'same great prophetic period.
"Like the first disciples, William Miller and his associ-
·ates did not, themselves, fully' comprehend the mport of the
message which they bore. Errors that had been long estab-
lished in the church prevented them from arriving at a 'cor-
recto interpretation of an important point in the prophecy.
'Therefore, though they proclaimed ·the message which God
had committed. to them to be given to the world, yet through
·a misapprehension of its meaning, they suffered disappoint-
men!." G. C. 351,352.
"Angel~ of God were watching. with the deepest interest
the result of the warning. When there was a general re-
'jection of the message by the churches, angels turned away
in sadness. But there were many who had not yet been
tested in regard to the advent truth. Many were misled by
husbands, wives, parents, or children, and were made to

45
 believe it a sin even to listen to such heresies as were
taught by the Adventists. Angels were bidden to keep
faithful watch over these souls; for another light was yet to
.shine upon ,them from the throne of God." G. C. 373.
I
9. What comforting message did the Son of God give to
this church? To what degree of sanctification should
those attain who are waiting for the Lor.d? Rev. 3:11.
10. What was the ,esuH of the preaching which specified
that ~he advent of our Lord would take place between
the years 1843-18'44? What promise was given to the
overcomers in this hour of trial? Rev. 3:12.
NOTE: "The testimony of the prophecies which seemed to
point to the coming of Christ in the spring of 1844, took
deep hold oLthe minds of the people. As the message w'ent
from State to State, there was everywhere awakened wide-
spread interest. Many were convinced that the arguments
from the prophetic periods were corred, and sacrificing their
pride of opinion, they joyfully received the truth. Some min-
isters laid aside their sectarian views C:Xnd feelings', left their
salaries and their churches, and untied in proclaiming the
coming of Tesus. There were comparatively few ministers,
however, who would accept this message; therefore it was
largely committed to humble laymen. Farmers left their
fields, mechanics their tools, traders their merchandise, pro-
fessional men their positions; and yet the number of w,orkers
was small in comparison with the work to be accomplished.
The. condition of an ungodly church and a world lying in
wickedness burdened the souls of the true watchmen, and
they willingly endured toil, privation, and suffering that
they might call men to repentance unto salvation. Though
opposed by Satan, the work went steadily forward, and the
advent truth was accepted by many thousands." G. C. 368.
n. To whom was this message -addressed? What attitude
did the faithful ones take towcr.rds the preachers and the
churches wh,~ch opposed it? Rev. 3:13.
NOTE: "As his work tended to build up the churches, it was
for a time regarded with favor. But as ministers and relig-
ious leaders decided against the advent doctrine, and desired
to suppress all agitation of the subject, they l1;ot only opposed
it from the pulpit, but denied their members the privilege
of attending preaching upon the second advent, or _even of
46
 speaking of their hope in the social meetings of the church.
Thus the believers found themselves in' a position of great
trial and perplexity. They loved their churches, and were
loath to separate from them; but as they saw the testimony
of God's word suppressed, and their right to investigate the
prophecies denied, they felt that loyalty to God forbade them
to submit. Those who sought to shut out the testimony of
God's word, they could not regard as constituting the church
of Christ, 'the pillar and ground of the truth.' Hence they
felt themselves justified in separating from their form")r co:!-
'nection. In the summer of 1844 about fifty thousand with-
drew from the churches." G. C. 376.
12. What was the experience of the waiting ones at this
Hme? Mall. 25:5.
NOTE: "The time of expectation passed and Christ did not
appear for the deliverance of His peopl~. Those who with
sincere faith and love had looked for their Saviour, experi-
enced a bitter disapp0intment. Yet the purposes of God were
being 'accomplished; He was testing the hearts of those who
professed to be waiting for' His appearing. There were
among them many who had been actuated by no higher
motive than fear. Their profession of faith had not affected
their _hearts or their lives. When the expected event failed
to take place, these persons declared that they were not dis-
appointed; they had never believed that Christ would come.
They were among the first to ridisule the sorrow of the true
believers.
But Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with love
and sympathy upon the tried and faithful yet disappointed
ones. Could the veil separalling the visible from the invisible
world, have been swept back, angels would have been
seen drawing near to these steadfast souls, and shielding
them from the shafts of Satan." G. C. 374. ~
13. What door had ben left open fo!! this church? Rev. 11:19.
NOTE: The church of Philadelphia attained to the same per-
fection in labor, in toil and in sanctification as the first
Christian church. No other church besides Ephesus attained
to this height. Miller and his associates knew nothing of
thiS' door "'Thich remained open for them. They did not under-
stCmd the advent of the Lord nor the correct explanation of
the cleansing of the sanctuary. At the end of the 2,300 days
Christ entered. into the Holy of Holies. In harP.".ony with
·47
 Daniel 7:13 Christ came at this time but not to the earth.
He came before the Ancient oj Days to begin the work of the
cleansing of the sanctuary. Because they hesitated to follow,
the High Priest into the Holy of Holies through the door
which had been left 'open for them they suffered disappoint-
ment and' were misled. The responsibility rests upon them.
14. 'What lesson can we learn from these experiences as
they apply to the present work of Reformation? Isaiah
51:1.4.7-11.
NOTE: "Whatever may be their profession, it is only those
who are world-servers at heart that act from policy rather
than prinicple in religious things. We should choose the
right because it is right, and leave consequences with God.
To men of principle. faith and daring, the world is Indebted
for its great reforms. By such men the work of reform for
this time must be carried forward." G. C. 460.
"Thus saith the Lord: 'Hearken unto me ye that know
righteousness. the people in whose heart i~ my law; lear
ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their
revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment,
and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness
shall be forever, and my. salvation from generation to gener-
ation.''' .G. C. 460.
,The word Philadelphia is a greek word and means
"brotherly love." Although the period of this church began
in 1833 they were not able to see at first' that they should
sel?arate rfom the churches and denominations as others did.
But in 1844 the church was officially organized.

Lesson No. 12-Sabbath. September 18. 1954.

LAODICEA-THE SEVENTH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Questions

1. How does the Son of God introduce Himself to the angel

of the church of Laodicea? How does the prophet Isaiah
represent Him? Rev. 3:14: Isa. 55:4. '

NOTE: We see that Christ introduced Himself to each church

in that character that would meet the prevailing needs during
that period. To the church of Thyatira, He introduces Himself
as the Son of man as He was before the cTucifixioJ;1 and that
48
'nothing can remain hidden from before His eyes. !-Ie is
the founder of the sanctuary in the wilderness and walks
in the true tabernacle which t,he Lord pitched and not man.
To the church of Sardis it is said that He who has the
seven spirits is speaking to' the church. By this He willhes
to tell the angel and the church thatl He has a perfect know-
ledge of God and the world and that He knows all things.
He states that although .the church 'thinks she is alive yet
she is dead. The church should believe that what the Lord
says is true.
To the church 0f Philadelphia He says that He is holy
and true and that He. will never forsake her but will de.al
justly with her. He has the key of knowledge to open the
mysteries of God's Word. We have o;;ly to believe the pure
word' of God as it is written and to follow the open door
of providence.
To the church of Laodicea Christ introduces Himself as
the "Amen" the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of
the creation of God. The message comes' to the church when
both her history and that of the world is about" to terminate.
We must believe Him because He is the faithful Witness. He'
also wishefj to say that He represents the beginning and the
end of the church.
2. What did Christ do after the 2,300 days? What people>
followed Christ! ~n~ the spirit into the most holy place?
Were these members of the Philadelphian church ot' the
Laodicean church? Dan. 7:13,14.
NOTE: "As the minifration of Jesus closed in the holy placE!',
and He passed into the holiest, and stood before the ark
containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel
with a third message to the world.
"After Tesus opened the dool: of th" most holy, the light
of the Sabbath was seen and the people of God were tested
anciently, to see if they' would keep God's law. I saw the
third angel pointing upward, showing the disappointed ones
the way to -the holiest of the heavenly sanctuary. As they
by faith entered the most holy, they find Jesus, and hope
and joy spring up anew... , .
"It was represented to me that the remnant fo!1ew'ed
Tesus into the most holy place, beheld the ark and the mercy-
seat, and were captivated with their glory. Tesus then raised
the cover of the ark, and lo! the tables of stone, with the
ten commandments written upon them." E. W. 254,255.
49
 3. How did the pioneers regard the beginning of the sev-
enth period? By what promise did the Lord reveal what
He wished them to become? Rev. 3:12.

NOTE: "The true church is found among those who endeavor

-. to overcome and who can overcome, whose names, with
those of their relatives are represented on the breastplate
of the high priest, who entered upon the Philadelphian con-
dition in the autumn of 1844 and who became members at
ihis time. See Rev. 3:7,8; Matt. 25:10. At this period the
door was shut against the church of Sardis and the wicked
world. Another door was opened to the Philadelphian church
in order that they could go in with the LorQ' of the house to
the marriage. Jesus says when giving this message: 'Behold,
I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut
it.' Here is an established fact. This message of the open
apd shut door cannot be moved either before or alter the
tenth of the seventh month 1844. The leading persons' in this
church how:.ever soon made a plot by uniting and conspiring
to overthrow all that the Saviour had said, and again they
opened the door leading to the holy place.
"On April 29, '1845 they met in the. city of Albany, N. Y.
They counselled together and made their plans. These were
just the opposite of what they had confirmed only a few
months previously before God and the world. However they
now left the meetings and from this time' until now they pro-
claim aIi. open door. Their teachings and actions are just
the opposite of what they were when they were organized
in the' Philadelphian church. Through this, they have orgc;m-
ized the church of Laodicea. Through their false teachings
they have brought thousands of members of the Philadelphian
church into the condition of the Laodicean church. Jesus
has sent for all sincere ones in this condition a message of
mercy, f~r He says: 'As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:
be zealous therefore, and repent.' Rev. 3:19. We thank the
Lord that a good number have heeded this message and are
now in the Philadelphian church. They believe and pro-
claim the third angel's message. Jesus is still calling others,
for He says: 'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any
man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to
him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that
overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even
a.3 I also overcame, and am set down with my father' in his
throne.' Rev. 3:20,21. Thus Jesus rebukes and promises the
50
:poor member in Laodicea after all that he has done, to give
him even the highest hon-o}lrs if he will repent and open
.his heart.
"My dear brethren in the Philadelphian church, -let us
read this; gracious message once again and pray to the God
of Israel that He may quicken and animate us with new
·courage so that we may be able to, carry out with: unabated
.zeal the purposes of our divine Lord and Master concerning
the poor Laodiceans. Let us seek them wherever they are
and bring them the precious message." (written by Elder
joseph Bates, Fail\haven, i July 24, 1851. Published In the
"Review and Herald, Saratoga Springs, -N. Y., Tuesday, Au-
gust 19, 1851.) (Translated from the German)
"An appeal to the church of. Laodicea.
It is a fact that an appeal should be made to the Lao-
·dicean church. It is clear that the time is there when this
.appeal should be made. But who forms the chur~h of
'Laodicea? I list of proofs about these points seems unneces-
sary. All Advent believers know exactly that the Phila-
-delphian church is the church of brotherly love and Is com-
posed of those who came out of Sardis or the nominal
·churches in the year 1844 at the call: 'Babylon is fallen, Is
-fallen.' They also know that the church of Laodicea according
to Revelation 2 and 3 is the next and the seventh and' shows
the last condition of th~ church. This church is composed of
such who have .become 'lukewarm' and who have left the
Philadelphian church of brotherly love and say: 'I am rich,
and increased with goods and have need of nothing' and
they know not that they a're 'wretched, miserable, and poor,
and blind, and naked.''' (This is from an article by Hiram
Edson, Port Gibson, N. Y., Sept. 1850 and from "the Advent
.Review Extra" from early S.D.A. periodicals.) (Translated)
Our members will be able to see that S.D.A.'s were not
'Laodiceans although they lived in the period of the Laodicean
church. They were Philadelphians, which means that they
had brotherly love. The church of Laodicea was composed of
apostatized Philadelphians who hC'ld left the church. We
-shall see later how these Laodiceans came into the S.D.A.
church.
4. What class of people'. is meanf by the "angels" to whom
these messages were first sent? Mal. 2:7.
NOTE: "This message is declar~d to be a part of the 'ever-
lasting gospel.' The work of preaching the gospel has not
been committed to angels, but has been intrusted to men,
51
Holy angels have been employed in directing this work, they-
have in charge the great movements for the salvation of men;
b4t the actual proclamation of the gospel is performed by
the servants of Christ ~on the earth." G. C. 312..
5. What condition did the Faithful Witness see coming-
into the ministry and in consequence into the church?'
How is this condition described? Rev. 3:15....
NOTE: "The church has received warning after warning..
The duties and dangers of God's people have been' plainly
revealed. But the worldly element has proved too strong-
for them. Customs, practtees, and fashions which lead the-
soul away from God, have been for years gaining ground,
in., defiance of the warnings and entreaties of the HoI)" Spirit;
until at last their ways have become right in their own eyes,.
and the Spirit's voice is scarcely heard. No man can tell
how far he may go in sin, when once he yields himself to the-
power of the great deceiver. Satan entered Judas Iscariot,
and induced him to betray, his Lord. Satan led Ananias and
Saphira to lie to the Holy Ghost. Those who are not wholly
consecrated to God may be led to do the work of Satan,
while yet they flatter themselves that they are in the servtee.
of Christ." Vol. 5:103. .
6. How was it that this message to Laodicea became ap-
plicable to the church of God when it was intended for
those outside the true church? Rom. 2:1: I Cor. 9:27.
NOTE: "As I have of late looked around to find the humble
followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, my mind has been
much exercised. Many who profess to be looking for the
speedy coming of Christ are becoming conformed to this
world, and seek more earnestly the applause of those around
them than the approbation of God. They are cold and formal
like the nominal churches from which they but a short time
separated. The words addressed to the LaodiceaI1 church
describe their present condition perfectly. See Rev. 3:14-20.
They are 'neither cold nor hot: but 'lukewarm.' And unless
they heed the counsel of the 'faithful and true Witness: and
zealously repent, and obtain 'gold tried in the fire," and 'eye-
salve' He will spue them out of His mouth." E. W. 107,108.
"I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans ap-
plies to GDd's people at the present time, and the reason
it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the
hardness of their hearts." Vol. 1:186 (1859)
"The message to the church of 'Laodiceans is a startling-
52
 -denounciation, and is applicable to the people of God at
the present time,'" Vol. 3:252 (1873)
"The Laodicean message applies to the people of God
'who profess to believe the present truth," Vol. 4:87 (1876)
7. What did the faithful Witness purpose to do with those
who were 'neither cold nor hot? ,How does He reagard
their prayers and their services? Rev. 3:16.
'NOTE: "To those who are indifferent at this time Christ's
warning is, "Because thou art lukewarm and neither cold
nor hot. I will spue thee out of my mouth.' Rev, 3:16. The
figure of spueing out' of His mouth means that He cannot
.oller up your prayers of your expressions of love to God, He
,cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual
work in any wise. He c~mnot present your religious exercises
with the request th!=It grace be given you." Vol. 6:408.
,8. What answer does the angel and the church give to
the Lord by their' works? Do they ~eal1y believe the testi-
mony of Jesus and see their condition? Rev. 3:17.
'NOTE: "W'hat greater deception can come upon hum-an
- :minds than a confidence ,that they are right when they are all
'wrong! The message of the True Witne;s finds the people
.of God in a sad deception, yet ,honest in, that deception.
'They know not that their condition is deplorable in .he sight
-of God. While those addressed are flqHering themselves
that they are in an exalted spiritual condition, the message
·of the True Witness breaks their security by the startling
-denounciation of their true condition of spiritual bhndness,
'poverty, and wretchedness. The testimony, so clltting and
~e\\ere, cannot be a mistake, for it is the True Witness who
'sp~aks, ~nd His testimony must be correct." Vol. 3:252,253.
"The only hope for the Laodicean is a clear view of their
'standing before God, a knowledge of the nature of their
dis~ase. They are neither' cold 'nor hot; they occupy a
neutral position, and at the same time flatter themselves
ihat they are in need of nothing. The True Witness hates
ihis lukewarmness." Vol. 4:87.
9. In spite of the testimony 01 the true ~itness. what mani-
fest self-confidence is displayed by the angel of Laodicea?
In what have they placed their confidence and what does
the Lord say about this? Rev. 3:17 (Iirst part): Zech. 4:6.
NOTE: "From the worldly point of View, money is power;
53
but from the Christian stand point. love is power. Intellectuar
and spiritual strength- are involved in this principle.
Pure love has special efficacy to do good, and can do nothing
but good. It prevents discord and misery, and brings the
truest happiness. Wealth is often an influence to corrupt
and destroy; force is strong to do hurt; but truth and goodness-
are the properties of pure love." Vol. 4:138.
10. On what foundation is the self-confidence of the- 'angel
and the church buiJt? What does it cost' the church to
acquire the confidence of the people in general? Isa..
30: 1-3; Ezek. 16:20,2 1.
NOTE: "Conformity to worldly customs converts the church.
to the world;' it never converts the world to Christ. Familiar-
Ity with sin will inevitably cause' it to appear less repulsive.
He who chooses to associate with the. servants of Satan, will
soon cease to fear their master. When in the way of duty we
ars brought into trial, as was Daniel in the king's court, we
may be sure that God will protect us; but if we place our-
selves under temptaf'iqp, we shall fall sooner or later.'"
G. C. 509.
11. What is the sign of a formal religion? What happens
when simplicity of fQith and purity of heart is lost? Ezek.
33:14-17. -
•
NOTE: "The steady progress of our work,. and our increased
facilities, are filling the hearts and minds of many of . our
people with satisfaction and pride, which we fear will take
~he plac.e of the love of God in the soul. Busy activity in
the mechanical part of even the work of God may occupy
the mind that prayer shall be neglected, and self-importance
and self-sU:fficiency, so ready to urge their way, shall take
the place oP true goodness, meekness, and lowliness of I).eart.
The zealous cry may be heard, 'The temple of the Lord, the
temple of the Lord, are these!' 'Come with me, and see my
zeal for the Lord.' But where are the, burden bearers? Where
are the fathers and mothers in Israel? Where are those who
carry upon the heart the burden for souls, and who come
in close sympathy with their fellow-men, ready. to place them-
selves in any position to save them from eternal ruin?" Vol.
4:535. .
"The Jewish leaders looked with pride upon their mag-
nificent temple, and the imposing rites of their religious
service; but justice, mercy and the love of God were lackng.
54
The glory of the temple, the splendour of their service, could
not recommend them to God; for that which alone is of
value in His sight they did not offer. They did not brinSJ Him
th~ sacrifice of a humble and contrite spirit. It is when the
vital principles of the kingdom of God are lost that cete-
monies become multitudinous and extravagant.. It is when
the character-building is neglected, when the adornment of
the soul is lacking, when the simplicity of godliness is lost
sight of, that pride and love of display demand magnificent
church edifices', splendid adornings, and imposing ceremoni-
als. In all this God is not honored. A fashionable religion
that consists of ceremonies, pretense and display, is not ac-
ceptable to Him. Its services' call forth no response from the
heavenly messengers." C. O. L. 297,298.
12. In what conditIon does' the faithful Witness see the anger
and the church? What is prophesied, and what testi.-
mony is given concerning this? Rev. 3:17 (first PQ:rt)
NOTE: "It is a solemn and terrible truth that many who
have been zealous in proclaiming the third angel's message
are now becoming listless and indifferent! The line of
demarkation between worldlings and many professed Christ-
iqns is almost indistinguishable. Many who were once·
earnest Adventists are conforming to the world,-to its prac·-
tices, its customs, its selfishness_ Instead of leading the world'
to -render obedience to God' law, the church -is uniting more
and more closely with the world in transgression. Daily- the
church is becoming converted to the world. How many
professing Christians are slaves of mammon! Their indul·-
gence of appetite, their extravagant expenditure of money
fOl selfish gratification, greatly dishonors God." .Vol. 8: 1I8-9.
In diagnosing the true state .of the church of )..aodicea-
Christ is looking on the spiritual rather than the material.
He sees that she is poor, - blind and naked. This refers to
her fall'en spiritual condition. The church was not able to
see her spiritual condition because of her blindness_ _ Mat-
eriai riches have robbed her of spiritual eyesight. The increase
of worldly riches is a testimony against her because she is'
described as being nak-ed_ She takes all from others but
she herself gives nothing. Because she wishes to increase-
her riches more and more, she must make a com,promise with
her teachings. She is strong materially but weak spiritually.
Her interest in spiritual things is superceded by her interest
in material things. All her services are lacking in spirituality
and have become formal.
55
 Lesson No. 13-Sabbath. September, 25, 1954.

THE REMNANT OF THE CHURCH OF LAODICEA

Questions
1. What remedy does the True Witness recommend after
He as clearly shown the diseased condition of the church?
Rev. 3:18.
NOTE: "Again and ag~in has the voice from heaven ad-
dressed you. Will you .obey this voice? Will you heed the
counsel of the True Witness, to seek the gold tried in the
1.ire, the white raiment, and the eye-salve? The gold' is faith
and love, the white raimenf is the righteousness"-of Christ,
1h~ eye-salve is th~itual discernment which will enable
you t;see the wiles of Satan (;md shun them, to detect -sin
and abhor it, to see truth and obey it." Vol. 5:233.
"Oh, what can I say to open blind eyes, to enlighten the
-spiritual understanding! Sin must be crucified. A complete
moral r.enovation must be wrought by the Holy Spirit. We
must have the love of God, with living, abiding faith. This
is the gol~ tried in the fire. We can obtain it only of Christ."
Vol. 5:105, .

2. What did the Lord send. to this church to awaken it?

What should the people of God see? Isa. 58:1.
NOTE: "The people of God must see their wrongs, and
arouse to zealous repentance and a putting away of those
'sins which have brought the~ into such a deplorable con-
dition of poverty, blindness, wretchedness, and fearful decep-
tion. I was shown that the pointed testimony must live in
1he church. This alone will answer to the message to the
'Laodiceans. Wrongs must be reproved, sin must be called
:sin, and iniquity must be met promptly and decidedly, and
put away from us as a people." Vol. 3:260.
3. What appeal does the faithful Witness make to Laodicea?
What is the only possibility of breaking away from apos-
tasy? Rev. 3:19..
'NOTE: "Dear brethren and sisters: The Lord has shown
me in vision some things concerning the church in its present
lukewarm state, which I will relate to you. The church was
presented before me in vision. Said the angel to thEl} church,
"Jesus speaks to thee: Be zealous and repent.' This work
S6
 •
/

t· saw should be taken hold of in earnest. There 'is something

to repent of. W:£rldly-mi.!:l£edness, selj~mess, and covetous-
ness have been eating out the spirituality and life of God's-
people.
The danger of God's people for a few years past has·
bee.n the love of the world. Out of this have sprung the sins
of selfishness and covetousness. The more they get of this _
world, the more they set their affections on it; and still they.
reach -out for more. Said the angel, 'It is easier for a camel
to go through a needle's eye, than for 'a rich man to enter-
into ilhe kingdom 'of God.' Yet many who profess to bel.ieve·
fuat we are having the last note of warning to the -world,
are striving with all their energies to place themselves in a
position where it is easier for a camel to go through cr'
needle's' eye than -for them to enter the kingdom." Vol. 1:141.

4. .What does it mean to "repent" in ou:r time? Psalm 32:1-5..

NOTE: "No repentance is genuine that does not work reform-
ation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover'
unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle' of .life that'
transforms the character and controls the conduct. Holiness
is 'wholeness foI' G;od; it is the entire surrender of heart ana.
life to the indwelling of the principles of Heaven." D. A. 555.
5. Who was first called to repentance and confession of
sins? Who should begin the refoirmation? Isa. 52:11.
NOTE: "The ministers. must be converted before they can
strengthen their brethren. They should not preach themseives
but Christ and His righteousness. A reformation is needed
among the people but it should first begin iI's purifying
work with the mini~ters. They are watchmen upon the walls
of. Zion, to sound the note of warning to the careless, the'
unsuspecting; also. to portray the fate of the hypOCrite in
Zion. It seemed to me that some of the ministers had forgotten
that Satan was yet alive, as persevering, earnest, and artful
as ever; that he was still seeking to allure souls from the'
path, of righteousness." Vol. 1:469.
6. What 'position did the ministers take and what hope
remains for Laodicea? Luke 11:52: Isa. 56:11.
NOTE: "Do we hope to see the whole church revived again?'
Th1s time will never come," R. & H. March 22, 1887. (c. O. R.
by A. Daniels, 147)
57
 "Loadicea represents the last phase of apostasy in the
-church. It is the waxing cold of a part of the remnant church,
because of abounding iniquity. Matt. 24:12; II Tim. 3:1-5.
It represents a large holding of theory and fact. but without
the living truth. God has not one good thing to say of 'those
in Laodicea. Their case is wretched ind.eed." The Seven
Churches and the Seven Se"als by Milton C. Wilcox, p. 9.
"I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and
wqs shown thqt it would be caused by the straight testimony
·called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodi-
ceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receIver,
and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the
:straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony.
They will rise· up against it, and this is what will cause a
shaking among God's people." E. W. 270.
7. On whose door dges the Saviour knock? Is the bride
ready and does she ·open the door? When will she
" arise? Song of Solomon 5:2-7.
8. To whom does the True Witness now make His appeal?
What attitude will many take? Rev. 3:20.
NOTE: "I saw that· many have so much rubbish piled up at
1he door 9f their heart that they cannot get the door open.
"Some have difficulties between themselves and their brethren
to remove. Others have evil tempers, selfish covetousness
10 remove before they can open the do()r. Others have
rolled the world before the door of their heart which bars
the door. All this rubbish must be taken aw~y. a~d then
they can open the door and welcome the Saviour in.....
Some, I saw, would gladly return. Others will not let this /
message to the Laodicean chJrch have its ":;'eight upon them.
They will glide along, much after the same manner as before.
and will be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. Those only
who zealously repent will have favor with God." Vol. 1:143-4.
:9. Who will belong to the remnant? What characteristics
must they possess in order to be recognized as God's
people?
NOTE: "There is hope in neither Sardis nor in Laodicea.
Out of these conditions must the victors come into that of
Philadelphia-brotherly love. He pleads with the few names
in Sardis. Upon the greater part of those in Sardis, Christ
will come as a thief in swift judgment, but He will save
58
some. He has no promise to Laodicea as a whole. 'If any
man hears My voice.' He pleads with the individual,. but
the individual who opens the heart's door and· lets Cprist in,
who comes into the wonderful communion with his divine
Lord, will by that very process come into the condition of
brotherly love. They will constitute the remnant who keep
the word of His patience, against. whom. He has no condem-
nation, who are ready for translation. Out of that condition
of lukewarmness means' a hard struggle, earnest zeal, severe'
conflict; but he who wins shall' share Christ's kingdom etern-
ally." From Signs of the Times, Jarii 17, 1911, p. 6,7.
10. What is the only hope for the people of God if they
are., to stand in the time' of trial? 'Who are those who
r~ceive the latter rain and are prepared for translation?
What wll they be called? Matt. 5:48.

NOTE: "God's people will not e'ndure the test unless there

t J
is a revival and reformation:"1 Vol. 7:285.
"Those who come up to every point, and staqd every-
test, and overfcome, be the price what it may, have !;leeded .1\.'
the counsel 0 the True Witness, and they will receive the ~,
latter rain, and thus be fitted' for translation." Vol.. 1:187,188.
"On every hand we see those who have had much light
and knowledge deliberately choosing evil in the place of
good. Making no attempt to reform, they are growing worse
and worse. But the people of God are. not to walk in darkness.
They are to walk in the light, for they are reformers." Vol. 7:62.

11. What alone can keep our chul'ch pure from the corruption
of the last days? Heb. 13:20,21.

NOTE: "Ministers who are preaching present truth should

not neglect the solemn message to the Laodiceans. The
testimony of the True Witness is not a smooth message. The
Lord does not say to them, You are about right; you have
borne chastisement and reproof that you never deserved;
you have been unnecessarily discouraged by severity; you
are not guilty of the wrongs and sins for which you have
been reproved." Vol. 3:257.
"The warning for the last church also must be proclaimed
to all who claim to be Christians.
"The Laodicean message, like a sharp, two-edged sword.
must go to all the churches..... We have a work to do for
the ministers of other churches. God wants them to be

59
 saved. They, like ourselves, can' have immortality only
-through faith and obedience. We must labor for them earnestly
ihat they may obtain it. God wants them to have a part
in His special work for this time. He wants them to be
among the number who are giving to His household meat
in due season. Why should they not be engaged in this
work?" Vol. 6:77}8.

'FOURTH QUARTER
Lesson No. 14-Sabbath, October 2, 1954.

'THE VISION OF THE .MAJESTY_ OF GOD IN HEAVEN

Questions
1. To::where did John return alter the revelation of the
histoxY of the seven churches? W'hat did he ~otice?
What invitation was given him? Rev. 4:1.
NOTE: The history of the seven churches leads us directly
t:J the end of time and to the' end of the proclamation of the
gospel. In the fourth chapter the attention is. drawn to
another event which takes place in heaven. A door is opened
in heaven. This does not mean that heaven's gates are open.
John saw a door opening in heaven. Therefore we come to
the conclusion that it is no ·other door than that of the sanct-
uary where the throne of God stands. John was invited to
·enter that he might see 1he events which were to take place.
2. Where was John brought? What was taking place?
Rev. 4:2.
NOTE: According to chapter 1:10 it was on a Sabbath that
·the prophet John received the Revelation. Here a further-
vision is given as a continuation of the others. It shows us
also other events which are taking place in heaven. The
attention of the prophet was drawn to 1he majesty of God on
His throne. Rev. 4:3.
3. How does John describe the things that he has seen?
What does he specially notice? .Rev. 4:3,4.
NOTE: The throne appears like jasper and like a sardine
. 'stone encircling the throne is a rainbow.
"Upon the banks of the river Chebar, Ezekiel beheld
a whirlwind seeming to come from the north 'a great cloud,
and a fire enfolding itself, and a brigh1ness was about it,
60
 /

and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber.' A

number of wheels, intersecting one another, were rn:oved by
four Iiying beings. High above all these was the 'likeness
of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire sione; and upon
the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance
of a man above upon it.' 'And there appeared in the cher-
ubim the form of a man's hand under their wings.' The
wheel~ were so complicated in arrangements that at first
sight they appeared to be in confusion; but they moved in
perfect harmony. Heavenly beings, sustained and guided
by the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, were im-
pelling these wheels; above them, upon the sapphire throne,
was the Eternal One; and round about the throne a. rainbow,
the emblem of divine mercy." Ed. 177-178.
It is certain that from the temple John did not enter into
other chambers. The word declares, 'a door was opened in
heaven.' This can be no other door but that which leads
r to the sancluary where worship takes place.
4. What testimony does the apostle Paul give concerning
our Lord Jesus after His ascension? Heb. 8:1,2. f
NOTE: Christ is here represented as the real fulfilment of
the ceremonial service. Here we find a description of, the
present service. We should accept it as it is represented
without any deviation. Christ began His service in the
heavenly sanctuary.
5. Who were nearest the throne of God? Rev. 4:4.
NOTE: Here John sees the present service in heaven. The
24 elders mentioned here correspond to those whom the
Lord put in office in the time of Aaron. The service which
takes place in heaven is different from the .service which
was carried out by the priests on earth, because there are
no sacrificial offerings.
6. How were the priesfs elected in the Old Testament and
how many were in an 'order? I Chton. 24:4.5.
NOTE: There were 24 elders who bore the responsibility
of the sanctuary service. The high· priest was over the 24
elders. John sees just the same thing in the Revelation.
In Ezekiel 8:16 the prophet was shown the whole order of
the priests £n the sanctuary. It seems that this refers to the
same door, namely the door of the sanctuary. According to
F\evelation 5:10 these 24 elders are fallen but redeemed men
from this earth.
61
 7. What does John see issuing from the throne of God?
How many burning lamps does he see? Rev. 4:5.
NOTE: As we can see here, heaven is a place of great
activity, John saw the centre of the whole universe. From
ihis point all directions are given. Nothing escapes the
eye of God. The Spirit of God controls all movements. In
contrast to our world where everything is done in haste.
ihere everything is done carefully for the good of mankind.
8. What did John see further as he beheld the majesty 0.1
God? Rev. 4:6. '
.... '.
,

9. How does John describe the four creatures? What" is

said' of them and what is their office? Rev. 4:7-9.
NOTE: Eaoh at these creatures has four faces. John saw
ihe face of a lion, a calf, a man and an eagle. Each creature
·had six wings and was full of eyes. They did not rest but
praised God day and nighi. These four creatures represent
the whole authority, grace, wisdom and knowledge of God,
and therefore' they are a symbol of His character. When we
put our trust in Him He is merciful to us.
11i. In what way did the four and twenty elders worship
God and why? Rev. 4:10,11.
NOTE: In the study of this chapter we find a description of
ihe throne of God. In the earthly sanctuary, the ark of the
covenant was the most important object. Besides other things,
ihe ark coniained the 'ten commandments written on two
tables .of stone. The lid of the' ark was the mercy seat. On
·each side there was a cherubim symbolizing the worshipping
angelic host. In Rev. 4 John sees the real scene in heaven.
'The throne of God is established on jusiice. The throne of
mercy and justice is before Him. The Lord accomplishes His
will through His great power and strength. The Lord created
all things for the purpose that they should rejoice and should
praiSe God for His wisdom and love towards His creatures.

Lesson No. IS-Sabbath, October 9, 1954.

THE BOOK OF DESTINY FOR MANKINP

Questions
1. After the close of the service in heaven, what did John
62
 notice in the right" hand of Him that sat upon the throne?
-How was this book closed? Rev. 5:1.
'--
'NOTE: "The fifth chapter of Revelation needs to be closely
'stu?ied. It is of great importance t6 those who shall act
<I 'part in the work of God for these last days There are
.:some who are deceiv~dll. They do not realize what is coming
on the earth. ThoW'w ho have permitted their .minds to
become beclouded in regard to what constitutes sin, are
:fearfully deceived.t Unless they make a decided change,
-they will be foun'Cf wanting when God pronGunces judgment
-upon the children of men. They have transgressed the law
and broken the everlasting covenant, and they will receive
.according to their works." Vol. 9:267. _
2. For what purpose was the vision given to John? Rom. 15:4.
Can the application of the Word of God as a guide for
character building, become old-fashioned with the chang-
ing times? Which is the safest guide and rule to follow in
the establishing and developing of the church of God?
"NOTE: "In every generation and in every land the true
-foundation for character building has been the same.-the
principles contained in the word of God. The only safe
and sure rule is to do what God says. f""i'he statutes of the
,., 'Lord are right,' and 'he that doeth these things 'shall never
::be moved.' It was with the word of God that the apostles

t 'met the false theories of their day, saying, 'Other foundation

"'--t
can no man lay than that is laid.''' A. A. 475.
"In figures and symbols, subjects of vast importance
were presented to John, which he was to record, that the
people of God living in his age and in future ages might
bave an intelligent understanding of. the perils and conflicts
::before them.
"This revelation was given for the guidance and comfort
d the church throughout the Chris1ian dispensation." A.A. 583.
The following testimony does not ~ontradict the above
when it is rightly understood, applied and believed. Generally
;speaking, the whole Bible applies to our present generation
although -most of the instruction was given in succession
io past generations. The Bible is not written for the dead but
-for the instruction of the living.
"The truths of this book are addressed to those living in
ihese last days. Weare sianding with the veil removed in
ihe h9ly place of 'sacred things. Weare not to stand without.
We are ta enter, not with careless, irreverent thoughts, not
63.
with impetuous footsteps, but with reverence and godly fear:,
We are nearing the time when the prophecies of 1he book:
of Revelation are to be fulfilled'-" T. M. 113.
3. What questiori did a mighty ahgel ask those present
in heav~n? Rev. 5:2.
4~ Was somebody found who was able to open this very
important book? Rev. 5:3. '
5. Was this mysterious book realty the "Revelation" or
could it I'efer to another' important book for the whole-
universe? What did John do? Was the "Revelation" al-
ready an open book at that time when John wrote it?'
Rev. 5:4.
NOTE: There is no doubt but that the book of "Revelation"
was an open book because the angel in Rev. 22 says to
John, "Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book:
for the time is at hand." We must also believe that John
saw a book which was sealed with sev.en seals. In heaven
however, there is more than one book. The question must
be examined as to whether the bOG-k refers to the "Revelation"
or whether the "Revelation" is only a part of it. Did John
weep because no man could be found in heaven or on earth
to open the 'book and to unveil the future. or was it that
problem which interested the whole universe, namely, the
redemption of the human race? The following questions
will give us the. exact details upon this point.
6. Who came to John to comfort him in his great distress?
What was revealed to him and: of what was he itlformed?
Rev. 5:5: Isa. 59:16,17.
NOTE: "Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man
was lost, and that world which God had created was to be
filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness. and death,
and' that there was no way of escape for 1he offender. The
whole 'family of Adam, must die. I saw the lovely J\'lSUS,
and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon
His countenance. Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding
bright light which enshrounded the Father. Said m\, accom-
panying angel, He) is in close converse with His Father. 'The
anxiety of the angel ,seemed to be intense while Jesus was
communing with His Father. Three times He was shut in by
the glorious light about the Father, and the third time He
came from the Father, His person could be seen.' His coun-
64
-tenance was calm, free from all p.erplexity and doubt, and
shone with benevolence and loveliness. such' as words can
not express. He then made known to the angelic host that
a way of escape had been made for lost man. He told them
ihat He had been pleading with His Father, and had offered
to give His life a ransom to take the sentence of death upon
Himself, that through Him man might find pardon; that through
-the merits of His blood, the obedience to the law of God, they
-'Could have the favour of God, and be brought into the beau-
-tiful garden, and eat of the fruit of the tree of life." E.W. 149.
7. To what was John's attention dtawn? What happened
·to this
creature of God? What characteristics did it
bear? Rev. 5:6. \
-NOTE: The seven eyes represent the perfect wisdom of
God, a clear and perfect knowledge of past, present and
.-future events.
"Many precious stones have yet to be discovered. For
:Him who is in living connection with the Sun of Righteousness
new light will always be revealed from the Word of God.
"Let no one come to the conclusion that no more truth will
ne revealed. The studious, praying. seeker for truth will
\ -find precious rays of light beaming from God's Word. Many
l-precious stones are still scatiered which should be gathered'
ihat they may become the property of God's remnant people."
{l892) Counsels for Sabbath School Work p. 34.
8. What was done by Him who .had the appearance of a
~amb? What did all the other beings do when He took
the book? Rev. 5:8.
9. What manner of song do the 24 elders sing? What do
they proclaim in their prayer? Rev. 5:9,10.
"NOTE: Here is one of the most joyful messages for the
Iepentant sinner, namely that the 24 elders were creatures
ond sinners like themsel~es and that they now praise God
because they are redeemed. The Lord has made them priests
in the heavenly sanctuary. The Apostle Matthew reports
that at the crucifixion of Christ an earthquake took place,
graves were opened and many saints arose after Christ
arose on the first day of the week. The report of the apostle
Paul tells us (Ephesians 4:8.) that "When he ascended up on
high, He. led captivity captive." The translation of Moffat
:says, "When he ascended on high He led a host captive."

65
 On this occasion these 'saints' were given their duties in:
the sanctuary. There will have been certainly more than 24'-
because ·the Word tells us that many saints are already in
heaven through the redemption of Christ.
10. What followed after the elder~ had opened their service·
of thanks-giving? How many united in this great cele-
bration of the redeemed? Rev. 5:11,12.
NOTE: "The Saviour is presented before John under the-
symbols of the 'Lion of the tribe df Judah;' and of a 'Lamb
as' it had been sl~itl.'· These sy,mbols represent the union.
of omnipotent power and self-sacrificing love. The Lion of
Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the-
Lamb of God to the obedient an.d faithful. The pillar of lire-
that speaks terror and. wrath to the transgressor of God's'
law, is a token of I(ght and mercy and deliverance to those-
who have kept His commandments. The arm strong to smite-
the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal. Everyone-
who is fa,ithful will be saved. 'He shall send His angels with.
a great sound of a trumpet, and shall gather together His
elect from the four winds, from one end· of heaven to the
other.''' A. A. 590 (Matt. 24:31)

11, How mc:my creatures were gathered together and from

'Wh'9re did they come? Who closed service? With what
'words .was th.. thanksgiving ended? Rev. 5:13,14.

NOTE: In ,verse 13. we see that there was a great gathering

together for the pwpose of praisinq God and magnifying
His' power and glory. From the beginning of creation, when
:the foundation of the earth was laid this work of praise was
begun by the holy angels. It will ~ontinue to increase from
generation to generation and the .number of the worshippers
will continue to swell. The 13th verse points us even to the
time following the milleniuII.l when the saints will reign on
this earth. Even the resurrected wicked will be there and
acknowledge His righteous judgments. The four living crea-
tures close the service and then the 24 elders fall upon their
faces and worship God' who lives for ever and ever.
Dear brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, should we not
follow their example and kneel before Him who has loved
us and will love us in all eternity, at the' end of our service?
David did the same. Psalm 95:6'. Is it asking too much of
us> to do this?
66
 12. What else was written in this book which John saw in the
hands of Him that sat upon' the throne? Matt. 27:24.25.
NOTE: "Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their
decision was registered in the book which John saw in the
hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the' book which no
_ man 'could .open. In all its vindictiveness, this decision will
appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed
by the Lion of the tribe of Judah." C. O. L. 298.
We. see that the book which John saw is one which con-
tains the whole events of this world's history with all its sins'
and transgressions. This book is slowly unsealed as the time
passes and thereby we can receive light from the sanctuary
concerning the events to come upon this earth. We can be
certain that fhe! Revelation of John is not· the book which he
saw. Nevertheless the Lord gives us the assurance that He
will do nothing without showing it to: His servants. Amos 3:7.
That part is revealed to us which is necellsary in order that ~
we may follow our Mediator by faith into the most holy place.
The complete unsealing of the book will take place when,
according to the prophecies, faith will give place to sight.
In the case of the Jewish lead~rs, on that day, they will be
able to see the result of their own choice, and sin.

Lesson No. l6-S~bbath. October 16. 1954.

THE mSTORY OF THE CHURCH REVEALED IN THE
SEVEN SEALS
Questions

1. Of what was John a witness in vision and what did he

see coming forth? Rev. 6:1.2.
NOTE: The apostle John was a living witness of the opening
of the seals shown him in vision. After the difficulties within
the church' had been shown him, h~ is brought back' in vision
~o the !irst Christian period in order to be a witness of the
events from without. The sixth chapter deals with the events
which take place during this period in the Christian church.
It is important for the people of God that they should know
these things, for thereby a better insight is gained into the
service of the heavenly sanctuary and the experiences through
which the church is to pass is brought clearly before us.
The first horse which is a white one is a symbol of Christ's
61;
 .'
organized church. Horses are a symbol of swiftness as they
were the means of connection between one nation and an-
other. Today motor vehicles havel taken the place of horses
as a means of transport. The color of the horse was intended
to show the character of the church in this case representing'
the unsullied character and conduct of the first church. The
crown on the head indicates the victory gained by the gos-
pel in' the first century throughout the Roman empire. The
bow represents the word of God ";'hich is used for the COI)-
'lersion of men. The messengers of God went on from victory
to victory. It is the only church which ever had such ·results.
AHhough the chl!lrch suffered much, and this period closed
with a great shaking, yet a remnant remained to carry for-
ward the faith into the second period. The first seal applies
to the first century. .
2. What happened when the second seal was opened?
Rev. 6:3,4. ~ ','\. t

NOTE: In this second event portrayed, the colbr of the. horse

is changed. Already during the period of the first horse the
mystery of' iniquity had developed. The red color of this
horse is not a symbol of purity. John was the last living
apostle at the end of the first century. The church', which
had once been united in Christian love was torn with dis-
sension and finally united with the state. It had been forced
b make great decisions. It was faced with the choice of
accepting the, offer of the world which would insure freedom, .
or ot' taking up the cross of Christ and suffering persecutlon.
Finally, Satanl succeeded in getting the leaders ()f the church
into his hands. Instead of increasing, the church became
smaller. Great persecutions came upon those who were
faithful to the principles of truth and because of this, many
were brought to seek the favor of the Caesars. The union
of the church with Constantine brought apostasy into the
church. This continued from the first century to the fourth.
3. What happened when the third seal was opened? Rev.
6:5,6.
NOTE: The first horse brought light and peace, the s"econd
one took peace away and brought war and bloodshed, the
third represents the sorrowing ones· who have lost l'omething.
Not only had they lost peace, but also the light of the pure
gospel, and now they were in complete darkness. It was
on this foundation the papacy was built. The first false
138
 ..

teachings were quickly accepted, the truth was not appreci-

ated and the people looked to the multitude of ceremonies
and outward forms instead of purity of heart. The char-
acteristics and the value of the truth were lost sight of. Ig-
norance and superstition controlled the mutitudes. The en-
tire period of the middle ages were days of darkness for
God's true people. The people generally, knew nothing
better than the god of Rome. . This period lasted from
323-538 A.D.
It was commanded that the oil and wine should not be
burnt. W~ne is a symbol of life whic'lf must be in the body.
It is also a symbol of the redemption from sili. Inspite of the
spiritual darkness, the Saviour in whom alone is salvation
was brought to the view of believers from, century te cen-
tury. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit which works con-
tinually in those who obey his voice.
4. What conditions are represented by the fourth ho.-se?
Rev. 6:7,8.

NOTE: Through the opening of the fourth seal, we are

brought to the end of· the middle ages and to the beginning
of a new morning. The people had been persecuted in the
middle ages. Millions had given their lives for the truth's
sake. At the dawn of the morning, they come forth like
4 liberated captives. The rider's name on this horse was Death.
and Hell followed after him. This was the experience of the
church of God and oP its leaders. Through Reformers, the
Lord quickened the church which was almost 'ready to die.
Its life was preserved to I carry forward
.
the truth.
5. What was revealed to John under the fifth seal and of
what was he a witness? Rev. 6:9-11.
NOTE: The fifth seal shows the development of the Reform-
ation of the Sixteenth Century. The altar upon which the
sacrifices were slain is a symbol of the earth where. the ser-
vants of God suffered martyrdom. The souls lying under
the altar are represented as cryi9g to God that their blood
may be avenged. This shows that the Lord never forgets
those who suffer for him. It is the same representation as that
in Gen. 4:10, ,where the blood of Abel cries to God from the
earth. The Scriptures teach us that the dead know nothing.
Their thoughts are forgotten. Human beings also forget, but
the Lord remembers. The Lord awakens men and w?men
10 study the history of the middle ages and to justify these

69
victims of that dark period. By this they receive white rai-
ment, and instead of being considered heretics, they are ack-
nowledged as God's true children.
6. What happens at the opening-of the sixth seal? Rev. 6:12.
NOTE: Now those who have been called dead in the Sardis
church revive, as the special signs of Christ's soon coming.
appear. \
"These signs were witnessed before the opening of the
19th century. In fulfilment of this prophecy there occurred,
in the year 1755, the most terrible earthquake that has ever
been recorded. Though commonly known as the earthquake
of Lisbon it extended to the greater part of Europe, Africa,
and Ame~ica." G. C. 304.
7. What other supernatural sign was to take place to show
that the .advent of Christ was near? Rev. 6:13.
NOTE: "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. Said Jesus: 'There shall be signs in
the sun, and in the..moon, and in" the stars."" G. C. 304.
"Twenty five years later appeared th~ next sign men-
tioned in the prophecY,-the: darkening of the sun and moon.
Vvhat rendered this more striking was the fact that the time
of its fulfilment had been difinitely pointed out. In the
Saviour's conversation with His disciples upon ()livet, after
describing the long period of trial for the church,-the 1260-
years of papal persecution, concerning which He had prom-
ised that jhe tribulation should be shortened,-He thus' men-
tioned certain events to precede His coming, and fixed the
time when the first of these should be witnessed: 'In those
days, after that tribulation, the' sun shall be darkened, and
the moon shall not give' her light.' The 1260 days, or years,
terminated in 1798. A quarter of a century earlier, perse-
cution "had almost wholly ceased. Following this persecution,
according fo the words of Christ, the sun was to be darkened.
On the 19th of May, 1780, this prophecy was fulfilled." G.C. 306
"In 1833, two years after Miller began to present in pub-
lic the evidence of Christ!s soon coming, the last of the signs
appeared which w'ere promised by the Saviour as tokens
of His second advent. Said Jesus, 'The stars shall fall from
heaven.' And John in the Revelation declared as he beheld
in vision the scenes that should herald the day of God,
'The stars of heaven fell unto earth, even as a fig tree casteth
her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.' This
70
prophecy received a striking and impressve fulfilment in the
great meteoric shower of Nov. 13, 1833. That was the most
extensive and wonderful display of falling stars which has
ever been recorded." G. C. 333.

8. Into what time does the sixth seal bring us? Rev. 6:14.
NOTE: This event is still in the future. It will be fulfilled
in the time of trouble. More than 7'00 years before Isaiah
described the same event which John saw. Isa 34:4. 'On this
occasion a complete change will take place in nature.
9. What event follows immediately after this? What will
those pray at that time who neglect to pray to God today?
.What do they know about this day which has come upon
them? . Rev. 6:15-17.
NOTE: In this vision, John once again saw the end of all
things and the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. This sixth
seal reaches down to the second advent. The seventh seal
is the revelation of Christ in His majesty and glory and
br.ings us to the beginning of eternity and eternal life.

Lesson No. 17-Sabbath, October 23, .1954.

THE SEALING-THE CLOSING WORK OF THE

EVERLASTING GOSPEL
Questions

1. \Vhat did John see in, a vision after he had been -brought
to the close 'of the history of the human race? What duty
was int,rusted to these four angels? Rev. 7:1.
NOTE: ·"1 saw that the four angels would hold the four
-winds until Jesus' work was done in the sanctuary, and then
will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged
the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had
'brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they
.could .rid the earth of us, the, plagues would then be stayed.
A decree went forth to slay the saints which caused them
10 cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of
Jacob's trouble. Then all the saints cried out with anguish
-of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of God. The
144,000 triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the
glory of God." E. W. 36,37.
71
2. Whom did John see coming from the east and what had
he in his hand? Rev. 7:2. What instruction was given.
'to the angels who held the four winds?
NOTE: "I saw four angels who had a work to do a'n the'
earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jestls wag.
clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the
remnant, then raised His hands, and with a voice of deep'
pity cried, 'My blood Father,. my blood, my blood. my blood!'
Then I saw an exce'eding bright light come from God, who
sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about
Jesus. T!>en I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus,
swiftly flying to the four' angels who had a work to do on the'
earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and
crying with a loud voice, 'Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the'
servants of God are sealed 'in their foreheads.''' E. W. 38.
3. How long were the flour angels to hold the wincls and'
why? Rev. 7:3. What will Satan do with some during
this time?
NOTE: "Time is very short,' and all' that is to be done must'
be done quickly. The angels are holding the four winds,
and Satan is taking advantage of everyone who is not'
fully established in the truth. Every soul is to be tes·ted.
Every defect in the character, unless it is overrome' by the
help of God's spirit, will become a sure means of destruciion.
I feel as never before 'the necessity for our people to be
e_nergized by the. spirit of the truth; for Satan's devices will
ensnare every soul who has not made God his strength,' The
Lord has much, work to be done; and if we do what He has
appointed for us to do, He will work with our efforts." Vol.
5:573.
4. Where is the safest place for the church at this time?'
NOTE: "John sees the elements of nature-earthquakes, tem-
pest, and political strife-represented as being held by four
angels. These winds are under control until God gives the
word to let them go. There is the safety of God's church.
The angels of God do His biddings, holding back the winds:
of the earth, that the winds should not blow on the earth,
nor OB the sea, nor on any tree, until the servants of God.
should be sealed in their forehe.ads." Test. to Min. 444.
5. What is "0
be understood by the seal of the living God
which the angel has. in :his hands? Ex. 31 :14.18..
72
NOTE: "The Lord commands by the same prophet, 'Bind
up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.' The
-seal of God's law is found in the fourth commandment. This
cmly, of all the ten, brings to view both the name and the
title of the Lawgiver. It declares Him to be the Creator of
the heavens and the earth, and tqus shows His claim to rever-
ence and worship above all others. Aside from this precept,
there is nothing in the decalogue to show by whose authority
the Jaw is given. When the Sabbath was changed by the
papal power, the seal was taken from the law. The disciples
<>f Tesus are called upon to restore it, by exalting the Sabbath
of the fourth commandment to its rightful position as the •
Creator's memorial and a sign of His authority." G. C. 452.
6. How great is the numbe:r of ,the sealed? From which
people are they gathered? Are these only Jews? Rev.
7:4; Rom. 2:28,29.
,
NOTE: "Very precious to God is His work in the earth. Christ
and heavenly angels are watching it every moment. As we
draw near to the coming of Christ, more and still more mis-
.sionary work will engage our efforts. The message of the
renewing power of God's grace will 'be carried to every
country and clime until the truth shall belt the world. Of
the number of the~ that shall be sealed will be those who
have come Jrom every nation and kindred and tongue and
people. From every country will be gathered men and
-women who will stand before the throne of God and before
the Lamb, crying, 'Salvation to our God which sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the Lamb~' Rev. 7~IO. But before this
-work can be accomplished, we must experience here in our
own country the work of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts."
C. T. 532.
7. How many tribes does John count? And how many
from each tribe? Rev. 1:5-8.
NOTE: The Prophet Tohn was told that people from the twelve
'tribes of Israel were to be sealed. But since the crucifixion
at Chrst these tribes have ceased to exist as a nation. This
must then apply to spiritual Israel, not those circumcised in
the' flesh, but those who are circumcised inc the spirit and
ihese will be gathered from 'all nations. ,
8. What wo~rk is taking place in heaven when this work
on. earth begins? Rev. 11 :19.
73
NOTE: "As the ministration of resus closed in the holy place,
and He passed into the holiest, and stood before the ark:
containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angeT
with a third message to the world. A parchment was placed
in the angel's hand, and as he descended to the earth in
power and majesty, he proclaimed a fearful warning, with
the most terrible threatening ever borne to man. This mes-
sage was designed to put the children of God upon their
guard, by showing them the hour of temptation and anguish
that was before them." E. W. 254.
9. What did Paul prophesy concerning the time of the Gen-
tiles? According to these. t~xts. upon what period of
time can we, expect to enter? .Rom. 11:25,26; Rev. 11:1.2.
Is the angel in Rev. 7 the same as in the third angel's
message?
NOTE: The words used by Paul a.nd Tohn concerning the
time of the Gentiles, that the fulness of the Gentiles would
come in and that then 'all Israel would be saved apply to
the same event. During the middle ages, the knowledge of
the Sabbath was lost. When Tesus entered the holiest, thiS'
light appeared anew. In 1844, after the close of the 2,300
days, Tesus entered the holiest. The people saw the law of
God in the temple. The Israel to which Paul refers is spiritual
Israel. All Israel, mentioned here is composed of a certain
number and does not refer to the Tews which are scattered
throughout the world and from which the Gentiles would
be exc.luded. It refers to spiritual Israel where Tews and
Gentiles can enter. Il is certain that Sunday observers will
no·t enter for they will be examined and tested a2cording
to the light they have received. Spiritual Israel represents
the twelve tribes according to character and to the observance
of the commandments. After the death of Christ, there was no
difference between Tews and Christians.
10. Is the sealing work which is spoken of here (Rev. 7)
identical with the sealing in Ezekiel 9? / Ezekiel 9:1-5. Is
it identical with the work of the third angel?
NOTE: "This sealing of the servants of God is the same-
that was shown to Ezekiel in vision. Tohn also had been a:
witness of this most startling revelation. He saw the sea and
the waves roaring, and men's hearts failing them for fear.
He beheld the earth moved, and the mountains carried into
the midst of the sea (which is literally taking place), the
74
water thereof rO<;lTing and troubled, and the mountains shaking
with the swelling thereof. He was shown plagues, pestilence,
-famine, and. death performing their terrible mission." T. M.
.445,446.
"I then saw the third angel. Said my accompaning angel,
7Fearful is his work. Awful is his mission. !-fe is the angel
that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal, or bind,
the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should
-engross ·the whole mind, the whole attention.''' E. W. 118.
11. Can it be said that the mark mentioned in Ezekiel 9
and the seal of Rev. 7 are the same? Isaiah 8:16.

NOTE: Ezekiel 9:11 desc;ribes the alfgel who makes the mark.
In the following words, the same angel is describe"d as the
.pne who has the work of sealing the saints.
"The third angel is binding, or sealing them in bundles
-for the heavenly garner." E. W. 89.
In the year 1849 the Advent people believed that they
were living in the time of the sealing.
. "Satan is now using every device in this sealing' time
to keep the minds of God's people from ihe present truth,
~:md to cause them to waver." E. W. 43.
"I was pointed down to the time when the third angel's
message was closing. The power of God had rested upon
Bis people; they had accomplished their work, and were
-prepared for the trying hour before them. They had received
1he latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the Lord,
ond the living testimony had been revived. The last great
'warning had sounded everywhere, and it hail stirred up
-and enraged the .inhabitants of the earth who would not
:receive the message.
"I saW' angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel
'with a writer's inkhorn by his side returned from the earth,
and reported to Jesus that his work was done and the saints
were ~umbered and sealed.'; E. W. 279.
12. Is the closing :work of Jesus still in the future or had it
already begun when He entered the holiest? Should we
consider this closing work as synonymous with the sealing
of the 144,000?
NOTE: "Therefore the ~ouncement that the temple of God
was opened in heaven, and the ark of His testament was seen,
points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly
'sanctuary in 1844, as Christ entered there to perform the
75
closing work of the atonement." G. C. 433.
"The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work
of the Lord, and the salvation of souls at he-:xrt, will ever
vjew sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be
on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which
easily beset the people of God. Especially in the closing
work for the church, in the sealing time o¥ the 144,000 who are
10 stand without fault before the throne of God, will they
feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people: This
is forcibly set forth by the prophet's illustration of the last
work under the figure of the men each having a slaughter
weapon in his' hand. One man among them was clothed
with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side." Vol. 3:266.
13. What was shown to John ·besides the 144,000? Rev. 7:9-12.
NOJE: This greert multitude which no man can number is
gathered from all nations from the beginning of tIJe world
up to the beginning- of the investigative judgment in the
year 1844. From this time on, the class of the 144,000 are
reckoned. They are a privileged company of Chrisfs serval'lts. '
They are Sabbath keepers. Those who in the different parts
of the world have had no opportu~ity to hear of the Sabbath
of the fourth commandment but have lived up to the light
which they possessed will be saved. They belong to the great
multitude for they would not be able to stand if their char-
acters were examined according to the law of the ten com-
mandments.
"Nearest· the throne are those who were once zealous
in the cause of Satan, but who, plucked as brands from the
burning, have followed their Saviour with deep, intense
devotion. Nex~ are those who perfected Christian characters
.in the midst of falsehood and infidelity, those who honored
the law of God when the Christian world declared it void,
and millions, of all ages, who were martyred for th~r faith.
And beyond is the 'great multitude, which no man could
numbe~, of all nations, and kindred, and people and tongues,
.... before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with
white robes, am;! palms in their hands.' Their warfare is
ended, their victory won. They have run the race and
rea~hed the prize. The palm branch in their hands is a
symbol of their triumph, the white robe an emblem of the
spotless righteousness of Christ which is now theirs." G.C. 665.
14. Which other company was shown to John and why?
Rev. 7:13-17.
76
NOTE: We notice that. only the seventh chapter gives us an
€xplanation concerning the redeemed. The red.eemed 'ones
ore. divided into two clas·ses.
a. Those from the beginnig of the world up to the end of
the 2,300 years in 1844. This is the great muti'lude.
b. The second company is composed of those who have
come out of tribulation, namely the 144,000 These are
the only ones who are allowed to enter the temple where
they serve God day and night. John saw them all be-
fore the throne of God praising Him and giving thqnks
for their redemption through the blood of the' Lamb. All
rejoice over the eternal foundations of the kingdom of
God. . What blessed hope for the faithful.

Lesson No. IS-Sabbath, October 30, 1954.

THE mSTORY OF THE WORLD, REVEALED IN THE

SEVEN TRUMPETS
Questions

}, With what words does John open the eighth chapter?

To what doe~ .this refer? Rev. 8:1,
NOTE: The first verse of this chapter brings us into the
presence of the throne of God and describes the timel shortly
before the advent of Christ at the end of the· time of trouble.
'This seal describes the event which all the' prophets of the
Bible have spoken of as the completion of the gospel and
the end of this earth's history. Christ will come,'in His glory
with all the holy angels. It is certain that this event will
not take place in Palestine. Many believers are led astray
hy such false interpretations. He comes to bring His brethren
into His Father's house. The half hour mentioned here is
o period of seven literal d·ays. This surely indicates His
absence from heaven. It will be a great and glorious event
-for the whole universe when all the redeemed of the human
race will be taken away !'rom this planet. It is beyond all
human imagination. This great work will be .completed in
seven days. Then the redeemed will be gathered on the sea
of glass before the throne of God. On the journey to heaven,
the Sabbath will be observed on another. plane~. Everyone
who has not had an opportunity to keep the. Sabbath will be
able to do so during the ascension. Th].ls it can be said with
certainty that not one Sunday keeper will be in heaven be-
I
77
cause they all ,have the opportunity of rendering obedienc&.
to God.
2. What did John see as he stood before; the throne of God?
Rev. 8:2.
NOTE·: The manner of the work of the seven angels reveals.
to John som~thing which no one had explained to him as yet.
If concerns the seven angels with the seven trumpets. Vers&
one of this chapter brings us to the seventh seal. We have
already dealt with the seven churches, then follow th&
seven seals. This number seven has great significance as·
it is a symbol of perfection or of imperfection:
a. Seven churches are seven periods in the development
of the church which brings us to the end of the worl~.
b. The seven seals bring us to the appearing of our Lord'
in the clouds of heaven and show us the pblitical events
upon the earth.
c The seven angels with the seven trumpets standing
before the throne are waiting for the command to carry
Ol1t their work. They have a terrible work to perform
in the climax of this world's history. The nations which
have rejected the gospel message will be destroyed.
3. What service was fully revealed to John and in what
'Way could prayer' ascend to God? Rev. 8:3.4.
NOTE: "We should acquaint ourselves with God by proving
His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest
and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish grati-
fications than neglect communion with God The deep-est
poverty, the greatest selfldenial. with His approval. is petter
than riches honors, ease, and friendship without it. We·'
must take ti:ne to pray. If we allow our minds to be absorbed
by worldly interests, the Lord may give us time by removing'
from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands."
G. C. 622. -
Only by the meriis of Christ can our prayers come to
God and this is represented by the incense. This shows once
again that Christ was not in the holiest in the time of John,
but there where the altar stood, namely, in the holy place.
4. What did the angel suddenly do? What was the result?
Rev. 8:5.
NOTE: As long as we have a Mediator there is hope. We
can bring our prayers before God through the merits of our
Lord Tesus, but wl;1en the angel receives the command that
the service of the sanctuary is finished for the human race,
this being symbolized by the casting unto the earth of the
censer filled with fire off the altar, then the mediation of
Christ is at an end ,and after this time no prayer will be
-accepted.
"When Christ shall cease His work as Mediator in man's
behalf, then this time of trouble will begin. Then the case
of every soul will have been decided. and there will be no
atoning blood to cleanse from sin. When Tesus leaves His
position as marl's intercessor before God, the solemn an-
nouncement is made, 'He that is ujust, let him be unjust still;
and he which is filthy let him be filthy still; and he that is
J:ighteous, )et him be ~ighteous still.'" P. P. 187.
.5.. To what was Joiln's attention drawn? Rev. 8:6.
NOTE: In this verse the attention is drawn to events which
were taking place at the time of the vision, namely, the
beginning of the first century. Tohn saw a number of events
passing before his eyes. The Lord showed him the important
events which would take place in relig.ious and political
life. By this we can see that the Lord holds the fate of the
nations in His hands. "I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly:
and t6 the wicked, Lift not up the horn: lift not up your
horn on high; speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion
c0meth neither from the east nor from the west" nor from the
south. But God is the judge; he putteth down one and setteth
up another." Ps. 75:4-7.
6. According to the light given us in the Holy Scriptures.
what do we undersfand by the trumpets? ieph. 1:16:
Jer. 4:19: Eze. 7:14: Jer. 42:14.
NOTE: In the Old Testament the Lord gave instruction to
Israel concerning the use of the trumpets. Num. 10:1-3. It
was a sacred duty that each head of the family: should
know the meaning of the different sounds of the trumpet. It
was necessary that they should not miss one sound. Those
who did not take notice or made a false movement had to
bear the consequences. We are serving the same God today.
Many speak oi· religious liberty and liberty of conscience,
and use this as an excuse to act independently of the body.
Such may be justified in the right sense·, nevertheless we
must know: the limits, and the responsibilities as indivisluals,
as families and as a denomination.
79
 The priests were responsible and had to blow the trum-
pets without making a mistake. There was no liberty of
conscience qiven t them. They herd not to express their
own personal opinion. It was not a question of what they
thought. The priest herd a duty and this duty was to be
carried out correctly and faithfully as the lives of souls were
imperiled. Does not the same danger exist today for our
church? . Certainly, there is more danger today than ever
before. Should not the instructions which are gi;"'en by the
General Conference to the churches be regarded? Should
it be left free to elders and preachers to acknowledge them
0Ir not as they please? There is ·no alternative but to obey
• 01' disregard the directions given. Any disobedience must
be faithfully dealt with. All, who are standing in ·service
for the salvation of souls, have to give the command and the
warning clearly and distinctly. I Cor. 14:8,40. There are many
who have never learned order and they neglect their own
office while they interfere in the offices of others. These
people should be controlled and brought to recognize order.
7. What event is proclaimed by the first trumpet? In what
words is this made known?<, Rev. 8:7.
NOTE: Under these circumstances the trumpet symbolizes
political events, wars, bloodshed or revolution. When a
nation has filled up the measure of its iniquity, the Lord
awakens another nation to punish it. The first of the seven
trumpets apply to a ·power which rose up against Rome. The
Roman Caesars thought that even if the world would be
destroyed, Rome would still remain. Rome, the last of the
four world empires had become so corrupt that. she was
ready for destruction. The first trumpet applies to the in-
vasion of the cGotlill.... under:iili!l.i;> The Roman Caesars
Theodosius died rn-the year 395 A.D. Soon afterwards the
Goths began their attacks on the empire. The hail and fire
mentioned in ther propp.ecy, symbolize the terrible destruction
which they caused. Cities, fields and crops were destroyed
by fire, The blood, whlch is here mentioned as being mixed
with fire, refers to the slaughter which was carried out on
the Romans by the invading hordes. The green grass sym-
bolizes people-men, women and children-who were killed
directly by the soldiers or destroyed by fire. In Isa. 40:.§jl,
the people are compared to grass. Many of !~e beautiful
Italian cities were destroyed by lire. Nothing remained, so
fhat by this the Romans were induced to leave the place.
80
About 400,000 warriors ctossed the Alps. In the year 402, the
}1lrophecy was literally fulfilled.
8. What Gther political event took place when the second
trumpet sounded? Rev. 8:8.9.
NOTE: In 2ech. 4:7, w'e read about mountains which sym-
bolize nations and the difficulties arising through them. In
Jer. 51 :24,25, we read that the Chaldeans are called a de-
stroying mountain. The first trumpet symbolizes the land
attack against Rome <;Ibout which history gives us an exact
report. The second trumpet symbolizes the invasion of Ge-n-
seric in Africa. His was mainly a naval attack hi s
appeared like great mountains on' the waves. enseri com-
manded that the Roman fleet should be set on fire. At that /
time Rome sent 300 ships against Genseric, but this plan wa
revealed to him, and he made preparations for the atta
The resistance was organized in the year 468 by Caesar eo
of the East Roman empire. The cost of this resista ce a-
mounted to 120,000 pounds gold which is about ,000,000
pounds sterling. The fleet of ,Contsantinople nsisted of
1,130 ships and more than 100,000 men of the,c w. Genseric
had the advantage that the wind was ag . st the Romans,
They prepared many ships v with burning aterial, then one
night they sent the burning ships agains he surprised Roman
fleet and set the'm on fire. The po erful wind set all the.
ships on fire. The confusion was s great that no commands
were obeyed. That which was Ie after the fire had done its
work was taken by the victor' us fleet. By destroying the
Roman fleet, he became the ord of the sea. He repeated
his attack every spring and taly became flooded 'with t~oops,
Genseric himsel~l 'n the attacks. Other places were
overrun by the ndals· Spain, Liguria Tuscany, Car.1pania,
Lucania, Brutitum, u 'a, Calabria, Dalmalia, Epirus, Greece
and Sicily. Epeditions were made between the years 428-
468 A.D.
9. What difficulties came upon the Roman 'empire under
the third trumpet? Rev. 8:10,11.
NOTE: After the second trumpet had brought so much des-
truction upon the Roman Empire, the third one began, Ac-
cording to Bible explanation, stars often represent a leader-
ship or an inptrument or agency in the hand of Christ. Dan.
12:3. The prophecy tells us that a gre'3lJil~ fell from heaven.
This refers t~'n3 the lea~.~.~~.~~ Attila made his
81
attacks, from the east of the empire where the rivers flow
towards Italy. One province SIfter the other fell into his hands
until the whole of Europe from the Black Sea to the Adriatic
Sea came under his control. History tells us that Attila him-
self was called "the Scourge of God." His attack caused
greater ruin than any other power which helped bring about.
the destruction of the Roman empire. The Bible calls him
"W.ormwood." .
10. What part of the empire was attacked under the fourth
trumpet? Rev. 8:12.
NOTE: The Lord allowed the Roman empire to come to a
miserable end because bf its corrupt and cruel idolatry.
Heathen Rome, the fourth world empire, fell without ever
being built up again. The inhabitants of Rome had to flee
from place to place to escape from the invaders. John says
in his prophecy that the' third part of the sun, moon and stars
were ~~~~.i~t>.E.1ie~.~o the Romaro government.
~~ce;), the leader of the f.Herul~ made one attack after
anofller upon the west side and'1rf the year 476 A.D., Rome
fell into his hands.. The government of the Roman empire
remained until the year 566 A.D.
II. .What announcement is made by another angel con-
cerning judgments which are to fall under the sounding
of the remaining three trumpets? Rev. 8:13.
NOTE: The Roman citizens and leaders were only getting.
the punishment that they had meted out to others. The
judgments of God came upon this cruel ,nation which was
guilty of terrible crimes and universal corruption. How exactly
was John's prophecy been fulfilled although it was spoken
more than 1.800 years ago: The leaders of Rome had some
knowledge of John's prophecy, and were acquainted with
the predictions of Christ, therefore. there was no excuse for
them in their rejection of the Christian faith and persecution
of ts defenders. .

Lesson No. 19-5abbath. November 6, 1954.

THE CONTINUATION OF WORLD mSTORY AFTER

THE SEVEN SEALS
Questions
l. \\That event took place when the fifth trumpet sounded?
Rev. 9:1-3.
82
'NOTE: With the sounding of the fifth trumpet, the first woe
:begins and with this a new phase in the history of the world.
"The first four trumpets were given for W'estern Rome. The
iifth was fulfilled in Contsantinople in Eastern Rome. Here
we find the'empire of Mohammed described. Mohammed was
:born 'on April 20, 517; in Mecca. He was brought up by a
"Widow by ihe name of Kadia. When he was grown up, he
united with some Jews and Catholic leaders in order that he
might get to know of their life and their religion. He often
'went around n Mecca deep in thought and finally decided
-to give the Arabs a new religion. From that time onward
:he felt fhat he had been inspired by God and believed that
'lhe angel Gabriel had brought him the message from heaven.
,After he had returned home, he compiled the Koran which
'he dictated to his secretary, because he could neither read
nor write,
The first work which he did was to abolish ihe idolatry
·of the Arabs, thus they began to follow him. He asked the
Arabs which of them wished to be his brother and servant.
,One of them called Ali came forward saying, "I will be the ~
'man the apostle 'of God and your helper, and any. who
'resis't you, I will kill. I will put his eyes out, cut his body
·asunder and sever his legs from, his trunk," Mohammed
.quoted parts of the Jewish Bible and the Talmud, also portions
'from the writings of the Persian and the Christian religion.
His book contains the followng advice, "Do not heed an un-
"believer and hypocrile, but do him no harm." In other parts,
nowever, he declares war to the death upon those who oppose
nis teaching. He says, "When you come together with un-
'believers, destroy them completely." A holy war means that
,all Arabs and Turks go to war. He promised the warriors
,a great reward if they would kill many, people. The Koran
maintain that Mohammed has the key of the kingdom of
beaven, but the Bible tells us 404 years previously that Mo-
bammed nad the key to the boitomless pit.
This bottomless pit mentioned by John refers to that part
inhabited by the Arab tribes, called the Arabian desert.
"Mohammed, himself was very pleased to become the head
:Of the Arabs. The smoke mentioned in this verse refers to
the false teachings of Mohammed. The foundation of his
Teligion is poligamy. The Arabs were skillful horsemen and
they organized an army invading Palestine and surrounding
oCouniries, making unexpected attacks on their prey which
-Were nearly always successful.

83
 2. What command was given during the sounding of this.
trump.et? Rev. 9:4.
NOTE: The hail came from the north, the burning mountain'
carne from Africa on the sea, and now the locusts came from
Arabia. The horses. of the Arabs were very numerous like
swarms of locusts. The grass mentioned here symb~lizes
women and children. The prophet died in the year 632 and'.
was followed by Abu Beker. Mohammed was and remains'
a false prophet. He began a work of darkness, but Goa
a:llowed him to prosper as a scourage to apostate Christ-
ianity. In the year 800, many churches were destroyed and
many were turned into ~·osques. Just as God humbled
Israel through Nebuchadnezzar, so in the same' way He
allowed the Turks to punish the corrupt Christians. Those of
whom it is said that they had- the seal of God were Sabbath.
keepers who were numerous at that time in the Balkan
countries. Many of them were Jews who worshipped God
and observed the Sabbath as a day consecrated to His V(or-
ship. These were protected while the others were persecuted..
3. According to the prophecy. how long a pe1iod' was:
given to the Turks to rule and cause unrest among the
Christians in Europe? Rev. 9:5.6.
NOTE: The bitter attacks of the Turks against the .Roman
Catholic countries continued until Constantinople fell into
their hands, thus they became persecutors of the Catholics.
The period of this supremacy of the Moslem empire had been
prophesied in the Bible, namely, five months which symbo-
lize 150 years. A day in prophecy being reckoned as a
natural year. Eze. 4:6; Num. 14:33,34. This time of perse-
cution began in July, 1299, and continued until 1449. During
this time Turkey waged an almost continual war with the
Greeks but fi,nally they left them alone. During this time
there was a continual persecution of the Christians.
4. What weapons were used by the Turks? How does the
Bible describe the army? Rev. 9:7-11.
NOTE: As has already been mentioned, the riders are liken:
ed to locusts. They appeared to' be wearing crowns of gold.
This symbolizes the turbans of which the Turks were very
proud and still wear today. When Mohammed entered the
city of Medina in the year 622 A.D., he received a turban
which took the place ot. the flag. In order that the: prophecy
84
 •

/ 'might be understood, the prophet tells us, that tl}ey had faces
like .the faces of men, but their hair was long, How wonder-
:fully the prophecy describes the history of nations, their rise
-and their fall. From the' year 624 it was a custom among the
Arabs to use cuirasses or breastplates. The words "tails like
'scorpions" refer to the weapons which the Arabs used and with
'Which they speared the people. The bows which they had in
their hands protected them from the approaching enemy. Power
'was given them to hurt !ive months. The angel of the
'bottomless pit refers to the leader. of the Arab tribes towards
-the end of the 13th century. The Ottomans formed a monarch-
'ical government.' The angel mentioned here symbolizes a
'messenger called Abaddon. In Hebrew this means "destroyer"
and the Greek word Apollyon means "destwyed". This
,refers to the Ottoman government.
'5. What does verse 12 tell us is yet'to follow? Rev. 9:12.
'NOTE: During this Nme when 'the Turks and Arabians'
"Were a scourge, a great persecution took place. 36,000 cities
rand villages and over 40,000 churches were destroyed.
6., What is proclaimed under the sixth trumpet? Rev. 9:13-15.
'NOTE: The time given to this power was to be 391 years
and 15 days. This prophecy began on Tuly 27, 1449 and
-ended on August 11, 1840. At this time. the Sultan gave
·over his power to the Christian nations, Some years before
:1840 a treaty had been made between the Sultan and Mo-
'hammed, Pascha of Egypt. However, ambassadors from
-foreign countries intervened. The war broke out and ended
with a complete defeat for the Sultan. A conference was
held in London to smooth out the difficulties between the
'Pascha of Egypt and the Sultan. When the ultimatum reached
,the Pascha of Egypt, the Sultan had: no longer any influence. 'V-
'Pivat Bay was sent to Mohammed Ali with the agreement
and on August 11 th it was handed over to him. On the same
·day, a communique was sent to the four great powers, and
'by this we can see how the prophecy was exactly fulflled.
"In the year 1840,' another remarkable fulfilment of the
prophecy excited wide-spread interest. Two years before,
'T osiah Liich one of the leading minlisters preaching the
second adve'nt, published an exposition of Rev, 9, predicting
the fall of the Ottoman empire. Aocording to his calculations,
ihis power was to. be overthrown 'in A.D. 1840, some time in
ihe month of August:' and only a few days previous to its
<Clc'complishment he wrote: 'Allowing the !irst period, ISO
85
 years, to have been exactly fulfilled before Deacozes as-·
cended the throne by permission of the Turks, and that the-
391 years, 15 days, commenced at the close of the first:
period, it will end' on the 11 th of August 1840, when the-
Ottoman power in Constantinople may be expected to be
broken. And this, I believe, will be found to be the' cause.' "
-G.C. 334-335.
7. What description does. the prophet give concerning those
who carried out this work of destruction? Rev. 9:16.17.
NOTE: The Turkish empire was very extensive. During. this'
period of 391 years millions of men took part in the organized
army which seized' the territory once occupied by the Roman
Empire. This prophecy does not refer to an expedition army,
but to the complete military power of the empire' during this
period. The Turks were the first to use fire arms. These-
weapons reached to the nostrils of the horses and it seemed
to Tohn as if fire were issuing from their nostrils. At the.
siege of Constantinople, cannons were used for the first.
time. ,These won great victories for them.
8. What great calamity did this bring about? Rev. 9:18..
NOTE: As has been mentioned already, the Turks used
gun powder more and more to destroy their enemies. Many
people were killed by their attacks.
9. Through what were the people still further disturbed?
Did. they repent? Rev. 9:19-21.
NOTE: The judgments of God had come upon the Christians
through the Turks and Saracens,' nevertheless they did not·
repent but continued in apostasy. Thus the prophecy of the
six trumpets was literally fufilled in the past. It was the
fulfilment of this prophecy which helped forward the advent
movement of 1844 so greatly.
"At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambas-
sadors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Eu-
rope, and thus placed herself under the control of Christian
nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. When
it qecame known, multitudes were convinced of the cor-
rectness of the principles of prophetic interpretation adopted
by Miller and his associates, and a wonderful impetus was
given to the Advent Movement. Men of learning and position
united with Miller, both in preaching and p'ublishing his
views, and from 1840 to 1844 the work rapidly extended."
G. C. 335.
86
 Lesson No. 20-Sabbah, November 13, 1954.

THE GREAT SECOND ADVENT MOVEMENT

Questions
1. What aspect of the prophecy was revealed to John at
the close of the sixth trumpet? What did he see? Rey. 10:1.
NOTE: As we have already shown through the word! of God
a messenger of God is represented by an angel. (Mal. 2:7.).
And vice-versa, an angel symbolizes a me.ssenger. In Great
Controversy, p. 337, it is mentioned that angels are not en-
trusted with the preaching of the gospel, but to support its
preaching. The same opinion can be found in Daniel and
Revelation by U. Smith, p. 364, where this symbolic angel
we are row studying, is discussed. We should remem-'
ber ihat this angel is described as being mighty. Naturally
this can only be a description of a part of this angel's work.
The discription that his face was as it were the sun, ancI-
his feet as pillars of fire, symbolizes the courage and resol-
ution by which William' Miller and his co-workers were spurred
On to preach the. gospel of peace. We need a revival of this'
burning zeal for "God in the closing work of the Lord.
2. What did John see in the angel's hand? Where dicf
the angel set his feet? Rev. 10:2.
NOTE: The open book which the angel had in his hand'
refers to the prophecy of Daniel. Now the seal had been
removed and knowledge increased. This message was under-·
stood by William Miller and he spread it by word through.
literature.
"To Wmiam Miller and his co-laborers it was given to
preach the warning in America. This country became the'
centre of the great advent movement. It was here that the'
prophecy of the first angel's message had its, most direct"
fulfilment. The writings of Miller and his associates were'
carried to distant lands. Wherever missionaries had pene-'
trated in all the world, were sent the glad tidings of Christ's'
speedy return. Far and wide spread the message of the
everlasting gospel, 'Fear God, and give glory to him; for the'
hour of his judgment is come.''' G. C. 368.
3. W'hat is said about the manner of the proclamation of
this message? Rev. 10:3.
NOTE: The time of the proclamation of Christ's second ad-·
87
-vent was short for it was generally believed at that time
that Christ would come again at the end of the 2,300 days
in the year 1843. Those who proclaimed the message felt
a great burden for the people and warned them of this
great event. Concerning the seven thunders, we can say
little. They are also a symbol of certain charactreistics
which were revealed in the actions of this mighty angel.
The number seven symbolizes the clearness and perfection
of the message. It can be understood by all churches
4. What was John .told that he should not do? What was
he told to do concerning the utterance of the seven
thunders? ·Rev. 10:4.
NOTE: We' see here is a mystery which had not been
-explained to John. The Lord allowed the mistake in their
faith, as it was in God's pldn that 'the churches and
their members should be tested. The hand of God. hid. the
mistake which the believers sought to find out. They had
to pass through great disappointments for the prophecy had
io be fulf'illed. In all other points the message was .'perfect.
5. What solemn declaration did the angel make?
did the believers now expect? Rev. 10:5-7.
What .
"
NOTE: This mighty angel made the solemn declaration in
t,he name of the Creator and according to prophecy that
there should be time no longer. Soon all prophecies were
io be fulfilled under the last trumpet. He knew that the
sixth trumpet had sounded and that now the seventh and
last trumpet was to come. He predicted that there should
.be time no longer and that under this trumpet all prophecies
.must be fulfilled.
6. From whe,re did John hear a voice? What was he told
to do? Rev. 10:8.
'NOTE: The book in the angel's hand mentioned here is the
'book of Daniel. John was to take the book from the angel's
hand.
7. Did John obey and what was he to do with - the little
book? How did he feel ,afterwards? Rev. 10:9,10.
NOTE: John obeyed the command. He not only took the
book from the angel's hand, but ate it also. It was in his
mouth sweet as honey, but afterwards his belly was bitler.
1t is true what Asaph says (Ps. 75:7) that the Lord puts
ss
down "One and sets up another. This applies to the symbolic-
angel who caused' so much dissension in the Christian
churches in th~ 19th century. William Miller laid down his
Iri.ission and others took ii over. In the Scriptures Tohn re-
ceived the command to explain this and to interpret the'
book of Daniel. Now it was impossible for others to under-
siand the message. Miller said that in 1844 all was at an.
end. Tohn says, referring to the command which he received.
from the angel, that alter this time a gospel would be preached
lin the whole world. Two angel!'; follow this first one and too'
gether their messages compose the everlasting gospel. This
part of the last warning remained a mystery for William
Miller and his co-workers.
8. What command did John receive? How far ,reachinc;r
was his message to be? Rev. 10:11.
NOTE: According to these words, Tohn represented in this'
case the last church. That means that Tohn's prophecy in
Revelation will play the most imp6rtant part in the proc-
lamation of the everlasting gospel. Tohn may be in the
grave, but one thing is certain, he res·ts, and his works'
follow him. His. prophecies must be preached to the people
in these last days. What are we, as reformers, doing in the-
matter? 'How can ihe voice of Tohn be heard among the
people? Let us arise and eat the 'book' of Rsvelation that
il may become part of our lives. Let the wisdom of thiS:
book· be printed and spread among the people.

Lesson No. 21-Sabbath, November 20, 1954.

THE TWO WITNESSES TO MANKIND

Questions
1. What did the angel give to the prophei John? What
was he to do with it? Rev. 11:1.
NOTE: After Tohn had received the command to prophesy
for those living in ihe last days, he was given a reed for
measuring. He was to measure the temple the altar and
the worshippers therein. This is one of the' most important
and honorable offices. The temple of Solomon was built ac-
cording' to exact measurements. All that was needed for the
building was completed' at the place of work. At the site'
of ihe temple itselF nothing was prepared. But wheit is the'
89
measurement here spoken 01 to which this symbol refers?
'The question is, How could John measure the people, for
it certainly does not refer to measuring their height nor
iheir s1rength. Here we see that we are regarded' as ·living
stones, as we read in I Peter 2. This being the case, we can
apply this measurement to ourselves. This reed or rod is
none other than the ten commandments. No one will be
able to enter heaven who has not a holy character, and
again, the character cannot be sanctified without being
measured by the commandments.
2. What was he not to measure and why? Rev. 11:2.
NOTE: "The temple 01 God was opened in heaven and there
-was seen in His temple the ark 01 His testament. The ark
of God's testament is in the holy 01 holies, the second
apartment 'of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly
tabernacle, which served 'unto the example and shadow of
:heavenly jhings', this apartment was opened only upon the
great day of atonement, for 1he cleansing of the sanctuary.
.T herelore the announcement that the temple 01 ,God was
opened in heaven, and the ark of His testamen1 was seen,
-points to the opening, of the most holy place of the heavenly
sanctuary in 1844, as Christ entered there to perform the
closing work of the atqnement. Those who by faith followed
their great High Priest, as he entered upon His ministry in
ihe most holy place, beheld the ark of His testament. As
1hey had studied the subject of the sanctuary, they hqd come
10 understand the Saviour's change of ministration, =d they
saw ihat he was not officiating belore the ark of God, pleading
:His blood in behalf of sinners." G. C. 433.
.3. What was shown to John? Under what ci.rcumstances
are they to prophesy? Rev. 11 :3.
:NOTE: The two wtinesses mentioned here do not reler to
:human beings. They are faithlul witnesses who have been
given the command 10 prophesy. Under difficulties and
·persecutions, they are called to carry out their work. These
·two witnesses are the O~d and the New Testaments.
"The periods here mentioned-'forty and two months:
and 'a thousand two hundred and threescore dayS:--ore the
same, alike representing the time in which the church of
Christ was to suller oppression Irom Rome. The 1260 years
of papal supremacy began in A.D. 538, and would therelore
ierminme in 1798. At that time a French army entered Rome,
I
90
and made the pope a prisoner, and he died in exile. Though.
a new pope was soon afterwards elected, the papal hier-
archy has never since been able to wield the power which.
it before possessed." G. C. 266.
4. What other name is given to the two witnesses? What
duty have they to fulfill? Rev. 11 :4.
NOTE: "We may have long follow.ed the narrow path, but
it is not safa to take thiS: as proof that we shall foll<:lw it to
the end. If we have walked with God in fellowship of the
Spirit, it is because we have sought Him daily by faith. From:
the two olive trees the golden oil flowing through the g~lden
pipes has been communicated to us. But those who do not
cujlivate the spirit and habit of. prayer cannot expect to
receive the golden oil of goodness, patience, long-suffering,
gentleness, love." T. M. 511. .
The word of God is the true witness. The books of the-
Old and New testament are the -two olive trees. They are·
the two lamps on earth which stand before God. In them
the oil is tumed to light. David says (Ps. 119:105) that the-
word of God is a lamp unto his f~et and a light unto his path.
5. What is said of tihose who raise their voices against the
two witnsses or try to hurt them? What power do they
possess? Rev. 11 :5,6.

NOTE: How wonderfully does the Lord describe the char-

acteristics of this symbol which represents the Old and New
Testaments. We know how Elijah was able to shut up heaven
by the power of these two Witnesses. Th~y have power t.o
turn water into blood. They are able to punish the earth with.
plagues. All this is revealed in the two Testaments. There-
fore, everyone who rejects their testimony will receive the
plagues written in this book.
~. What was prophesied over 1.700 years ago concerning
an atheistic power? From where was .this pow. to come
and what was it to do? Rev. 11 :7,8.

NOTE: "According to the words of the prophet, then, a

little before the year 1798 some power of satanic origin and
character would rise to make war upon the Bible, and in
the land where the testimony of. God's two witnesses should
thus be silenced, there would be manifest the atheism ot
the Pharaoh and the licentiousness of Sodom.
91
 "This prophecy has received a 'most exact and striking
:fulfilment in the history of France. During the Revolution, in
1783, 'the world for the first time heard ani assembly of men,
born and educated in civilization, and assuming the right to
govern one of the finest of the European nations, uplift their
united voice to deny the most solemn truth which man's
soul receives, and renounce unanimously the belief and wor-
ship of a Deity.' 'France is the only nation in the world
concerning which the al!thentic record survives, that as a
·nation she lifted her hand in open rebellion against the
Author of the universe. Plenty of blasphemers, plenty of
infidels, there have been, and still continue to be, in England,
Germany,. Spain, and elsewhere; but France stands apart
in the world's history as the single state which, by the decree
of her Legislative Assembly, pronounced that there was no
God and 'of which the entire population of the capital, and
a v~st mejority elsewhere, women as well as 'men, danced
and sang with joy in accepting the announcement.''' G. C.
269,270.
"'Where also our Lord was crucified.' This specification
.of the prophecy was also fulfilled by France. 'In no land
"had the spirit ofl enmity against Christ been more strikingly
displayed. In no country had the truth encountered more
bitter and cruel opposition. In the persecution which France
had visited upon' the confessors of the gospel, she had Cfuci-
:fied Christ in the p~rson of His disciples." G. C. 271.
7. What P!l"ophecy was fulfilled by the French nation in
full view of the world? Rev. 11.9.10.
NOTE: "'And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice
over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one' to
another; because these two, prophets tormented them that
dwelt on the" earth.' Infidel France had silenced the reprov-
ing voice of God's two witnesses. The Word of truth lay
dead in her s·treets, and those who hated the restrictions and
requirements of God's law were jubilant. Men publicly
defied the King of heaven. Like the sinners of old, they
cried, 'How doth God know? and is ihere knowledge in the
Most High?'" G. C. 274.
Although in France the Bible had been publicly burned
by the authorities. and the law and the author of the Bi"ble
Tejected, and in spite of the fact that blasphemous words
nad been spoken against the power of God, yet the Lord
was merciful to these people and did not destroy them
92
irr.mediately 'for their wickedness. Through the influence of
surrounding nations, the Lord protected the Bible. Many
of the wicked thought that it was dead forever. Of one of
them we read the following:- .
"Th~ ·.infidel Voltaire once boa'stingly said: 'I..am weary
of hearing people repeat that twelve men established the·
Christian religion. I will prove that one man may suffice to
overthrow' it.' A century has passed since his death. Millions
have: joined in the war upon the Bible. But it is so far from
being destroyed that where there were a hundred in Vol-
tair's time, there'are now ten thousands, yes, a hundred thous-
and copies of the Book of God. In the words of an' early
Reforiller -concerning the Christian church, 'The\ Bible is an
anvil that has worn out many hammers:' Saith the Lord,
'No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and
every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgmen~ thou-
shalt condemn.''' G. C. 288.
S. What hapened after three and a half days? What
voice was heard from heaven? Was this voice obeyed?
Rev. 11:11,12.
NOTE: "God's faithful witnesses, slain by the blasphemous:
power that 'ascendeth out of the bottomless pit: were not
long to remain silent. 'After three days and a half the Spirit
of lile from Gqd eniered into them and they stood upon their
feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.' It waS'
in 1793 that ihe French Assembly passed the decrees which
abolished the Christian religion and set aside the Bible. ·Threfr
and a half years later a resolution rescinding these decrees,
thus granting toleration to the Scriptures, was adopted by-
the same body. The world stood aghast at the enormity-
of guilt which had resulted from a rejection of the Sacred
Oracles, and men recognised the necessity of faith in God
and His word as the foundation of virtue and morality. Saith
the Lord, 'Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and
against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thinfr
eyes on high? Even agins tthe Hoy One of Israel.' 'There-
fore behold, I will this once cause them to know, I wilf
cau~e them to know Mine hand and My might; and they'
shall know My name is Jehovah.'
"Concerning the two witnesses, the prophet declareS'
further: 'And they heard a great voice' from heaven saying
unto them, Come up higher. And they ascended up to
heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.' Sincfr
93
 France made war upon God's two witnesses, they have been
hcnored as never before. In 1804 the British and Foreign
Bible Society was organized, This was followed by similar
organization, with numerous branches upon the continent of
. Europe. In 1816 the American Bible Society was founded.
'When the British Society was formed, the Bible had been
printed and circulated in SO tongues. It has since been
iranslated into more than 400 languages and dialects." G. d.
,287.
9. What is symbolized by the earthquake? Whatcis prom-
ised to those who survive this great calamity?"
NOTE: The city which is mentioned here does not apply'
to Paris which lost 7,000 nobles in the French'Revolu1ion, For
France this was a loss of able men who could have guided
1he people. The city men1ioned here however is the city of
ihe Roman Catholic church, namely, Rome, which at 1hm
iime had great power over the ten states of Europe, , It was
a great and unsuspected surprise for the pope to lose France,
and even he himsEllf was imprisoned. By this he los' one
of the ten king<;loms and one of his heads was as it were
-wounded to death. This is :he symbolic city of which the
prophecy speaks.
10. To what was John's attention drawn and which angel
sounded? Which kingdom began? What events were
to follow? Rev. 11:15-18.
NOTE: Chapter eleven from verses 1-14 is' a list of events
'which were to take place before those mentioned in the
tenth chapter. The six trumpets bring us to the year 1840
after which the seventh trumpet was to do its work The
-voice from heaven under the seventh trumpet declaring that
the kingdom of Christ had come, is true in a figu,ative
sense. We cannot see that this can be litera!ly applied to
-the present time, yet it will be literally flllfil!ed during this
-period. As this announcement was made from heaven, there
IlJust have been -a divine decision referring to this alter-
ation of the kingdom. Daniel' saw this transference of power
which took place when Jesus entered the most holy.
"I saw in the night visions and, behold, one like the
Son of man came with the clo~ds of heayen, and came to
ihe Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before him.
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and the
:kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should
94
-:serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which
;shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be
-destroyed," Dan, 7:13,14,
'This prophecy was fulfilled at the beginning of the sev-
·enth trumpet Christ entered the most holy place in order
to examine the inhabitants of His kingdom. Before He could
enter upon this investigation He had to receive the dominion
over this world. After He had received this power as king
-and received His her~tage, He organized the future kingdom.
.David.saw what Christ would receive when this event would
iake place and when He would be acknowledged as R~ler:
"Ask of me, and 1 shall give thee the heathen for thine
inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy
-possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou
shalt dash them in pieces like a polter's vessel. Be wise
now therefore 0 ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the
-earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling."
::Psalm 2:8-11.
He will- then rule with an iron rod over those who have
rejected his authority. The irumpeJs symbolize political
,events, revolution <:lnd bloodshed. This has been fulfilled
since 1848 and will continue till the end of time. Christ will
ihen take His children to heaven and the 24 elders wi\! fall
'before God and praise and thank Him that He has taken over
ihe power of government The time of the anger of the
nations began with this tr\lmpet and will continue till the
..day of God's wrath shall come. The judgment here mentioned
does not refer to the ivestigative judgment of the righteous,
but to the judgment of the unrigheous during he millenium
or 1.000 years. The words, 'The time is come' means that the
'Lord will remember to punish the wicked. When this time
-comes they will be judged and sentence will be pronounced
'Upon them.
11. What work has now began in heaven? ,What knowledge
will be revealed to those who follow Christ by faith
into the most holy? Rev. 11:19. .
:NOTE: "Thus was presented to the prophet's vision the
,great and solemn day when the characters and the lives of
:men should pass in review before- the judge of all the earth,
and to every man should be rendered 'according to his
·works.' The Ancient of days is God the Father. Says the
Psalmist, 'Before the mountains were brought forth or ever
thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from ever-
95
lasting to everlasting, thou art God.' It is He, the source-
of all being, and the fountain o~ all law. that is to preside in.
the judgment. And holy angels, as ministers and witnesses,
in number 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands.
of thousands: attended this great tribunal." ' G. C. 479.
"After Jesus opened the door of the most holy, the light
of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were tested,
as the: children of Israel were tested anciently, to see if they-
would jceep God's law. I saw the third angel pointing up-
ward, showing the disappointed ones the way to the holiest
of the heavenly sanctuary. As they by faith enter the most
holy, they find Jesus, the hope and joy spring up anew. r
saw them looking back, 'reviewing the past, from the proc-
lamation of the secotld advent of Jesus. down through. their
experience to the passing of the time in 1844.. They see their
disappointment explained, and joy and certainty again ani-
mate them. The third angel has lighted up the past, ancl'.
present, and the future and they know that God has indeed.
led them by His myste~ious providence." E. W. 254,255.

Lesson No. 22-Sabbath, November 27, .1954.

THE TRUE CHURCH OF GdD

Questions

1. What was shown to John in vision? How is this great

wonder described? Rev. 12:1.
NOTE: "In the Bible the sacred and enduring character of
the relation that exists between Christ and His church is
represented by the union of marriage. The Lord has joined
His people to Himself by a solemn covenant, He promising-
to be their God, and they pledging themselves to be His, and'
His alone. He declares, 'I will betroth thee unto me for
ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness. and'.
in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies.' And
again, 'I am married unto you.' And Paul .employs the same-
figure in the New Testament when he says, 'I have espoused'.
you to one husband, that I may pre~ent you as a chaste·
virgin to Christ.'" G. C. 381.
In this vision the true church of God was presented te>
John under the symbol of a virgin who is prepared for her
husband. In this case it applies to the church of God and
its members, while in Rev. 21 :9, the woman symbolizes New
96
Jerusalem and the believers are symbolized by the guests.
"The apostle Paul speaks in II Cor. 11:2 that he wishes to
bring the chur~ of God to Christ as a virgin. This is not
·contrary to Rev.. 21 :9, if placed in its proper setting. Accord-
:ing to the Scriptures we are invited to the marriage. The
gospel message is the spiritual feast and the reception of
the guests is the investigative judgment. Those who pass
.by this test are the justified ones who receive the robes
-which entitle them to enter into the heavenly feast at Christ's
:second coming.
The moon upon which the woman stands and .the sun
'with which she is clothed represent the Old and the New
"1'estamen dispensations. There is a transference from the
shadow to the substance, The church of God is standing
--upon a firm foundation, namel1, upon the promises of the'
Old Testament which are fulfilled. in the New Testament.'
fhe Church is a pure woman prepared for her husband.

2. How did Solomon see the final victory of the church

which comes out of great tribulation? Song of Sol. 6:10.
'NOTE: The seven churches described in the second and
-third chapters of Revelation are but seven periods of de-
-velopment of one and the same church of God which has
:.been in existence throughout the ages of time.

3. To what time is John carried forward in this vision? Is

this the official church of the Jews or does this woman
represent the first Christian church in the time of the
, apostles? What is the mean'ing of the crown 'of twelve
slars which she wears upon her head? Rev. 12:2.

:NOTE: When we study this chapter, We realize, how impor-

-tant this subject is for every Christian believer. The church
'of God forms the main subject of the whole Bible. 'We
.either belong to this church or to the corrupt woman des-
-eribed in Revelation 17:1-6, who is a symbol of the Roman
'Catholic Church, or we belong to one of her daughters who
:have the same doctrines and are born of fornication. AI-
ihough there are hundreds of different Christian confessions,
:nevertheless the whole of mankind is divided into two classes
'which are represented by these two women. It is our duty
io know the characteristics of these two churches so that
'we may realize to which we have to belong. In Rev. 14:12.
John gives the characteristics of the church of God.
97
 The pure church which we wish to study here, is not-
the official Tewish church with its temple in Terusalem, be-
cause this was a corrupt and apostatized r~ligion when
Christ came unto His own, but His own received Him not.
Tohn. 1: 11. We might say as do others, that this is the apos-
tolic church in its beginning. However we - can say with
certainty that it is not so as this chuFch was not in existence-
and· when the first events described here took place. Christ
was the founder of the apostolic church and at that time-
He was not yet born.
4. What other wonder did John see in heaven? What
power is represented by this? Rev. 12:3.
NOTE: The dragon is a s~mbol of Satan as the great
worldly powers under his control. He was well represented
by the power of pag= Rome which revealed all the cruel--
characteristics of this dragon. The seven heads are a rep-
resentation of seven forms of government which succeeded
one another in Rome. The ten horns represent theo ten parts:
of the Roman empire after its fall. These are the ten
European kingdoms.'
5. What terrible work was carried out by the dragon?
What did he wait for? Rev. 12:4.
NOTE: Many interpreters are of the opinion that the stars
which were cast to the earth were Tewish leaders who were-
killed by the Romans because .of their rebellio~s attitude.
It was not the prophet's purpose however to d.escribe the-
Tewish leaders. He wanted to show how evil haci originated
and who was really represented by the dragon. Sat=,
the prince of darkness, works through all those who treat
God's people with cruelty. It was he who persecuted Christ
in order to kill Him. The Lord does not wish to represent
those people as stars who cause war and bloodshed. The-
majority of the Tewish leaders were as corrupt as the Romans.
The fact that the stars were cast to the earth shows hdW great
was' their fall. The whole chapter reveals the conflict of the
church of God with the dragon, or Satan, who was working
through both pagan and papal Rome. Satan took his seat
in Rome and from there he persecu"!ed the church throughout
the whole Christian period. Satan in his rebellion' in heaven
deceived a third part of the angels and they fell with him.
"When Satan became disaffected in heaven, he did not
lay his complaint before .God and Christ; but he went among
98
the angels who thought him perfect, and represented that
God had done' him injustice in preferring Christ to himself.
The result of this misrepresentation was that through their
sympathy with him one third of the angels lost their innocence,
their high estate, and their happy home. Satan is' insti-
gating men to continue on earth the same work of jealousy
and evil surmising that he commenced in heaven." Vol. 5:291.
6. - What attitude did the Jewish leaders adopt at Christ's
first advent? Who came from a far country in anllici-
pation of Christ's birth? Matt. 2:1-3. What was the spirit-
'ual condition of both priests and people?

NOTE: "An angel visits the earth to see who are prepared
10 welcome Jesus. But he can discern no tokens of expect-
ancy. He hears no voice of praise ~:md triumph, that the
period of Messiah's coming is at hand. The angel hovers
for a time over the chosen city and the temple where the
divine presence has. been manifested for ages; but even here
is the same indifference. The priests, in their pomp and pride.
are offering polluted sacrifices in the temple, ·The Pharisees
.are with loud voices addressing the people, or making boast-
ful prayers at the corners of the street. In the' palaces of
kings, in the assemblies of philosophers, in the schools of
the rabbis all are alike unmindful of the wondrous fact
which has' filled all heaven with joy and praise,-that the
Redeemer of men 's about to appear upon the earth." G.C. 314.
7. Which was the true church of God when the Jewish
church had apostatized and the apostolic did not as yet
exist? Zeph. 3:12: Isa. 1:9.
NOTE: "There is no evidence that Christ is expected, and
no preparation for the Prince of life. In amazement the cel-
estial messenger is about to return to heaven with the
shameful tidings, when he discovers a group of shepherds
who are watching their flocks by night, and as they gaze into
the starry· heavens, are contemplating the prophecy of a
Messi~h, to come to earth, and longing. for .the advent of the
world's Redeemer. Here is a company that is prepared to
receive the heavenly message. And suddenly the angel
of the Lord app~ars, declC;;ring the good tidings of great joy.
Celestial glory floods all the plain, an innumerable company
of angels is revealed, and as if the joy were too great for
one messenger to bring from heaven, a mutitude of voi~es
break forth in the anthem which all the nations of the saved
99
 shall one day sing, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
'peace, good will toward men.''' G. C. 314.
8. What does the church of God represent in all ages?
Luke 12:32.
NOTE: "Even in the darkest hours, some would remain
true to their divine Ruler, and in the midst of idolatry would
live blameless in the sight of a holy God. These faithful
ones were numbered among the goodly remnant through
whom the eternal purpose of Jehovah was finally to be
fulfilled." P. K. 108.
9. Wha1 lesson is contained in the story of Bethlehem for
the last church. Laodicea? I Cor. 10:11.

NOTE: "a, what a lesson is this wonderful story of Beth-

lehem! How it rebukes our unbelief. our pride and self-
sufficiency. How it warns us to beware, lest by our criminal
indifference we also fail to discern the signs of the times,
and therefore know not the day of our visitation." G. C. 315.
"I .have been shown that the spirit df the world is fast
leavening the church. You are following the same path as
did ancient Israel. There is the same falling away from your
holy calling as God's peculiar people. You are having
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Your concord
with unbelievers has provoked the Lord's' displeasure. You
know not the things that belong to your peace, and they are
fast being hid from your eyes. Your neglect to follow the
light will place you in a more unfavorable position than
the Jews upon whom Christ pronounced a woe." Vol. 5:75,76.

10. Which prophecy was fulfilled by Christ? What was

the mission of the child? Rev. 12:5: Isa, 7;14.

NOTE: At the beginning of His mission Christ ordained

twelve apostles and became the founder of the Christian
church. The twelve stars are a symbol of the twelve apostles.
The church is represented as wearing them in the form of
a crown as a sign of victory. The crown is given to the
woman as an adorning. The church is here symbolized as
the woman who bore the man child. The spirit of prophecy
tells us that the Laodicean church, which is the official pro-
phetic church, will repeat the history of the Jews before
Christ's second advent. We have seen that the Jews did
neit know the time of their visitation.
100
 Lesion No. 23-Sabbath, December 4, 1954.

THE CHURCH IN THE WILDERNESS

Questions
1. To what was John's attention drawn after these evets
in the first Christian church? Where did the woman go
and how long was she there? Rev. 12:6.
NOTE: The tirue men1ioned here for the church in the wil-
derness began in the year 538 A.D. when the pow.,r of the
papacy had been fully established. Verse 6 was especially
fulfilled by the Waldensian Christians who were berell of all
human help and were only able to maintain their faith by
dwelling in lonely. and isola1ed places. .
"The f<;rith which for many centuries was held and taught
by the Waldensian Christians, was in marked contrast to the
false dO.Gtrines put forth from Rome. Their religious belief
was founded upon the written word of God, the true system
of Christianity. But those humble peasan1s, in their obscure
retreats, 'shut away from the world, and bound to daily toil
among their flocks and their vineyards, had n01 by them~
selves arrived at the truth in opposition to the dogmas and
.heresies of the apostate church. Theirs was n01 a faith
newly received. Their religious belief was their inheritance
from their fathers. They contended for the faith of the apos-
tolic church,-'The faith which was delivered unto the saints.'
'The church in the wilderness: and not the proud hierarchy
enthroned in the world's great capital, was the true church
of Christ, the guardian of the treasures of truth which God
has committed to His people to be given to the world." G.C. 64.
2. How did these followers of Christ preserve their biblical
faith for UI? Heb. 11 :25,35.
NOTE: "Pure, simple, and fervent was the piety of these
followers of Christ. The principles of truth they valued
above houses and lands, friends, kindred, even lile itself.
These principles they earnestly sought to impress upon the
young. From earliest childhood the youth were instructed
in the Scriptures, and taught to regard sacredly the claims
of the law of God. Copies of the Bible were rare; therefore
itl! precio\:ls word were committed to memory. Many were
able to repeat large portions of both the Old and the New
Testament. Thoughts of God were associated alike with
101
the sublime scenery of nature and with the humble blessings
of daily life. Little children learned to look with gratitude
to God as the giver of every favor and every comfort." G.C. 67.
3. To what evenf was John's attention now drawn? What
great crisis of the universe: was portrayed to the prophet?
Rev. 12:7-9.
NOTE: "Until this· time all heaven had been in order,' har-
mony, and perfect subjection to the government of God. It
was the highest sin to rebel against His order and will. All
heave.n seemed in commotion. The angels were marshalled
in companies each division with a higher commanding angel
at their head·.' Satan, ambitous to exalt himself, and unwilling
10 submit to the authority of Jesus, was insinuating against the
government of God. Soine of the angels sympathized with
Satem in his rebellion, and others strongly contended, for the
honor and wisdom of God in giving authority te His Son.
There was, contention among the angels. Satan and his
sympathizerS were striving to reform the government of God.
They wished to look into His unsearchable wisdom. and
ascertain His purpose in exalting Jesus and endowing Him
with such unlimited power' and command. They rebelled
against the authority of the Son. All the heavenly 'host were
summoned to appear before the Father to have each case
decided. It was there determined that Satan should be
expelled from heaven, with all the angels w4.o had joined
him in the rebellion. Then there was war in heaven. Angels
were engaged in the battle; Satan wished to conquer the
Son of God, and those who were submissive to his· will. But
the good and true angels prevailed, and Satan, with His
followers, 'was driven from heaven." E. W. 145,146.
4. Why did God not destroy Satan? II Peter 2:4,.
NOTE: "God in His wisdom permitted Satan to carry for-
ward his work, until the spirit of disaffection ripened into
active revolt. It was necessary. for his plans to be fully de-
veloped,. that lheiJ: .true nature and tendency might be seen
by all. Lucifer, as the anointed cherub had· been highly
exalted; he was greatly loved by the he~venly beings. and
his influence over them was strong. God's government in-
cluded not only the inhabitants oi heaven, but of all the
worlds that he had created; 'and' Satan thought that if he
"culd carry the angels of heaven with him in rebellion, he
could carry also the other worlds. He had artfully presented
102
 •

his side oi the question, employing sophistry and fraud to

secure h'is objects. His power to deceive was very great,
and by distinguishing himself in a cloak of falsehood he
had gained -an advantage. Even the loyal angels could not
fully discern his character, or see to what his work was
leading." G. C. 497.
5. What :reason does the prophet Isaiah give for the origin
of sin? To whom does he point as the originator? Isa.
14:12-15.
6. What ofher testimony does Ezekiel give concerning the
fall of Satan? What was the cause of .his fall? Ezek.
28:14-17.
NOTE: Here we have one of the most important questions
upon which many students of the Bible ponder. Many are
unable to understand how sin came into the world. We are
grateful to God for the wonderful testimonies of Isaiah and
Ezekiel, for without them We would feel that something was
missing in "the Bible. Thus we know with 'certainty that the
rail of Satan took place before man was created. Our first
parents were instructed and had a knowledge of this case.
The tempter existed already and w'as waiting for his victim.
The art of Satan to lead into sin and error is so great that we
are only able to oPROS~ him wi"lh the help of the Spirit of
God and through a knowledge of the Scriptures. Ohe thing
is .certain that Satan had no reason whatevj:lr to rebel.
7. What voice was heard? What was proclaimed after
Satan had been cast! out? What warning was given to
the inhabitants of this world? What name was given to
those who carry ouf his work? Rev. 12:10-12.
NOTE: "After the curtain was lifted and ·1 was shown the
corruption of this' age, my h.eart sickened, my. spirit nearly
fainted within me. I saw that the inhabitants of the earth
were filling up the measure of the cup of their iniquity. God's
anger is kindled, and will be no more appeased until the
sinners are destroyed out of the earth. Satan is Christ's
personal enemy. He is the or·iginator and leader of every
species of rebellion in heaven and· earth. His rage increases;
we do not realize 'his power. If our eyes could be OPened
to discern the fallen cmgeis at work with those who feel at
ease and consider themselves safe, we' would not feel so
secure. Evil angels are upon our track every moment. We

103
tlxpecl a readiness on the part of had men ici act as Salan
suggests; but while our minds are unguarded against his
jnvisible agents, they assume new ground, and work marvels
and miracles in our sigh!. Are we prepared to resist them
by the word of God, the only weapon we can use success-
fully?
_ Some will be tempted to receive these wonders as from
God. The sick will be healed before us. Miracles will be
performed in our sight~ Are we prepared for the trial which
dWaits us when the lying wonders of Satan shall be more
fully exhibited?- Will not many souls be ensnared and taken?
By departing from the plain precepts and commandments of
God, and giving heed to fables, the minds of many are pre-
paring to receive these lying wonders. We must all now
seek to arm ourselves for the contest in which we must soon
engage. Faith in God's word, prayerfully studied and prac-
tically applied, will be our shield from Satan's power. and
will bring us off conquerors through the blood of Chris!."
Vol. 1:302.
8. How'did Satan feel after he had been cast out of heaven?
Did he eve.r feel tha~ he had done evil? Did he confess
his sins? What did he do when he was not accepted
into heaven again? Rev. 12:13.
NOTE: "In astonishment Satan found himself in his neW
position. His happiness was gone. He looked; at the angels
who had once been so happy with him but now had beEm
cast out with him from heaven. Before theiI1 fall not a shad-
ow of dissatisfaction had marred their perfect happiness.
Now everything seemed changed. Faces which had reflected
the image of their Creator wer,e gloomy' and full of despair.
Strite, disharmony and bitter mutual accusations prevailed
among them. Before their rebellion in heaven they had not
known these things. Satan now saw the terrible results
of his rebellion. He shuddered and feared to face the future
and to consider the end of these things.
"It was the hour of joyous and happy hymns of praise
to God and His dear Son. Satan had led the heavenly
choir. He had given the key note, then the whole heavenly
host had been one heart and soul with him and glorious
hymns had echoed through the vaults of heaven to the honor
of God and His dear Son. But how was it now? Instead of
the sweetest strains, disharmony and angry words fell upon
the ear of the great leader in rebellion. Where is he now?
~04
 is it not ail a terrible dream? Is he shut out of heaven? Are
the gates of heaven ile"ver to open to let him in? The hour
of worship drew near when shining, holy angels bow before
the Father. Never again is he to take part in the heavenly
songs. Never again is he to bow in reverence and holy awe
in the presence of the eternal God....
"Satan trembled as he looked over his work. He was
alone deep in contempl.:ition upon the past, the present and
his future plans. His mighty body trembled as in a storm.
An angel of heaven passed. He called him and asked that
'he might speak to Christ. This was allowed him. . He then
told the' Son of God that he had repented of his rebellion
and longed for the. favor of God. He was willing to take the
place which God had at first given him and to stand under
His wise command. Christ wept over Satan's sorrow, but
told him that according to the will of God he could never
be accepted into heaven. Heaven could not be brought
into danger. Should he be again accepted in spite of thti
sin and rebellion which he had caused .the whole heaven
would become corrupt. The seeds of rebellion were still in
him. There had been no reason for his rebellion and he
had not only brought himself into misery but also the angel
hosts who would have remained happy in heaven if he had
been steadfast. The law of God could condemn. but it could
not forgive." Story of Redemption 24-26.
9. What did the Lord do for the woman so that she was
able to protect herself against the power of Satan? Rev.
12:14.15.

NOTE: The power of the dragon which worked through the

Catholic church during the middle ages, persecuted God's
faithful children to such an extent that they had to-flee from
the cities into lonely and desolate place. Even there their
persecutors did not leave them in peace. Mil.itary expeditions
were undertaken against them. Multitudes of people hunted
the believers in the mountains like wild beasts. This can
be compared to the water which the serpent cast out of his
mouth against the woman.
"Again and again were their fertile lands laid waste,
their dwellings and chapels swept away, so that where
once were flourishing fields and the homes of an innocent,
industrious people, there remained only a desert. As the
ravenous beast is rendered more furious by the taste of
blood, so the rage of the papists was kindled to greater

105
 intensity by the sufferings of their victims. Many of these
witnesses for a pure faith were pursued across the mountains,
and hunted down in the valleys wliere they were hidden,
shut in by mighty forests and pinnacles of rock." G.C. 16.
"This bull called upon all members of the church to join
the crusade' against the heretics. As an incentive to engage
in this cruel work, it 'absolved from all ecclesiastical pai~s
and penalties, general and particular; it released all who
joined the crusade from any oaths they might have taken;
it legitimatized their title to any property they migh.t ~Jave
illegally acquired; and promised remission of all their sins
to such as should kill any heretic. It annulled all contracts
made in favor of Vaudois, or their domestics to abandon
·them, forbade all persons to give them any aid whatever,
and empowere(i all persons to take possession of their prop-
erty.' This document clearly reveals the master-spirit behind
the scenes. It is the roar of the ,dragon, and not the voice
of Christ, that is heard therein." G. C. 77.
-"The persecutions visited for many centuries upon this
God-fearing people were endured by them with a patience
and constancy that honored their Redeemer. Notwithstanding
their crusade against them and ,the inhuman butchery to
which they were subjected they continued to send out their
missionaries to scatter the precious truth., They were hlinted
to the death; yet their blood watered the seed sewn, and it
failed not of yielding fruit. Thus the Wadenses witnessed
for God, centuries before the birth of Luther. Scattered
over rqany lands, they planted the seeds of the Reformation
that began in the time of Wycliffe, grew broad and deep
in the'! days of Luther, and is so to be carried forward -to the
close of time by those who also are wiiling te suffer all
things for 'the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus
Christ.''' G. C. 78.
The wings mentioned here which were given to th~
, woman symbolize faith and hope which were given her as
a comfort for this time so that she could rise above the
difficul ties.
10. What help was given to the woman? How did the
Lord lead His faithful remnant in order that they should
escape the flood? Rev. 12:16.
NOTE: Persecution did not cease throughout the whole of
the middle ages. God's people were hunted down like wild
game. War was waged against the reformers from the east

106
 and from the south.. Many relinquished their faith, but their
places' were taken by others. The Lord had promised that
He would shorten the time of cruel persecution. The perse-
cuted in England sought a refuge.
"At the opening of the 17th century the monarch who
had just asce-nded the throne of England declared his deter-
mination to make the Puritans 'conform, or .... harry -them
out of the land, or else worse.' Hunted, persecuted, and
lmprisoned, they could discern in the future no promise of
better days, and many yielded to the conviction that for
such as would serve God according to the dictates of their
conscience, 'England was ceasing for ever to be a habitable
place'.' Some at last determined to seek refuge in Holland.
Difficulties losses, and imprisonment were encountered. Their
purposes -;"'ere ihwarted, and they were betrayed into the
hands of their enemies. But steadfast perseverance finally
-conquered; and they found shelter on the friendly shores
of the Dutch Repu1:llic.
"In their flight they had left their houses. their goods,
and their means of livelihood. They were strangers in a
strange land, among a people of different language and
customs. They were forced to resort to new and untried
occupations to earn their bread. Middle-aged men who had
spent their lives in tilling the soil, had now to learn mech-
anical trades. But they cheerfully accepted the situation,
and lq,st no time in idleness or repining. Though often
pinched with poverty, they thanked God for the blessings
which were still granted them, and found their joy in un-
molested spiriutal communion. 'They knew they were pil-
grims, and looked not much on those things, but lifted up
their eyes to heaven, their dearest country, and quieted their
spirits.'
"In the midst ofl exile and hardship, their love and faith
waxed strong. They trusted the Lord's promises, and he
did not fail ·them in time of need. His angels were by their
side, to encourage and support them. And when God's hand
seemed pointing them across the sea, to a land where they
might found for themselves a state, and leave to their child-
ren the precious heritQge of religious liberty, they went
forw'ard, without shrinking, in the' path of providence." G. C.
290,291.
This brings us to the time when America was discovered.
In this ~ way the prophecy was fulfilled that the earth swal-

107
lowed up the flood. The Lord blessed this land wonderluliy,
so that it became a land of religious liberty.
11. Did the wrath of Satan against the Woman cease? A-
gainst whom is he specially angry in the last days?
Rev. 12:17.
NOTE: We must consider that this prophecy is of very
special importance for us. Here the distinctive character-
istics are given of the people of God. Here we have a church
-the woman and her seed. In Revelation we found that
there were seven churches. The last of these churches can
be no other than the Advent Church. It is really a remnant,
the last of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation. The
prophecy reveals that the woman has a seed. In this way
the Lord had always a remnant from each of the seven
churches. Thus the Lord will have a remnant of this church
of Laodicea wh; is ready for His coming. Let us pray and
work and live_ out the truth so that we may belong to this
elect who keep the commandments 0 God and have the faith
of Jesus.
"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 con-
trol of the apostate churches but here is a little 'Gompany
that' are resisting' his supremacy. If he could blot them from
the earth his triumph would be complete. As he influenced
the heath~n nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he
will stir up the wicked powers of earth too to destroy the
people of God. All will be required to render obedience
to human edicts in violation of the divine law. Those who
will be true to God and to duty will be betrayed 'both by
parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends.''' Luke 21:16.
Vol. 9:231.

Lesson No. 24-Sabbath. December 11. 1954.

T~ ANTICHRIST-THE LEOPARD BEAST

Questions

1. ,What other important vision had John as he stood upon

the sand of the sea? To what period of the church's
history did he Tetum? Rev. 13:1.2.
,~08
No'tE:: The iurther we go in the study 01 Bevelation the
more important and solemn are the warnings and messages
which we receive. The chapter which we are now studying
brings us to the last great conflict in history. There are
many men and women in the world who look with terror
into the future. They know that soon something terrible
must take place. This chapter gives us details of how we
must prepare for the closing conflict.
The water from which the beast rises represents many
nations. Rev. 17:15; Ps. 65:7.
The dragon with seven heads represents heathen Rome.
But what is represented by this beast which is likened to a
leopard? This chapter gives us an exact explanation. Pagan
Rome had passed away and was divided into ten kingdoms.
the people being glad to be libera,ted from her yoke. At
this time, however, the prophet sees in vision another power
arising which was apparently under the control of the same
spirit of evil. The form was somewhat different, but the
character remained the same. This prophecy clearly indenti-
lies the Antichrist. The names of blasphemy 01'1 the crowns
of the ten horns are titles of divinity and arrogant claims.
This is a work of presumption and blasphemy against God.
These things have been fulfilled by the papacy which has
its seat on the seven hills in Rome. History tells us' that for
many centuries the papal power' ruled the kings of Europe.
The dragon. gave him this power and great authority.
2. What prophecy was made concerning this power by
,the apostle Paul. and what evidence of its rise was
even then apparent? What names does John give this
power? II Thess. 2:3.4.6,7.10: I John 2:18.
NOTE: Many christians know very well and have heard
it from their own parents that antichrist should come, They
speak and discuss their various views on this subject. But
they do not know exactly who it is, how he will appear, or
what he will do. Certainly he must come as the prophecy
of Paul describes. And he writes that it will be bef.ore 'the
Lord's second coming.
"The ,apostle Paul warned the church not to look for
the coming of Christ in his day. 'That day shall not come:
he' says, 'except there come a falling away lirst and that man
of sin, be revealed.' Not till' after the great apostasy, and
the long period of the reign of the '~an: of sin: can we look
for the advent of our Lord. The 'man of sin: which is also
109
styled the Imystery at inlqulty,1 the Ison 01 perdition: and
'that wicked,' represents the papacy, which, as foretold in
prophecy, was to maintain its supremacy for 1,268 years. This
period ended in 1798. The coming of Christ could not take
place before that tiII)e. Paul covers with his caution the
whole of the Christian dispensation down' to the year 1798.
H is this side of that time'that the message of Christ's' second
coming is to be proclaimed." G. C. 356.
3. What does John notice especially about this leopard?
Why does all the world woncller after the beast? Rev. 13:3.
NOTE: With this ;ision John brings us into the time of the
middle ages when the pope was taken prisoner.
"The period here mentioned-'forty and two months'
and 'a thousEmd two hundred and threescore days'-are the
same, alike representing the time in which the church of
Christ woas to suffer oppression from Rome. The 1260 years
01 papal supremacy began in A. D. 538, and would therefore
terminate in 1798. At that time a French army entered Rome,
and made the pope a prisoner, and he died in exile. Though
a new pope was. soon afterwards elected, the papal hier-
archy has never since been able to wield the power which
it before possessed." G. C. 266.
4. What did the people do when the deadly wound was
once more healed? Whom do theY' worship? Rev. 13:4.
To what do the Holy Scriptures compare the policy of
the vatican and its diplomatic connections with .all the
nations of the earth? . Rev: 18:2,3.
NOTE: This verse shows us and explains what progress
1he papacy will make after the wound is healed The word '
'dragon', mentioned here refers to Satan who has his helpers
in the various governments of the world that support the
policy of the Vatican. Many believe that th~ wound was
healed through the election of a new pope. We have no
objection to this but we should like to know what the head
represents. According to the Scriptures it refers to the
body which holds the reins of the policy and the system of
the Roman gover!1ment in its hanc:!s. The number seven
used here shows the perfect corruption and unrighteousness
of this antichristian, system. By the healing of the wound
we understand the restoration .of the rights of the Vatican
and Roman Catholic power through the governments of Eur-
ope. We read that the dragon gave him this power. We can
110
now see how the prophecy was fulfilled unde, Hitler and
Mussolini because this wound was literally healed as never
before. Today we hear people say: W'here if, a church
like the Catholic Church? •
5. By what specied activiiy is this power characterized?
What do we understand by blasphemies? How long
did this power continue? Rev. 13:5.
NOTE: "It is one of the leading doctrines of Romanism
that the pope is the visible head of the universal church
of Christ, invested with supreme authority over bishops and
pastors in all parts of the world. More than this, the pope
has been given the very titles of Deity. He has been styled
'Lord of the Pope,' and has been declared infallible. He
demamlq the ·homage of all men." G. C. SO.
"The persecution of the church did not continue through-
out the enUre period of 1,260 years. God in mercy to His
people cut short the time of -their fiery triaL In foretelling
the 'great tribulation' to befall the church, the Saviour said,
'Except those days should be shortened, there should no
flesh be saved: but for the elect's sa~e those days shall be
shortened.' Through the influence of the Reformation the
persecution was brought to an end prior to 1798." G.G. 266-7.
6. What is said concerning the blasphemous nature af this
power? Rev. 13:6: Dan. 7:8.25.
7. What work was carried' out. by th~ papacy in the middle
ages? Wha will be deceived and follow the beast?
I Rev. 13:7.8: Dan. 7~21.
8. To how many will the .warnings of Scripture be given?
Rev. 13:9.
NOTE: There will be no excuse for those who may say I
. cannot read. Everyone who has ear$ can hear God's warning.
9. . What will happen to the evildoers. murderers and perse-
cutors of the church of God? Rev. 13:10: Matt. 7:2.
10. What'· does the Lord Jesus say concerning ,. evildoers?
What will be the reward of those who serve God? Eccl.
8:11,13.

NOTE:. The great controversy is reaching its climax. It

will .not be long before all will be at an end. The import-
ant question for us is on which side we shall be found
when .·the conflict is over and the victory won.
11. Against whom have we to fight in the closing conl!~ct
in order to gain the victory? What IJ\ust we do in order
to overcome the enemy? F;ph. 6:12-17.
NOTE: "In the final victory, God will have no use lor those
persons who are nowhere to be- lound il'l time 01 peril and
danger, when the strength, courage, and influence 01 all
are required to make a charg~e upon the enemy." Those
who stand like laithlul soldiers to battle against wrong
'and to vindicate the right, warring against principailties
and powers, against the rulers 01 the darkness 01 this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places, will each re-
ceive the commendation Irom the Master, 'Well done goud
and laithful servant; .... enter thou into the joy 01 'tlly Lord.'''
G. W. 322. .

Lesson No. 25-Sa·bhath. December 18. 1954.

THE TWO·HORNED BEAST-AN IMAGE TO THE

FIRST BEAST
Questions
1. What was shown to John after the character of the
leopard had been explained to him? How does he des- I
cribe the other symbol? What nation and power is repre-
sented by this beast? Rev. 13:11. (first plJrt).
NOTE: "'And he had two horns like a lamb.' The lamb-
like horns indicate youth, innocence, and gentleness, fitly
rePresenting the character of the United States when pre-
sented to the prophet as 'coming up' in 1798. Among the
Christian exiles who first fled to America, and sought,. an
asylupl Irom royal oppression and priestly intolerance. were
many who determined to establish a government upon the
broad 40undation of civil and religiou liberty. Their views
found plade in the Declaration of Independence, which sets
forth the great truth that 'all men are created equal, and
endowed with the inalienable right to life, liberty. and the
pursuit of happiness.' And the Constitution guarantees to
the people the· right of self-governmel1t, prov'iding that repre-
sentatives elected by the popu-lar vote shall enact and ad-
minister the laws. Freedom 01 religious faith was also granted,
every man being permitted to worship 'God according to the
dictates 01 hill conscience. Republicanism and Protestantism
112
became the fundamental principles of the nation. These
principles are the secret of its power and prosperity. The
oppressed and down-trodden throughout Christendom have
turned to this land with interest and hope. Millions have
sought its shores, and the United States has risen to a
place among the most powerful nations of the earth." G.C. 441.

2. What character does this beast reveal? Rev. 13:11 (1. p.)

NOTE: "The lamb-like horns and dragon voice of the symbol'

point to a striking contr_adiction between the professions and
the practice of the nation thus represented. The 'speaking'
of the nation is the action of its legislative and judicial
authorties. By such action it will give "the lie to.lhose liberal
and peaceful principles which it has put forth as the foun-
dation o{ its policy. The prediction that it will speak 'as
a dragon' and exercise 'all the power of the first beast:
plainly loretells the development 01 the spirit 01 intolerance
dnd persecution that was manifested by the nations repre-
.sented by the dragon and the leopard-like beast. And the
statement that the beast with two horns 'causeth the earth
and them which dwell therein to viorship the first beast, 'indi-
cates that the authority 01 this nation is to be exercised in
enlorcing some observance which shall be an act 01 homage
to the papacy." G. C. 442. -

3. What authoribY does the two-horned beast exercise?

What does this beast cause the inhabitants of the earth
to do? What beast is to be worshipped? Rev. 13:12.

NOTE: "Such action would be directly contrary to the prin-

ciples 01 this government, to the genius 01 its Iree institutions,
to the direct and solemn avowals 01 the Declaration 01 Inde-
pendence, and to the Constitution. The lounders 01 the
nation wisely sought to guard against the employment 01
secular power on the part of the church, with its inevitable
result-intolerance and persecution. The constitution pro-
vides that 'Congress shall make no law respecting an estab-
lishment 01 religion, or prohibiting the Iree exercise thereol.'
and that 'no religious test shall ever be reqiured as a quali-
fication to any ollice 01 public trust under the United States.'
Only in flagrant violation 01 these safeguards to the nation's
liberty, cgn any religious observance be enlorced by civil
authority. • But the inconsistency 01 such action is no greater
than is represented in the symbol, It is the beast with
113
 lamb-like horns-in profession pure, gentle, and harmless-that
speaks as a dragon." G. C. 442.
This beast did not arise like the others btJIore it. The
others came to power through 'war, bloodshed and revolution.
This second beast however, with two horns takes on another
form. It comes forth from the earth like a plant. It was
protected from all destructive winds and attacks. Never-
theless however, the prophecy tells us that it would first
be like a lamb attracting all men, and persecuted by the
beast and the dragon only to gradually change its character
and voice. It wil1 speak like a dragon. This is a sad an-
.nouncemeht, but it must come and that, very soon. There
are so many different elements today in the United States
which will alter the character of this land which has been
so blessed of God through freedom of speech arid religious
liberty. - .,
4. What do w~ understand by the word 'dragon'? Rev.
12:13,9.
NOTE: "Kings, and rulers, and governors have placed upon
themselves the brand of antichrist, and are represented as
the dragon who goes to make war with the saints,-with
those who keep the commandments of God; and who have
the faith of Jesus. In their enmity against the people of
God, they show themselves guilty also of the choice of
Barabbas instead of Christ." T. M. 39.
5. What was the reason that the first church became cor-
rupt? What was necessary in order to control the con-
science of the members? Jame's 4:4.
NOTE: "When the early church became corrupted by de-
parting from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heath!
en rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God;
and in order to control the consciences of the people, she
sought the support of the secular power. The result was the
papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and
employed it to further her own ends, especially for the pun-
ishment of 'heresy.' In order for the United States to form
an image to the beast, the religious power must so control
the civil government ·thClt the authority of the state will also
be employed by the church to accomplish her own' ends."
G. C. 443. '
It is d well known fact that the church is separated from
the state. This was one of. the most 'important principles
114
of religious liberty. The government does not interfere in
church affairs but there is a danger that the members and
leaders of the church will interfere 'in governmental affairs.
In ·this way the church will exercise its influence in legis-
lation. The majority will oppress the minority. In this way,
too, the church will bring out laws through the government
which will be opposed to the law of God.
6. What should our position be in such a time? Should
we obey laws tha~ are against our conscience? Acts
4:19: 5:29.
NOTE: "David's power had been given him by God, but
to be exercised only in harmony with the divine law. .When
he commanded that which was contrary to God's law, it
became sin to obey. 'The powers that be are ordained of
God,' but w'e are not to obey them contrary to God's law.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, sets forth the
principle by which we should be governed. ,He says, 'Be
ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.''' P. P. 711.
7. Th;'rough what means will the inhabitants of the earth
be deceived and by what power will the beast work
miracles? What will those who dwell on the earth be
required to make? Rev. l3~14.
NOTE: "When the leading churches of the United States
uniting upon such points of doctrines as are held by them
in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees
and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America
will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the
infliction of evil penalties upon dissenters will 'inevitably
result." G. C. 445.
8. What can we expect when this apostasy takes place
and for what will it prepare the way? I Tim. 4:1.
NOTE:. "It was apostasy that led the early church to seek the
aid of the civil government, and this 'prepared the way for
the development of the papacY,-the beast. Said Paul,
'There shall come a falling away, .... and that man of sin
be revealed.' So apostasy in the church will pr~pare the
way for the image to the beast."
The Bible declares that before the coming of the Lord
there will exist a state of religious declension similar to that
in the first centuries. 'In the last days perilous times shall
come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,
115
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, un-
thankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakars.
false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are
good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more
than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying
the power thereof.' 'Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that
in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving
heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.' Satan
will work 'with' all- power and signs and lying wonders. and
with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.' And all that
'Receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved:
will be left to accept 'strong delusion, that they should beJ.ieve
a lie.' When this state o( ungodliness shall be reached, the,
same results will follow as in the first centuries." G: C. 443-4.
9. According to the prophecy, what will be the result when
the image to the beast has been made? What will happen
to those who do not worship the image? Rev. 13:15.
NOTE: "When the . leading churches of the United States,
uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them
in common shall" influence the state to enforce their decrees
and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America
will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchY and the
infliction of civil penalties will inevitably result."-G.
C. 445.
10. What warning is given concerning thEll mark of the beast
and his image? When can it be said that the mark of
the beast has been set up? Rev. 14:9-12.
NOTE: The change of the Sabbath is tbe sign or mark of
the authority of the Roman church. Those, who understand
the requirements of the fourth commandment and yet in
spite of this choose to observe the false sabbath ins-tead of
the true, are showing honor to that power through whom
alone it h!'ls been commanded. The mark of the beast is
the papal sabbath which has been accepted by the world
in place of the day set aside by God.
No one has yet received the mark of the beClst. The time
of testing has not yet come. In every church there are sincere
Christians from which the Romish church is not exce.pted.
Not one will'be condemned until he has received the light 'and
seen the obligations of the fourth commandment. But when
the decree will be made to force the false sabbath, and
when the loud cry of the thira angel wil\ warn men not to
worship the beast and his image, then the line of demark-

116
 ation between the fais,e and the true will be' clearly dra~n.
Then will those who receive the mark of the beast continue
in transgression.
We are rapidly approaching this time. When protestant
churches shall uniie with worldly powers in order to support
d false religion and to oppose that for which their fore"
- fathers suffered persecution, then the papal sabbath will be
forced through the unity of the leaders of the church and..
the state. It will be a national apostasy which will end in
a national destruction." Manuscript 51, 1899, Evan. 234.

11. What condition will the protestant churches have reached

when they officially force all people to accept the m~rk
of the beast? What sign will this be for God's people?
Rev. 13:16.
NOTE: "By the decree enforcing the institutlon of the papacy.
in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect
herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall
stretch her, hand across the gulf to clasp the hand of the
Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp
hands with spiriiualism, when, under the influence of this
threefold union, our country shall repudiate every- principle
of its constitution as a Protestant and Republican government,
and shall make provision for the propagation of papal false-
hoods' and delusions, then we may know that the time has
come for the marvellous working of Satan, and that the
end is near.
As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the
disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may
this apostasy be 'a sign to us that the limit of God's for-
beara'nce is reached, thGt the measure of our nation's iniquity
is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight,
never to return. The people of God will then be plunged
into those scenes of affliction and distress which prophets
have described as the time of Jacob's trouble. The cries of
the faithful, persecuted ones ascend to heaven. And as the
blood of Abel cried from the ground, there are voices also
crying to God from martyr's graves, from the sepulchers of
the sea, from mountain caverns, from convent vaults, 'how
long, 0 Lord, holYr and true, dost thou not judge and avenge
our blood on them that dwell on the earth?'" Vol. 5:451.

12. What did the prophet see should happen to those who
were faithful to God? What great disappointment will
111
 eome to those who fail to use their means and pl'operiy
today in God's cause? Rev. 13:17.
NOTE: "Conscientious obedience to the word of God will
be treated as rebellion. Blinded by Satan, the parent will
exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child;
the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-keep-
ing servant. Affection will be alienated; children will be
disinherited ami driven from home. The words of Paul will
b& literally' fulfilled, 'All that will live' godly in Christ Jesus
shall suffer persecution.' As the defenders of truth refuse to
honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into
prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves.
To human wisdom, all this now seems impossible; but as the
restraining Spirit 9f God shall be withdrawn from men, and
they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the
divine precepts, there will be strange developments. The
heart can be very cruel when God's fear and love are re-
moved." G. C. 608.
"As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christen-
dom against commandment keepers shall withdraw the pro-
tection of the government, and abandon them to those who
desire their destruction, the people' of God will flee from the .
cities and villages and associate together in companies,
dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many
will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like
the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the
high places of the' earth their sanctuaries, and will thank
God for the 'munitions of rocks.' But many of all nations,
and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and
white, will be cast into the most unjust prison bars, sen-
tenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation
in dark and loathsome dungeons. Nd human ear is open to
their moans; no human hand is ready to lend- them help."
G. C. 626.
13. To what does' the prophet draw our attention especially
so that we mciy~'know tb whaf power this refexs? Is this
. a beast or a human being with great authority? By
what can we 'know this? Rev. 13:8.
NOTE: "The Lord wants us to come up into the mount, more
directly into His presence. We are coming to a crIsis which,
more than any previous time since the world began, will
demand the entire consecration of fJvery one who has named
the name of 'Christ.
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 \\May God make His servants wise through the divine
illumination, that the impress of man may not be seen on
any of th~ great and important enterprises before us." G.W. 323
The last conflict will be fought on this -foundation. God's
people must trust in Him alone. They must be free from every
worldly connection and every idol before this time comes,
The time is now there when we should hasten to bring our
affairs in order with' God. '
The identity of the antichrist is found in his titles, He
cannot be ju'st an ordinary man. He must stand as a medi-
ator between God and man. He must presume to be infal-
lible, as it was thus he was revealed to the prophet. His
name must be one of blasphemy as chapter 13 already ex-
plained. He maintains that he is the viceregent of God and
Christ, but the Bible tells us that he is nothing less than
antichrist. His number is 666. This c~:m be clearly found
out in his name. The Latin title of the pope, namely
"Vicarius Filii Dei" gives us the number 666.
VICARIUS FILII DEI
5 1 100 1 5 1 50 1 1 500 1-666

Lesson No. 26-Scrbbcrth. December 25. 1954.

'THE 144,000 CLEARLY IDENTIFIED

Questions
1. What was shown to John after the last crisis? Whece
was Ibis company gathered? What was written on their
foreheads? Rev. 14:1.
NOTE: .. 'And I looked, and, 10, a lamb stood on Mount Zion,
and with Him a hundred forty and four thousand, having His
Father's name written in their foreheads.' In this world their
minds were consecrated to God; they served Him with the
intellect and with the heart; and now He can place His name
'in their foreheads.' 'And they sh'all reign for ever and ever.'
They do not go in and out as those who' beg a place. They
are of that number to whom Christ" says, 'Come, ye blessed
of my Father. inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of thE! world." He welcomes them as His' children,
saying, 'Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.''' A, A. 590,591.
The verses 1-5 of this chapter are a continuation of chapter
13 and have 'no reference to the events which follow in verse
6, The victory of the 144,000 believers over the beast is the

ll~
result 01' their fait~lulness 10 (jod. Alter this last conilict
John sees the 144,000 on Mount Zion with the lamb. The theory
that we shall go to Palestine after the advent of the Lord
is a sophistry of Satan to draw men's attention lrom the truth.
'2. Of what was John a w.itness? How did the 144,000 ex-
press their gratitude? Rev. 14:2. What did he see in the
hands of the overcomers? Where were' they? In Palestine
or heaven? .
NOTE: "Upon the crystal sea before the throne, the sea
of glass as it were mingled with fire,-so resplendent is'it with
the glory of God,-are gathered the company that have 'gotten
the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over
his mark, and over the number of his name.' With the Lamb
upon Mount Zion, 'having the harps of God: they stand, the
hundred and forty' and four thousand that were redeemed
from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many
waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, 'the voice of
harpers harping with their harps.''' G. C. 648,649.
3. W'hat song do they sing? Was anyone else to learn
this song? Rev. 14:3.
NOTE: "And they sing 'a hew song' before the throne, a
song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty
and four thousand, It is the song of Mbses and the Lamb,
- a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty
four thousand can learn that' song; for it is the song of their
experience,-an experience such as no other company have
ever had. 'These are they which follow the Lamb whither-
soever He goeth.' These having been translated from the
earth, from among the li;ing, are counted as 'the first-fruits
unto God and J.to the Lamb.' 'These are they which come
out of great tribulation;' they have passed through the time
of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they
have endured the anguish of the time of 'Jacob's trouble."
G, C. 64~.
4. What characteristics have the 144,000? Whom do they
foll'ow? Rev. 14:4.
NOTE: "'These are they which follow the Lamb whither-
soever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men,
being 'the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb.'. The vision
of the prophet pictures them as standing on, Mount Zion, girt
for holy service, clothed in white linen which is the right-
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eousness of the saints. But all who follow the Lamb in heaven
must first have followed Him on earth, not fretfully or cap-
riciously, but in trustful, loving, willing obedience, as the
flock follows the shepherd." A. A. 59!.
5. What does the prophet mean when he says that these
cue not defiled by women? To what special prophecy
does he refer? Isa. 4:1.
NOTE: The prophet Isaiah refers to the days of the investi-
gative. judgment. He is not speaking of his own days, but of
the present time, for never before has there been a ti~e
when so many different Christian churches existed as. iii
the case today. The seven women symbolize the uniting of
thE' churches. They all wish to bear the name of Christ in
order to cover up their own shame, but do not want to walk
in His ways. They want to follow their "Own course, desiring
only His name. The 144,000 have no connection with such
churches.
6. What is not to be found in their teaching? Rev. 14:5.
NOTE: "In their mouth was found no guile" refers to the
fact that th~y do not pay homage to any false religion which'
preaches the false sabbath. All those who interpret the
Scriptures wrongly in order to make them serve their own
purpose are under the curse of God. If they do not repent,
they will receive their reward according to their ~lCtion.
• 7. What blessing has the Lord promised to those who ac-
cept the threefold angel's message? Rev. 14:13.
NOTE: It is a special privilege from God that we and others
have heard the threefold angel's message. Through tbis
promise, the Lord makes no difference between those who
die and those who remain alive, if they have died in the
faith of 1he third angel's message and kept the comman}iments
of God.
B. W'hat do we understand by the words, "These were re-
deemed from among men"? Rev. 14:4.5.
NOTE: The prophecy tells us that the'- people of God have
to pass through a time of testing, the time of Jacob's trouble.
A decree will be issued against those. who keep the com-
mandments of" God (see G.C. 613-634). This decree will allow
the wicked to kill the children of God, but they cannot da.

121
 this until the decree becomes valid. At midnight the Lord
will intervene to save His people at which time an earth-
quake will shatter every prison, thus liberatipg the faithful
children of God. During this time He will not allow more
to come upon us than we.can bear, but it will be His purpose
to purify His people. Mal. 3:1-4. Those who have died under
the third angel's message will be called forth by the voice
of God from their graves. Although they rise with glorified
body, yet they are still mortal. They willi arise on the same
day when the decree of death becomes valid, and thus it
.will be said of them they will not taste death. The wicked
will try to lay hands on the saints and to imprison them, ·but
they will be unable to do this.
"If the blood of Christ's faithful witnesses were shed
at this time, it would not like the blood of martyrs, be as
seed sown to yield a har~est for God. Their fidelity would
not be a testimony to convince others of the truth; for the
obdurate heart has beaten back the waves of mercy until
they return no more. If the righteous were now left to fall
a prey to their enemies, it would be a triumph for the~ prince
o'f darkness." 9. C. 634.
9. How will Jesus find the 144,000 at His advent? When will
they receive immortality? I Thesll. 4:16,17,
NOTE: "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. Angels
'gather together the elect from the four winds, from one end
of heaven to the other.' Little children are borne by holy
angels to their mother's arms. Friends long separated by
death are united, never more to part, and with songs of
gladness ascend together to the city of God." G. C. 645.
10. How many will be sealed as a result of the threefold
angers message? Will this number be made up of men
only or will it include women? Rev. 7:4.
NOTE:_ "What are you doing, brethren, in the great work
of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are
receiving the worldly' mould, and preparing for the mark
of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are
humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls
by obeying the truth,-these are receiving the heavenly
mould, and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads.
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Wh~n the decree goes forth, and the stamp Is nnprlilslled,
their character will remain pure and spotlesll for eternity.
"Now is the time to prepare. The sew of Goq will Ilever
be placed upon the forehead of an impUre mqn or woman.
It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious,
world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon
the forehead of Jll8n or women of false tongues or deceitf\1l
hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before
God---candidates for Heaven. Go forward, my brethren and
sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this
time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of prep-
aration. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may
understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour." Vol.
5:216.
11. What are "'e to undentand by the ",or!! ....erlinlJ..? Is
the nal and the sip the same. CIJld whe.-- shall 19'.
,receive it? Ezekiel 8:1.4.
NOTE: Read Great Controversy, pp. 437-439.
The seal of God will be placed upon the fo~ehead. Only
those who have kept the Sabbath of the ten commandments
will receive the seal. But not all Sabbath keepers will re-
ceive the seal. They need something more than only t~e
keeping of the Sqbbath. Knowledge alons cannol save. A
man must be sanctified through the truth. How does Ihis
work take place?
a. Through repentance we receive the Holy Spirit qccord.
ing to the promise. Eph. 1:13.
b. The knowledge of the truth, lh", law of God, the obser-
vance of the SabbqUl, is the seal on o~r forehead. Ex.
31 :12-17; f;zek. 20:20.
c. The seal of liberation, the seal of perfection, the blotting
out of our sins, the experience of the judgment. Rev. 14:1.
"The Lord is doing His work. All heaven is astir. The
Judge of all the earth is soon to arise and vindicate His
insulted authority. The mark of deliverance will be. set upon
men who keep God's commandments, who revere His law,
and who refuse the mark of the beast or of his image." Vol.
5, p. 451.
All who desire to be saved must have this seal. The
seal will be given when the work is completed, when the
character and the image of the Father and the Son are visible.
This work progresses gradually. In the time of the lat~er
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