Christ, Our Only Hope: Sabbath School Lessons

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CHRIST,
OUR ONLY HOPE
Sabbath School Lessons

Senior Division
First Quarter 1989
CHRIST, OUR ONLY HOPE
Lesson Title Page
1 All Men Have Sinned 5

2 Our Only Hope 9
3 Christ in All the Bible 12
4 Righteousness by Faith 15
5 Repentance and Conversion 19
6 Christ as All and in All 22
7 Victory Through Christ 25
8 Man Must Do His Part 28
9 Yielding Our Will to Him 32
10 Righteousness Imputed and Imparted 36
11 Self-Deception. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
12 The Wedding Garment and the
Judgment 44
The Sabbath School Lesson Qualterly, Christ, Our Only Hope, for January-March
1989, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist Refoml Movement General Confer-
ence, Sabbath School Department. It is printed and distributed by RefOlmation Herald
Publishing Association, P. O. Box 7240, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-0240, U.S.A.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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000 000 005 150
GC Library
FOREWORD
The purpose of this series of lessons, Christ, Our Only Hope, is

to encourage all students to gain a deeper knowledge and ex-
perience in the vital truths concerning the plan of salvation, jus-
tification by faith, Christ our righteousness-sanctification or prac-
tical godliness, so that all may obtain the white raiment that the
True Witness has told all to buy of Him.
. "There is not one in one hundred who understands for himself
the Bible truth on this subject [justification by faith] that is so neces-
sary to our present and eternal welfare." - The Review and Herald, Sep-
tember 3, 1889.
"The doctrine of justification by faith has been lost sight by many
who have professed to believe the third angel's message." -Ibid.,
August 13, 1889.
In this sealing time, the third angel cannot place the seal of God
upon any who are not overcomers in Christ. Even one wrong
thought is sufficient to prevent the reception of the seal, so all
believers need to study and understand the plan of God as it applies
in the practical life that all may be fit to receive the "white raiment"
and thus be enabled to come into His presence. The time and oppor-
tunity for preparation is daily becoming shorter and the signs are
becoming more portentous with every passing hour.
"Only those who are clothed in the garments of His righteous-
ness will be able to endure the glory of His presence w~en He shall
appear with 'power and great glory.' "-Ibid., July 9, 1908.
"On Christ's coronation day He will not acknowledge as His any
who bear spot or wrinkle or any such thing. But to His faithful ones
He will give crowns of immortal glory."-Ibid., November 24, 1904.
May the heavenly Father help both students and teachers to re-
ceive a blessing from this series of lessons.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
S.D.A.R.M.
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Special Project Offering
for
Sunset Lake Youth Center
(Shohola, Pennsylvania)
The Eastern U.S. Field, which is composed of 26 states east of the Mis-
sissippi River, was organized in 1971. From a small beginning, the work has
been expanding continually and many souls have been reached by the Re-
form message in this populous area.
To meet the growing needs of the work in our Field, where our message
is taking root, in 1986 we purchased a 25-acre property with one main house
and nine cabins on it. The main house has 14 bedrooms and two large dining
rooms. The property is located in Shohola, Pennsylvania, five miles from the
Delaware River, about 100 miles from Philadelphia, and 83 miles from
downtown New York. By the help of the Lord, it will be used for our camp
meetings.
Work on the camp ground and on the buildings was started soon after
the property was secured. Great sacrifices have already been made by our
members and friends, and our local means have been practically exhausted,
but there is still a lot more work to be done, and more expenses will have to
be incurred, before the place can really accommodate a convention.
As we are in great need of financial support, we appeal to you, dear
brethren and friends, to be prepared to make a special sacrifice at the end of
this quarter. Please plan ahead to help us with a liberal freewill offering in
behalf of our project. As the Lord has promised to bless the givers, we are
confident that He will reward you according to your generosity.
Your brethren from the Eastern us. Field
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Lesson 1 Sabbath, January 7, 1989
ALL MEN HAVE SINNED
"The human family have all transgressed the law of God, and as trans-
gressors of the law, man is hopelessly ruined; for he is the enemy of God,
without strength to do any good thing."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 321.
KEY TEXT: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.
D Sunday
MAN WAS CREATED RIGHTEOUS January 1
1. When man was created, what was his relation to God's righteousness?
Genesis 1:27; Ecclesiastes 7:29.
"Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance and in character.
Christ alone is the 'express image' (Hebrews 1:3) of the Father; but man was formed
in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was
capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites and
passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the im-
age of God and in perfect obedience to His will."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45.
2. What did God recognize as He contemplated man and everything that had
been created? Genesis 1:31. In what sense were our first parents made free
moral agents?
"Our first parents, though created innocent and holy, were not placed beyond the
possibility of wrongdoing. God made them free moral agents, capable of appreciating
the wisdom and benevolence of His character and the justice of His requirements,
and with full liberty to yield or to withhold obedience....
"God placed man under law, as an indispensable condition of his very existence.
He was a subject of the divine government, and there can be no government without
law. God might have created man without the power to transgress His law; He might
have withheld the hand of Adam from touching the forbidden fruit; but in that case
man would have been, not a free moral agent, but a mere automaton." -Patriarchs and
Prophets, pp. 48, 49.
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o Monday
MAN BECAME UNRIGHTEOUS January 2
3. What do we know about the original apparel worn by Adam and Eve before
the Fall? What is implied in the declaration that through sin man forfeited
the glory of God? Romans :'s:23; Psalm 104:2.
"The white robe of innocence was worn by our first parents when they were placed
by God in holy Eden. They lived in perfect conformity to the will of God. All the
strength of their affections was given to their heavenly Father. A beautiful soft light,
the light of God, enshrouded the holy pair. This robe of light was a symbol of their
spiritual garments of heavenly innocence. Had they remained true to God it would
ever have continued to enshroud them. But when sin entered, they severed their con-
nection with God, and the light that had encircled them departed."-Christ's Object
Lessons, p. 310..
4. When our first parents disobeyed God, what change did they realize in con-
nection with their original raiment? Genesis 3:7 (first part).
D Tuesday
MAN TRIES TO REMEDY HIS SITUATION January 3
5. With what did our first parents try to cover their nakedness? Genesis 3:7
(last part).
"The robe of light which had enshrouded them, now disappeared, and to supply
its place they endeavored to fashion for themselves a covering; for they could not,
while unclothed, meet the eye of God and holy angels."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 57.
6. In what sense has man been making fig-leaf garments for himself ever since
the Fall? Isaiah 64:6.
"Naked and ashamed, they [Adam and Eve] tried to supply the place of the
heavenly garments by sewing together fig leaves for a covering.
"This is what the transgressors of God's law have done ever since the day pf
Adam and Eve's disobedience. They have sewed together fig leaves to cover the
nakedness caused by transgression. They have worn the garments of their own devis-
ing, by works of their own they have tried to cover their sins, and make themselves
acceptable with God."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 311.
D Wednesday
SELF·RIGHTEOUSNESS January 4
7. What is the basic characteristic of false religions? Romans 10:3. Whose ex-
ample do they follow?
"The class of worshipers who follow the example of Cain includes by far the
greater portion of the world; for nearly every false religion has been based on the
same principle-that man can depend upon his own efforts for salvation. It is claimed
by some that the human race is in need, not of redemption, but of development-that
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it can refine, elevate, and regenerate itself. As Cain thought to secure the divine favor
by an offering that lacked the blood of a sacrifice, so do these expect to exalt humani-
ty to the divine standard, independent of the atonement. The history of Cain shows
what must be the result. It shows what man will become apart from Christ. Humanity
has no power to regenerate itself. It does not tend upward, toward the divine, but
downward, toward the satanic."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 73.
8. In what sense was ancient Pharisaism a false religion? Matthew 23:1-5,

25-28. What does the True Witness say about modern Pharisaism? Revela-
tion 3:15-17.
"The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere as-
sent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical
knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It
does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed
theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life.
The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by
bigoted religionists. The Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of
their possession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not preserve them
from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy. They thought
themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led
them to crucify the Lord of glory.
"The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians,
simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not
brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore
they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the
truth. Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind,
patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their
influence it is a curse to the world."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 309, 310.
o Thursday
OPEN SINNERS AND PROFESSED CHRISTIANS ]anuary5
9. What is the situation of the human race in general? Romans 1:28-32; 3:9-12.
10. What is the condition of the professed Christian world and of the nominal
people of God? Isaiah 4: 1.
"I saw that since the second angel proclaimed the fall of the churches, they have
been growing more and more corrupt. They bear the name of being Christ's follow-
ers; yet it is impossible to distinguish them from the world. Ministers take their texts
from the Word of God, but preach smooth things. To this the natural heart feels no
objection. It is only the spirit and power of the truth and the salvation of Christ that
are hateful to the carnal heart. There is nothing in the popular ministry that stirs the
wrath of Satan, makes the sinner tremble, or applies to the heart and conscience the
fearful realities of a judgment soon to come. Wicked men are generally pleased with a
form of piety without true godliness, and they will aid and support such a religion."
-Early Writings, p. 273.
"The world must not be introduced into the church, and married to the church,
forming a bond of unity. Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt,
and as stated in Revelation, 'a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.'
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"Through association with the world our institutions will become unsubstantial,
unreliable; because these worldly elements, introduced and placed in positions of
trust, are looked up to as teachers to be respected in their educating, directing, and
official position, and they are sure to be worked upon by the spirit and power of dark-
ness; so that the demarcation becomes not distinguished between him that serveth
God and him that serveth Him not."- Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 265, 266.
o Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS January 6
a. On what basis do we believe that man was created righteous?

b. What is meant by the statement that, after the Fall, the eyes of our first
parents were opened and they realized that they had become naked?
c. What significance can be seen in the way that Adam and Eve tried to cover
their nakedness?
d. Describe, in a few words, ancient and modern Pharisaism.
e. Explain the meaning of the prophecy contained in Isaiah 4: 1.
•
•
"Satan deceives many with the plausible theory
that God's love for His people is so great that He
will excuse sin in them; he represents that while the
threatenings of God's word are to serve a certain
purpose in His moral government, they are never to
be literally fulfilled."
-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 522 .
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OUR ONLY HOPE
"Through Satan's temptations the whole human race have become trans-
gressors of God's law, but by the sacrifice of His Son a way is opened
whereby they may return to God."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 338.
KEY TEXT: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for
the ungodly." Romans 5:6.
o Sunday
THE WHOLE WORLD GUILTY BEFORE GOD ]anuary8
1. What is the standing of everyone before God while in conflict with His law
and righteousness? Romans 2:23; 8:7; 1 John 3:10.
"God made man upright, perfectly holy and happy; but he lost the divine favor,
and destroyed his own happiness by disobedience to the Father's law. The sin of
Adam plunged the race in hopeless misery and despair."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 293.
2. Before what standard of righteousness does the whole world stand con-
demned? Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:22. What question has bothered man
from the very beginning? Job 9:2.
"The human family have all transgressed the law of God, and as transgressors of
the law, man is hopelessly ruined; for he is the enemy of God, without strength to do
any good thing. 'The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law
of God, neither indeed can be' (Rom. 8:7). Looking into the moral mirror-Gad's holy
law-man sees himself a sinner, and is convicted of his state of evil, his hopeless doom
under the just penalty of the law. But he has not been left in a state of hopeless dis-
tress in which sin has plunged him."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 321.
o Monday
THE LAW CANNOT ABSOLVE SINNERS ]anuary9
3. What declarations show that, while the law condemns sin (James 2:9-11), it
has no power to absolve (pardon, justify) repentant sinners? Romans 3:20;
Galatians 2:16; 3:11.
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"Do not devote your precious probationary time to sewing together fig leaves to
cover the nakedness which is the result of sin. As you look into the Lord's great moral
looking glass, His holy law, His standard of character, do not for a moment suppose
that it can cleanse you. There are no saving properties in the law. It cannot pardon the
transgressor. The penalty must be exacted."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White
Comments], vol. 6, p. 1070.
4. What does the broken law of God demand from every transgressor? Romans
7:8-13; Galatians 2:19 (d. Rom. 4:15; Col. 3:6; Rom. 6:23 (first part). What
was Paul's experience in this connection?
"The apostle Paul, in relating his experience, presents an important truth concern-
ing the work to be wrought in conversion. He says, 'I was alive without the law
once'- he felt no condemnation; 'but when the commandment came,' when the law of
God was urged upon his conscience, 'sin revived, and 1 died.' Then he saw himself a
sinner, condemned by the divine law. Mark, it was Paul, and not the law, that died."
-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1076.
o Tuesday
JESUS CHRIST, OUR ONLY HOPE January 10
5. What special provision did God make to help man out of his problem?
Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 2:4-7.
"Through Christ, restoration as well as reconciliation is provided for man. The

gulf that was made by sin has been spanned by the cross of Calvary. A full, complete
ransom has been paid by Jesus, by virtue of which the sinner is pardoned, and the jus-
tice of the law is maintained. All who believe that Christ is the atoning sacrifice may
come and receive pardon for their sins; for through the merit of Christ, communica-
tion has been opened between God and man. God can accept me as His child, and 1
can claim Him and rejoice in Him as my loving Father. We must center our hopes of
heaven upon Christ alone, because He is our substitute and surety." -Selected Messages,
book I, p. 363.
6. What declaration of the apostle Paul turns our attention from ourselves to
the Author of our salvation? Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:9, 10.
"Christ was to die as man's substitute. Man was a criminal under the sentence of
death for transgression of the law of God, as a traitor, a rebel; hence a substitute for
man must die as a malefactor, because He stood in the place of the traitors, with all
their treasured sins upon His divine soul."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 5, p. 1127.
o Wednesday
JESUS CHRIST, OUR ONLY HOPE (continued) January 11
7. In the Bible, how is Christ referred to as our only Saviour? John 14:6; Acts
4:8-12; 10:43.
8. In what words does Paul stress the fact that we have no other mediator
besides Christ? 1 Timothy 2:5, 6; Hebrews 7:25. Who will be kept by
Christ's intercession?
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"Everyone who will break from the slavery and service of Satan, and will stand
under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel will be kept by Christ's interces-
sions. Christ, as our Mediator, at the right hand of the Father, ever keeps us in view,
for it is as necessary that He should keep us by His intercessions as that He should
redeem us with His blood. If He lets go His hold of us for one moment, Satan stands
ready to destroy. Those purchased by His blood, He now keeps by His intercession."
D Thursday
CHRIST'S WORK FOR US AND IN US January 12
9. What did Christ do in order to make a way of escape for us? 1 Peter 2:21-24;
Romans 5:8-10.
"Christ did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which He came
to do, and with His parting breath He exclaimed, 'It is finished.' John 19:30. The bat-
tle had been won. His right hand and His holy arm had gotten Him the victory. As a
Conqueror He planted His banner on the eternal heights. Was there not joy among
the angels? All heaven triumphed in the Saviour's victory. Satan was defeated, and
knew that his kingdom was lost.
"To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry, 'It is finished,' had a deep signifi-
cance. It was for them as well as for us that the great work of redemption had been ac-
complished. They with us share the fruits of Christ's victory."- The Desire ofAges, p. 758.
10. How are we benefited also by Christ's life of obedience? Romans 5:17-19.
"The law requires righteousness-a righteous life, a perfect character; and this
man has not to give. He cannot meet the claims of God's holy law. But Christ, coming
to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These He of-
fers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus
they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. More than
this, Christ imbues men with the attributes of God. He builds up the human character
after the similitude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual strength and
beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer in Christ.
God can 'be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.' Rom. 3:26."-The
Desire of Ages, p. 762.
D Friday
a. What standard of righteousness pronounces the whole world guilty before

God?
b. In what sense does every repentant sinner have to die before the law?
c. To satisfy the penalty imposed by the law, repentant sinners die through
man's substitute. Explain.
d. What did Christ mean when He said, "No man cometh unto the Father but by
me"?
e. What significance did Christ's exclamation on the cross, "It is finished,"
have for all intelligent beings? •
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CHRIST IN ALL THE BIBLE
"Anciently believers were saved by the same Saviour as now, but it was a
God veiled. They saw God's mercy in figures." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.
White Comments], vol. 7, p. 932.
KEY TEXT: "All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him [the first beast of
Revelation 13], whose names are not written in the book of life of the
Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Revelation 13:8.
o Sunday
GOD'S PROVISION THROUGH CHRIST January 15
1. As the possibility of the fall of man was foreseen, what provision was made
before the creation of the world? John 3:16; Revelation 13:8; Titus 1:1, 2; 2
Thessalonians 2:13.
"The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is
'the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world' (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a strug-
gle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race.
But 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' John 3:16. Oh, the
mystery of redemption! the love of God for a world that did not love Him! Who can
know the depths of that love which 'passeth knowledge'? Through endless ages im-
mortal minds, seeking to comprehend the mystery of that incomprehensible love, will
wonder and adore.
"God was to be manifest in Christ, 'reconciling the world unto Himself.' 2 Corin-
thians 5:19. Man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, in
himself, to come into harmony with Him whose nature is purity and goodness. But
Christ, after having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could impart
divine power to unite with human effort. Thus by repentance toward God and faith in
Christ the fallen children of Adam might once more become 'sons of God.' 1 John 3:2."
-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 63, 64.
2. Since when has the world been blessed with grace and truth from Christ?
John 1:17; 5:39; Ephesians 3:9. Give examples. John 8:56-58; 1 Corin-
thians 10:9.
"The power of Christ, the crucified Saviour, to give eternal life, should be pre-
sented to the people. We should show them that the Old Testament is as verily the
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gospel in types and shadows as the New Testament is in its unfolding power. The
New Testament does not present a new religion; the Old Testament does not present
a religion to be superseded by the New. The New Testament is only the advancement
and unfolding of the Old."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 392.
D Monday
OUR FIRST PARENTS KNEW THE SAVIOUR January 16
3. What evidence shows that Christ with His merits was available to our first
parents as verily as He is to us? Genesis 3:15.
"To man the first intimation of redemption was communicated in the sentence
pronounced upon Satan in the garden. The Lord declared, '1 will put enmity between
thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and
thou shalt bruise his heel.' Genesis 3:15. This sentence, uttered in the hearing of our
first parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, it
declared that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken. Adam and
Eve stood as criminals before the righteous Judge, awaiting the sentence which trans-
gression had incurred; but before they heard of the life of toil and sorrow which must
be their portion, or of the decree that they must return to dust, they listened to words
that could not fail to give them hope. Though they must suffer from the power of their
mighty foe, they could look forward to final victory."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 65,
66.
"As he [Adam] looked upon the bleeding victim, writhing in the agonies of death,
he was to look forward by faith to the Son of God.... As Adam was slaying the inno-
cent victim, it seemed to him that he was shedding the blood of the Son of God by his
own hand."-The Story of Redemption, p. 50.
4. What witness did Abel obtain concerning his stand before God? Hebrews
11:4; 1 John 3:12; Matthew 23:35. How did he become righteous?
"Abel grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw himself a sinner, and
he saw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and communion with
God. He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of
the law that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to the future
sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was
there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted."
-Patn'archs and Prophets, p. 72.
"Abel was a believer in Christ, and was as verily saved by His power as was Peter
or Paul."- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 392.
o Tuesday
ENOCH AND NOAH WERE CHRISTIANS January 17
5. What experience did Enoch have with Christ? Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5;
Jude 14.
"That God who walked with Enoch was our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He
was the light of the world then just as He is now. Those who lived then were not
without teachers to instruct them in the path of life; for Noah and Enoch were Chris-
tians."- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 392.
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6. What is written about the character of Noah? Genesis 6:9; 7:1. Where in the
Bible is the evidence that Noah knew Christ? 1 Peter 3:18-20; 1:10, 11.
o Wednesday
ABRAHAM'S WAY THE ONLY WAY January 18
7. In what way was Abraham justified? Galatians 3:8; Romans 4:1-3,8-12,

21,22. How important before God is obedience? James 2:20-24; Luke 1:6.
What decision must repentant sinners make before they can be justified and
blessed as was faithful Abraham? Galatians 3:7-9.
"Abraham believed God. How do we know that he believed? His works testified
to the character of his faith, and his faith was accounted to him for righteousness. We
need the faith of Abraham in our day, to lighten the darkness that gathers around us,
shutting out the sweet sunlight of God's love, and dwarfing spiritual growth. Our faith
should be prolific of good works; for faith without works is dead."- The Faith I Live By,
p.115.
"Those who are justified by faith must have a heart to keep the way of the Lord.
It is an evidence that a man is not justified by faith when his works do not correspond
to his profession. James says, 'Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by
works was his faith made perfect?' (James 2:22).
"The faith that does not produce good works does not justify the soul." -Selected
Messages, book 1, p. 397.
8. What is written about the character of Lot and Job? 2 Peter 2:7,8; Job 1:1.
D Thursday
THE SAME SAVIOUR AND THE SAME CONDITION January 19
9. What evidence does Paul give that the gospel was revealed to the Jews in the
wilderness and that Christ was not a stran'ger to them? Hebrews 4:2; 1 Cor-
inthians 10:4.
"Every soul saved in the former dispensation was saved by Christ as verily as we
are saved by Him today. Patriarchs and prophets were Christians....
"Shrouded in the pillar of cloud, the world's Redeemer held communion with
Israel. Let us not say, then, that they had not Christ. When the people thirsted in the
wilderness, and gave themselves up to murmuring and complaint, Christ was to them
what He is to us-a Saviour full of tender compassion, the Mediator between them
and God."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1061.
10. What has been the condition of eternal life ever since the Fall? 1 Peter 4:18.
What is implied in the sentence, "Thou shalt be recompensed at the resur·
rection of the just" (Luke 14: 14)?
"The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been-just what it
was in Paradise before the fall of our first parents-perfect obedience to the law of
God, perfect righteousness. If eternal life were granted on any condition short of this,
(Continued on page 18)
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RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH
"As the penitent sinner, contrite before God, discerns Chrisfs atonement in
his behalf, and accepts this atonement as his only hope in this life and the
future life, his sins are pardoned. This is justification by faith." - The SDA Bible
Commentary [E.G. White Comments), vol. 6, p. 1070. .
KEY TEXT: "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this
man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38.
o Sunday
HOW FAITH WORKS January 22
1. What is the only way whereby we may be justified (pardoned)? Romans 3:23-
26; Acts 13:38.
"When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he deserves, and treats
him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and justifies him
through the merits of Christ's righteousness. The sinner can be justified only through
faith in the atonement made through God's dear Son, who became a sacrifice for the
sins of the guilty world. No one can be justified by any works of his own. He can be
delivered from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from the penalty of
transgression, only by virtue of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith
is the only condition upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes not
only belief but trust."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 389.
2. How does the Bible show that only repentant sinners can obtain justification
(pardon) by faith? What description is given of the process of repentance?
Luke 18:13, 14; Acts 5:31; 8:32; 2 Corinthians 7:10.
"As we look into the divine mirror, the law of God, we see the exceeding sin-
fulness of sin, and our own lost condition as transgressors. But by repentance and
faith we are justified before God, and through divine grace enabled to renderobe-
dience to His commandments."-The Sanctified Life, p. 81.
"Through repentance and faith we are rid of sin, and look unto the Lord our
righteousness.... In order to obtain the righteousness of Christ, it is necessary for
the sinner to know what that repentance is which works a radical change of mind and
spirit and action. The work of transformation must begin in the heart. ... He [the sin-
ner] must come to Jesus, just as he is, without delay. He must believe that the word of
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Christ is true, and, believing the promise, ask, that he may receive.... The Lord will
fulfill His word, and will give the Holy Spirit to lead to repentance toward God and
faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. He will pray and watch, and put away his sins,
making manifest his sincerity by the vigor of his endeavor to obey the command-
ments of God.... Christ pardons none but the penitent, but whom He pardons He
first makes penitent. The provision made is complete, and the eternal righteousness
of Christ is placed to the account of every believing soul. ... Having made us
righteous through the imputed righteousness of Christ, God pronounces us just, and
treats us as just."-Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 393, 394.
D Monday
HOW FAITH WORKS (continued) January 23
3. When repentant sinners are justified, what else do they experience? 1 John
1:9; 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11.
"God is waiting to bestow the blessing of forgiveness, of pardon for iniquity, of

the gifts of righteousness, upon all who will believe in His love and accept the salva-
tion He offers. Christ is ready to say to the repentant sinner, 'Behold, I have caused
thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.' The
blood of Jesus Christ is the eloquent plea that speaks in behalf of sinners. This blood
'cleanseth us from all sin.' "-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 517.
"You are to come depending upon the Sun of Righteousness, believing that Christ
has taken away your sins and imputed to you His righteousness."-Selected Messages,
book 1, p. 328.
"The so-called faith that does not work by love and purify the soul will not justify
any man."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 936.
4. What symbol describes the work of justification in Zechariah 3:4, 5?
"The filthy garments are removed; for Christ says, 'I have caused thine iniquity
to pass from thee.' The iniquity is transferred to the innocent, the pure, the holy Son
of God; and man, all undeserving, stands before the Lord cleansed from all unrigh-
teousness, and clothed with the imputed righteousness of Christ. Oh, what a change
of raiment is this!"-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1178.
"His [Joshua's] own sins and those of his people were pardoned. Israel was cloth-
ed with 'change of raiment'-the righteousness of Christ imputed to them."-Prophets
and Kings, p. 584.
"The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed."-Messages to Young Peo-
ple, p. 35.
D Tuesday
FAITH AND OBEDIENCE January 24
5. What evidence do we have that no man can be justified in transgression?

Matthew 1:21; John 8:11; Romans 6:1-7 (verse 7, marginal reading); He-
brews 10:26.
"There is no safety nor repose nor justification in transgression of the law."-Se-

lected Messages, book 1, p. 213.
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"[N]o man can cover his soul with the garments of Christ's righteousness while
practicing known sins."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 366.
"God requires of all His subjects obedience, entire obedience to all His command-
ments. He demands now as ever perfect righteousness as the only title to heaven.
Christ is our hope and our refuge. His righteousness is imputed only to the obedient."
"He [God] will be reconciled to repentant and obedient men."-Ibid., vol. 5, p. 1150.
6. Although our present obedience cannot be the basis of our justification

(remission of past sins), since we are justified (pardoned) only by grace
through faith (Romans 3:24, 25, 28), what does genuine faith require and
establish? Romans 3:31; Galatians 5:6 (last part); 1 John 5:3.
"Some will not make a right use of the doctrine of justification by faith. They will
present it in a one-sided manner.
"Others will seize the ideas that have not been correctly presented, and will go
clear over the mark, ignoring works altogether."-Selected Messages, book 2, p. 20.
"The faith which avails to bring us in vital contact with Christ expresses on our
part supreme preference, perfect reliance, entire consecration. This faith works by
love and purifies the soul. It works in the life of the follower of Christ true obedience
to God's commandments; for love to God and love to man will be the result of vital
connection with Christ."-Ibid., book 1, p. 334.
"In order for man to be justified by faith, faith must reach a point where it will
control the affections and impulses of the heart; and it is by obedience that faith itself
is made perfect."-Ibid., p. 366.
"When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has just begun." -Ibid., book 2, p. 20.
D Wednesday
TRUE FAITH VS. FALSE FAITH January 25
7. What is the main distinction between true faith and false faith (presump-
tion)? James 2:18-20; 1 John 2:3, 4.
8. What words of Christ condemn profession without corresponding works?

Matthew 7:21-23; 23:1-3.
"God has made us the depositaries of His holy word; what have we done with the
light and truth given us to make men wise unto salvation? No value is attached to a
mere profession of faith in Christ; only the love which is shown by works is counted
genuine."-The Great Controversy, p. 487.
D Thursday
LAW AND GRACE BOUND TOGETHER January 26
9. How did Christ show that God's mercy cannot be dissociated from His righ-
teousness? Psalm 85:10.
"God's love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy. Justice is
the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love. It had been Satan's purpose to
divorce mercy from truth and justice. He sought to prove that the righteousness of
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God's law is an enemy to peace. But Christ shows that in God's plan they are indis-
solubly joined together; the one cannot exist without the other. 'Mercy and truth are
met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.' Psalm 85:10.
"By His life and His death, Christ proved that God's justice did not destroy His
mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that the law is righteous, and can be
perfectly obeyed. Satan's charges were refuted. God had given man unmistakable
evidence of His love.
"Another deception was now to be brought forward. Satan declared that mercy
destroyed justice, that the death of Christ abrogated the Father's law. Had it been
possible for the law to be changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have died. But
to abrogate the law would be to immortalize transgression, and place the world under
Satan's control."- The Desire of Ages, pp. 762, 763.
10. What proves that the law of God and the grace of Christ are inseparable?
Romans 5:20; 6:1, 2; 7:7.
"The grace of Christ and the law of God are inseparable. In Jesus mercy and truth
are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other. In His life and
character He not only reveals the character of God, but the possibility of man. He was
the representative of God and the exemplar of humanity. He presented to the world
what humanity might become when united by faith with divinity.' '-Selected Messages,
book 1, p. 349.
D Friday
a. What is justification? On what condition can sinners be justified?
b. Explain Zechariah 3:4, 5 and 1 John 1:9 in connection with justification.
c. "Some will not make a right use of the doctrine of justification by faith." Ex-
plain.
d. In what way is genuine faith revealed? What is presumption?
e. Show that the law cannot be divorced from God's grace. •
(Continued from page 14)

then the happiness of the whole universe would be imperiled. The way would be open
for sin, with all its train of woe and misery, to be immortalized."-Steps to Christ, p. 62.
D Friday
a. How can the fallen sons of Adam become once more sons of God?
b. What is the meaning of God's declaration in Genesis 3:15?
c. What do we know about the character of Enoch and Noah? On what ground
do we believe that they both knew Christ?
d. Explain the seeming contradiction between Romans 4:1-3 and James 2:20-24.
e. In what way were souls saved before the first coming of Christ to the world? •
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Lesson 5 Sabbath, February 4, 1989
REPENTANCE AND CONVERSION
"It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul
temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early
rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 214.
KEY TEXT: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted
out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the
Lord." Acts 3:19.
D Sunday
A GENUINE REFORMAnON January 29
1. What exhortation to repentance and conversion comes to us through Joel?

Joel 2:12, 13,28. What evidence shows that this message refers to the time
of the end? Joel 2:30, 31.
2. What will the saints experience after their repentance and conversion and
after their sins have been blotted out in the judgment? Acts 3: 19. What will
happen to those who remain unreformed?
"I was shown that if God's people make no efforts on their part, but wait for the
refreshing to come upon them and remove their wrongs and correct their errors; if
they depend upon that to cleanse them from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and fit
them to engage in the loud cry of the third angel, they will be found wanting. The re-
freshing or power of God comes only on those who have prepared themselves for it by
doing the work which God bids them, namely, cleansing themselves from all filthiness
of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 619.
D Monday
REPENTANCE: AN URGENT NEED January 30
3. When Pharisees and Sadducees flocked to the baptism of John, what did he
say to them? Luke 3:7-9. In what sense is the reproof of the prophet appli-
cable to many in our day?
-19 -
"None are further from the kingdom of Heaven than self-righteous formalists, filled
with pride at their own attainments, while they are wholly destitute of the spirit of
Christ; while envy, jealousy, or love of praise and popularity controls them. They
belong to the same class that John addressed as a generation of vipers, children of the
wicked one. Such persons are among us, unseen, unsuspected. They serve the cause
of Satan more effectively than the vilest profligate; for the latter does not disguise his
true character; he appears what he is.
"God requires fruit meet for repentance. Without such fruit our profession of
faith is of no value."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 226.
4. When sinners are aroused to their true condition, what question will they
ask? Acts 2:37. What is the first step they should take? Acts 2:38 (first part).
"How shall a man be just with God? How shall the sinner be made righteous? It is
only through Christ that we can be brought into harmony with God, with holiness; but
•
how are we to come to Christ? Many are asking the same question as did the multi-
tude on the Day of Pentecost, when, convicted of sin, they cried out, 'What shall we
do?' The first word of Peter's answer was, 'Repent.' "-Steps to Christ, p. 23. •
o Tuesday
REPENTANCE - TRUE AND FALSE January 31
5. In whose experience do we see an example of true repentance? Psalm 32:1-7.
"David's repentance was sincere and deep. There was no effort to palliate his
crime. No desire to escape the judgments threatened, inspired his prayer. But he saw
the enormity of his transgression against God; he saw the defilement of his soul; he
loathed his sin. It was not for pardon only that he prayed, but for purity of heart.
David did not in despair give over the struggle. In the promises of God to repentant
sinners, he saw the evidence of his pardon and acceptance."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
p.725.
6. What is false repentance? Give examples. Hebrews 12:15-17; Matthew 27:4.
"There are many who fail to understand the true nature of repentance. Multi-
tudes sorrow that they have sinned and even make an outward reformation because
they fear that their wrongdoing will bring suffering upon themselves. But this is not
repentance in the Bible sense. They lament the suffering rather that the sin. Such was
the grief of Esau when he saw that the birthright was lost to him forever. Balaam, ter-
rified by the angel standing in his pathway with drawn sword, acknowledged his guilt
lest he should lose his life; but there was no genuine repentance for sin, no conversion
of purpose, no abhorrence of evil. Judas Iscariot, after betraying his Lord, exclaimed,
'I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.' Matthew 27:4.
"The confession was forced from his guilty soul by an awful sense of condemna-
tion and a fearful looking for of judgment. The consequences that were to result to
him filled him with terror, but there was no deep, heartbreaking grief in his soul, that
he had betrayed the spotless Son of God and denied the Holy One of Israel. Pharaoh,
when suffering under the judgments of God, acknowledged his sin in order to escape
further punishment, but returned to his defiance of Heaven as soon as the plagues
were stayed. These all lamented the results of sin, but did not sorrow for the sin
itself."-Steps to Christ, pp. 23, 24.
- 20-
o Wednesday
'WHAT IS CONVERSION? February 1
7. When repentance is followed by conversion, what change will be seen in the

life? Ezekiel 36:25-27.
"When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole be-
ing. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and
fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes,
new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?-A changed life. There is a daily, hour-
ly dying to selfishness and pride."-Messages to Young People, p. 72.
8. What is the evidence of genuine conversion? 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6.
"Peace and rest will come to you as you bring your will into subjection to the will
of Christ. Then the love of Christ will rule in the heart, bringing into captivity to the
Saviour the secret springs of action. The hasty, easily roused temper will be soothed
and subdued by the oil of Christ's grace. The sense of sins forgiven will bring that
peace that passeth all understanding. There will be an earnest striving to overcome
all that is opposed to Christian perfection. Variance will disappear. He who once
found fault with those around him will see that far greater faults exist in his own
character."-Messages to Young People, p. 73.
o Thursday
TRUE CONVERSION EXPLAINED IN SYMBOLS February 2
9. Under what symbols was the experience of conversion presented to Nicode-

mus? John 3:3-15.
"The light shining from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is drawing us
to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross in
repentance for the sins that have crucified the Saviour. Then the Spirit of God
through faith produces a new life in the soul. The thoughts and desires are brought in-
to obedience to the will of Christ. The heart, the mind, are created anew in the image
of Him who works in us to subdue all things to Himself."-The Desire of Ages, p. 176.
10. In what parable did Jesus refer to the same experience? Matthew 13:33;
Luke 13:20,21.
"The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the whole mass under its
leavening process; so the leaven of truth works secretly, silently, steadily, to trans-
form the soul. The natural inclinations are softened and subdued. New thoughts, new
feelings, new motives, are implanted. A new standard of character is set up-the life
of Christ. The mind is changed; the faculties are roused to action in new lines. Man is
not endowed with new faculties, but the faculties he has are sanctified. The con-
science is awakened. We are endowed with traits of character that enable us to do
service for God."-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 98, 99.
"The leaven of truth works a change in the whole man, making the coarse refined,
the rough gentle, the selfish generous. By it the impure are cleansed, washed in the
(Continued on page 31)
- 21-
CHRIST AS ALL AND IN ALL
"The whole work is the Lord's from the beginning to the end." -Selected Messages,
book 1, p. 392.
KEY TEXT: "Christ is all, and in all." Colossians 3:11.

D Sunday
MAN WITHOUT CHRIST AVAILS NOTHING February 5
1. Through what illustration does the Bible show that man cannot cleanse him-
self or make himself righteous? Jeremiah 13:23. Whereby can we see that
even our faith must be aided by the Lord? Luke 17:5.
2. How much can a sinner accomplish without Christ? John 15:5 (last part); 2
Corinthians 4:7. What lesson can be learned from the altar of incense and
from the censer? Revelation 8:3, 4.
"The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin as-
cend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through
the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood,
they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless
the Intercessor, who is at God's right hand, presents and purifies all by His righteous-
ness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist
with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer
of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this
censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He
puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ's pro-
pitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then
gracious answers are returned."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 344.
D Monday ,1
LESSONS FROM THE OFFERING OF CAIN February 6
3. What was the difference between the offering of Cain and that of Abel?
Genesis 4:3,4; Hebrews 11:4. What lesson does that early experience con·
tain for us?
"Cain and Abel represent two classes that will exist in the world till the close of
time. One class avail themselves of the appointed sacrifice for sin; the other venture
- 22-
to depend upon their own merits; theirs is a sacrifice without the virtue of divine
mediation, and thus it is not able to bring man into favor with God. It is only through
the merits of Jesus that our transgressions can be pardoned. Those who feel no need
of the blood of Christ, who feel that without divine grace they can by their own works
secure the approval of God, are making the same mistake as did Cain. If they do not
accept the cleansing blood, they are under condemnation. There is no other provision
made whereby they can be released from the thralldom of sin." -Patriarchs and Proph-
ets, pp. 72, 73.
4. What lesson should we learn from the mistake of the Jews who, through
their own efforts, tried to become righteous in the eyes of the law? Romans
9:31,32.
"He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law, is at-
.~ tempting an impossibility. Man cannot be saved without obedience, but his works
should not be of himself; Christ should work in him to will and to do of His good
pleasure. If a man could save himself by his own works, he might have something in
himself in which to rejoice. The effort that man makes in his own strength to obtain
salvation, is represented by the offering of Cain. All that man can do without Christ is
polluted with selfishness and sin; but that which is wrought through faith is acceptable
to God." -Selected Messages, book 1, p. 364.
o Tuesday
GOD LOVED US FIRST February 7
5. What is the first step taken by Christ to save sinners? Revelation 3:20;
22:17.
"To every soul Christ's invitation will be given. The messengers are saying,
'Come; for all things are now ready.' Heavenly angels are still working in cooperation
with human agencies. The Holy Spirit is presenting every inducement to constrain
you to come. Christ is watching for some sign that will betoken the removing of the
bolts and the opening of the door of your heart for His entrance."-Christ's Object
Lessons, p. 237.
6. What is the constraining motive that makes our restoration possible? Jere-
miah 31:3; 1 John 4:9-12; Titus 3:3-5.
"With untold love our God has loved us, and our love awakens toward Him as we
comprehend something of the length and breadth and depth and height of this love
that passeth knowledge. By the revelation of the attractive loveliness of Christ, by the
knowledge of His love expressed to us while we were yet sinners, the stubborn heart
is melted and subdued, and the sinner is transformed and becomes a child of heaven.
God does not employ compulsory measures; love is the agent which He uses to expel
sin from the heart. By it He changes pride into humility, and enmity and unbelief into
love and faith."-Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 76, 77.
o Wednesday
THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS TO REPENTANCE February 8
7. By whom are sinners convinced of their sins and of God's righteousness?

John 16:7,8.
- 23-
"When sincere desire prompts men to pray, they will not pray in vain. The Lord
will fulfill His word, and will give the Holy Spirit to lead to repentance toward God
and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 393.
8. What evidence shows that man can find repentance only if his heart is im-
pressed by the Holy Spirit? 2 Timothy 2:25; Romans 2:4; Acts 11:18.
"Repentance is thought to be a work the sinner must do for himself in order that
he may come to Christ. They think that the sinner must procure for himself a fitness
in order to obtain the blessing of God's grace. But while it is true that repentance
must precede forgiveness, for it is only the broken and contrite heart that is accept-
able to God, yet the sinner cannot bring himself to repentance, or prepare himself to
come to Christ. Except the sinner repent, he cannot be forgiven; but the question to
be decided is as to whether repentance is the work of the sinner or the gift of Christ.
Must the sinner wait until he is filled with remorse for his sin before he can come to
Christ? The very first step to Christ is taken through the drawing of the Spirit of God;
as man responds to this drawing, he advances toward Christ in order that he may re-
pent.
"The sinner is represented as a lost sheep, and a lost sheep never returns to the
fold unless he is sought after and brought back to the fold by the shepherd. No man of
himself can repent, and make himself worthy of the blessing of justification. The
Lord Jesus is constantly seeking to impress the sinner's mind and attract him to
behold Himself, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. We can-
not take a step toward spiritual life save as Jesus draws and strengthens the soul, and
leads us to experience that repentance which needeth not to be repented of." -Selected
Messages, book 1, pp. 390, 391.
D Thursday
ONLY CHRIST CAN CLEANSE SINNERS February 9
9. Through what illustration does the Holy Spirit teach that man can be puri-
fied only by the power of God? Acts 11:1-12; 10:28; 15:8,9.
10. In what words did Christ announce His mission in this respect? John 8:34-36
(d. Matthew 1:21; Luke 4:18).
"Jesus died, not to save man in his sins, but/rom his sins. Man is to leave the er-
ror of his ways, to follow the example of Christ, to take up his cross and follow Him,
denying self, and obeying God at any cost."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 251.
.J
D Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS February 10
a. With reference to Revelation 8:3, 4, what explanation does Sister White give
in Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 344?
b. How was the spirit of Cain revealed, to some extent, in the religion of the
Jews?
c. What is the first step taken by God in His effort to save sinners?
d. Through whom and how is the Lord constantly seeking to help sinners?
e. Explain the meaning of the vision given to Peter in Acts 10:9-17. •
- 24-
VICTORY THROUGH CHRIST
"The victory that Jesus gained in the wilderness is a pledge to you of the vic-
tory that you may gain through His name. Your only hope and salvation is in
overcoming as Christ overcame."-Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 457.
KEY TEXT: "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
that loved us." Romans 8:37.
o Sunday
GOD SPEAKS TO US February 12
1. What are some of the ways in which God speaks to man? 2 Timothy 3:15-17;
John 16:13; Psalms 34:8, 17, 18; 9:16.
"There are three ways in which the Lord reveals His will to us, to guide us, and to
fit us to guide others. How may we know His voice from that of a stranger? How shall
we distinguish it from the voice of a false shepherd? God reveals His will to us in His
word, the Holy Scriptures. His voice is also revealed in His providential workings;
and it will be recognized if we do not separate our souls from Him by walking in our
own ways, doing according to our own wills, and following the promptings of an un-
sanctified heart, until the senses have become so confused that eternal things are not
discerned, and the voice of Satan is so disguised that it is accepted as the voice of
God.
"Another way in which God's voice is heard is through the appeals of His Holy
Spirit, making impressions upon the heart, which will be wrought out in the charac-
ter."-Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 512.
2. In what terms did Christ state that our ability to know truth is dependent
upon our willingness to obey the will of God? John 7:17.
"Man's advantages for obtaining a knowledge of the truth, however great these
may be, will prove of no benefit to him unless the heart is open to receive the truth,
and there is a conscientious surrender of every habit and practice that is opposed to
its principles. To those who thus yield themselves to God, having an honest desire to
know and to do His will, the truth is revealed as the power of God for their salvation.
These will be able to distinguish between him who speaks for God, and him who
speaks merely from himself."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 455, 456.
- 25-
D Monday
CHRIST KNOCKS AT THE DOOR February 13
3. What does Christ do in order to arouse professed believers from their slum-
ber? Revelation 3:20 (first part).
"The heavenly Guest is standing at your door, while you are piling up obstruc-
tions to bar His entrance."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7,
p.967.
4. By what means does Christ knock at the door of the heart? (Note.) How do
people differ in their reaction to the voice of Jesus? Hebrews 3:15, 13;
Revelation 3:20 (middle part). What danger does the Spirit of Prophecy
point out?
..
j
"Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or through His messen- ;,
gers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking for entrance." ,
- The Desire of Ages, pp. 489, 490.
"Jesus is knocking through the prosperity He gives you. He loads you with bless-
ings to test your fidelity, that they may flow out from you to others. Will you permit
your selfishness to triumph?"-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7,
p.967.
"Beware of procrastination. Do not put off the work of forsaking your sins and
seeking purity of heart through Jesus. Here is where thousands upon thousands have
erred to their eternal loss. I will not here dwell upon the shortness and uncertainty of
life; but there is a terrible danger-a danger not sufficiently understood-in delaying
to yield to the pleading voice of God's Holy Spirit, in choosing to live in sin; for such
this delay really is. Sin, however small it may be esteemed, can be indulged in only at
the peril of infinite loss. What we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out
our destruction."-Steps to Christ, pp. 32, 33.
D Tuesday
CHRIST OPENS OUR EYES February 14
5. What does Christ offer us in order to enable us to see our spiritual needs?
Revelation 3: 18 (last part).
"[T]he oil for anointing is the oil of His grace, which will give spiritual eyesight to
the soul in blindness and darkness, that he may distinguish between the workings of
the Spirit of God and the spirit of the enemy."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White
Comments], vol. 7, p. 966.
6. What prayer should we offer continually in connection with our self-examina-

tion? Psalms 139:23,24; 19:12, 13; 119:34.
o Wednesday
CONQUERORS THROUGH CHRIST February 15
7. What should we do as soon as our eyes are opened and we begin to see our
great needs? 1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 12:1,2. What assurance does Christ give
us if we come to Him the way we are? John 6:37.
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"We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of
righteousness and holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pat-
tern man. His experience is the measure of the experience that we are to gain. His
character is our model. Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the dif-
ficulties of this life, and fix them on Him, that by beholding we may be changed into
His likeness."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 970.
8. What is the experience of a repentant sinner when conviction takes hold

upon his mind and heart and he reaches for the stretched-out arm of the
Lord? 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Romans 8:37.
"[W]hen the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God, the conscience will
be quickened, and the sinner will discern something of the depth and sacredness of
God's holy law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. The 'Light,
which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,' illumines the secret chambers
of the soul, and the hidden things of darkness are made manifest. John 1:9. Convic-
tion takes hold upon the mind and heart. The sinner has a sense of the righteousness
of Jehovah and feels the terror of appearing, in his own guilt and uncleanness, before
the Searcher of hearts. He sees the love of God, the beauty of holiness, the joy of puri-
ty; he longs to be cleansed and to be restored to communion with Heaven." -Steps to
Christ, p. 24.
o Thursday
THE NEW MAN February 16
9. What change shows the end of the old life and the beginning of the new life?
Ephesians 4:24; 5: 18-21. What are the fruits of a life that has been changed
by the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:23, 24.
10. To what does the Bible liken the renewal of heart through which we become
children of God? John 3:3; 1 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:9.
"When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sin-
ful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take
the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the coun-
tenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or
beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith
the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see
creates a new being in the image of God."-The Desire of Ages, p. 173.
D Friday
a. Why are only some, and not all, in a position to understand the truth?
b. What means does Christ use in knocking at the door of the heart? What dan-
ger does procrastination involve?
c. How can our spiritual eyes be opened?
d. What is the experience of a repentant sinner when he beholds Christ and
yields to the influence of the Holy Spirit?
e. Describe the experience of the "new man"-the conqueror through Christ.•
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MAN MUST DO HIS PART
"God wishes us to have the mastery over ourselves. But He cannot help us
without our consent and cooperation." - The Acts of the Apostles, p. 482.
KEY TEXT: "Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken." Luke 20:18.
o Sunday
ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN February 19
1. How is Christ's bride (the remnant church) made ready for the symbolic mar-
riage? Revelation 19:7, 8 (d. 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:27).
"The church is the bride, the Lamb's wife. She should keep herself pure, sanc-
tified, holy.... God warns us not to defile our garments." - The SDA Bible Commentary
[E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 986.
2. What will enable us to stand before the throne of God? Revelation 7:14, 15.
D Monday
WE ACCEPT THE OFFER February 20
3. What does Christ offer us in His counsel to the Laodiceans? Revelation 3:18.
"Jesus is going from door to door, standing in front of every soul temple, pro-
claiming, 'I stand at the door, and knock.' As a heavenly merchantman, He opens His
treasures and cries, 'Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and
white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do
not appear.' The gold that He offers is without alloy, more precious than that of
Ophir; for it is faith and love. The white raiment He invites the soul to wear is His
own robe of righteousness; and the oil for anointing is the oil of His grace, which will
give spiritual eyesight to the soul in blindness and darkness." - The SDA Bible Commen-
tary [E.G, White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 965, 966.
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4. What is the only thing that man can do, and must do, to ensure his salvation?
John 7:37, 38; Revelation 22:17 (last part).
"Let no one take the limited, narrow position that any of the works of man can
help in the least possible way to liquidate the debt of his transgression. This is a fatal
deception. If you would understand it, you must cease haggling over your pet ideas,
and with humble hearts survey the atonement. This matter is so dimly comprehended
that thousands upon thousands claiming to be sons of God are children of the wicked
one, because they will depend on their own works. God always demanded good
works, the law demands it, but because man placed himself in sin where his good
works were valueless, Jesus' righteousness alone can avail. Christ is able to save to
the uttermost because He ever liveth to make intercession for us. All that man can
possibly do toward his own salvation is to accept the invitation, 'Whosoever will, let
him take the water of life freely' (Rev. 22:17). No sin can be committed by man for
which satisfaction has not been met on Calvary."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 343.
"The righteousness of Christ is presented as a free gift to the sinner if he will ac-
cept it. He has nothing of his own but what is tainted and corrupted, polluted with sin,
utterly repulsive to a pure and holy God. Only throught the righteous character of
Jesus Christ can man come nigh to God."-Ibid., p. 342.
"The first step toward salvation is to respond to the drawing of the love of Christ."
-Ibid., p. 323.
D Tuesday
WE CONFESS AND PLEAD WITH GOD February 21
5. In what terms does the Bible emphasize the need for confession? Proverbs
28:13; 1 John 1:9; James 5:16.
"The only reason that we have not remission of sin is that we have not acknowl-
edged to Him whom we have wounded by our transgressions, whom we have pierced
by our sins, that we are at fault, and in need of mercy. The confession that is the out-
pouring of the inmost soul will find its way to the heart of infinite pity; for the Lord is
nigh unto him that is of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
"How mistaken are those who imagine that confession of sin will detract from
their dignity, and lessen their influence among their fellow men. Clinging to this er-
roneous idea, though seeing their faults, many fail to confess them, but rather pass by
the wrongs they have done others, so embittering their own lives, and shadowing the
lives of others. It will not hurt your dignity to confess your sins. Away with this false
dignity. Fall on the Rock and be broken, and Christ will give you the true and heaven-
ly dignity. Let not pride, self-esteem, or self-righteousness keep anyone from confess-
ing his sin, that he may claim the promise."-Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 326, 327.
6. What prayer of David should ascend from every repentant heart? Psalm
51:1-14. What spiritual hunger will prompt such prayer?
"Have you a sense of want in your soul? Do you hunger and thirst after righteous-
ness? Then this is an evidence that Christ has wrought upon your heart, and created
this sense of need, in order that He may be sought after to do those things for you
through the endowment of His Holy Spirit which it is impossible for you to do for
yourself. The Lord specifies no conditions except that you hunger for His mercy,
desiring His counsel, and long for His love. 'Ask!' The asking makes it manifest that
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you realize your necessity, and if you ask in faith, you will receive." -Selected Messages,
book 1, p. 332.
D Wednesday
WE BELIEVE February 22
7. How was David justified by faith? And how can we be justified? Romans
4:6-8.
"You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them away. You have resolved to
give yourself to God. Now go to Him, and ask that He will wash away your sins and
give you a new heart. Then believe that He does this because He has promised. This is
the lesson which Jesus taught while he was on earth, that the gift which God promises
us, we must believe we do receive, and it is ours."-Steps to Christ, pp. 49, 50.
8. What lesson may we learn from the healing miracles of Christ in connection
with His power to forgive us and cleanse us? Matthew 9:6, 7; John 5:5-9.
"Let us turn to the story of the paralytic at Bethesda. The poor sufferer was
helpless; he had not used his limbs for thirty-eight years. Yet Jesus bade him, 'Rise,
take up thy bed, and walk.' The sick man might have said, 'Lord, if Thou wilt make
me whole, I will obey Thy word.' But, no, he believed Christ's word, believed that he
was made whole, and he made the effort at once; he willed to walk, and he did walk.
He acted on the word of Christ, and God gave the power. He was made whole.
"In like manner you are a sinner. You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot
change your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you
through Christ. You believe that promise. You confess your sins and give yourself to
God. You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you do this, God will fulfill His word to
you. If you believe the promise-believe that you are forgiven and cleansed-God sup-
plies the fact; you are made whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic power to walk
when the man believed that he was healed. It is so if you believe it." -Steps to Christ, pp.
50, 51.
D Thursday
WE YIELD February 23
9. When we are impressed by the Holy Spirit, whereby do we show our consent
and cooperation before we can be cleansed and clothed with change of rai-
ment (Zech. 3:4)? John 1:12; 14:23; Revelation 3:20; 1 John 1:7.
"The sinner cannot depend upon his own good works as a means of justification.
He must come to the point where he will renounce all his sin, and embrace one degree
of light after another as it shines upon his pathway. He simply grasps by faith the free
and ample provision made in the blood of Christ."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.
"But while God can be just, and yet justify the sinner through the merits of
Christ, no man can cover his soul with the garments of Christ's righteousness while
practicing known sins, or neglecting known duties. God requires the entire surrender
of the heart, before justification can take place; and in order for man to retain justifi-
cation, there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith that works by
love and purifies the soul." -Selected Messages, book 1, p. 366.
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10. Through what experience must we go so that Christ's righteousness may
become our righteousness? Luke 20:18 (first part). What does it mean to fall
upon the Rock?
"With the confession of the repenting, believing sinner, Christ mingles His own
righteousness, that the prayer of the fallen man may go up as fragrant incense before
the Father, and the grace of God be imparted to the believing soul. Jesus says to the
trembling, repenting soul: 'Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace
with me; and he shall make peace with me' (Isa. 27:5). 'Come now, and let us reason
together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as
snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool' (Isa. 1:18). Will you let
Him reason with you? Will you commit to Him the keeping of your soul as unto a
faithful Creator? Come then, and let us live in the light of His countenance, and pray,
as did David, 'Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow' (Ps. 51:7). By faith apply the blood of Christ to your heart, for that
alone can make you whiter than snow. But you say, 'This surrender of all my idols
will break my heart.' This giving up of all for God is represented by your falling upon
the Rock and being broken. Then give up all for Him; for unless you are broken, you
are worthless.
"When you turn away from the broken cisterns that can hold no water, and in the
name of Jesus your Advocate come directly to God, asking for the things you need,
the righteousness of Christ will be revealed as your righteousness, the virtue of Christ
as your virtue. You will then understand that justification will come alone through
faith in Christ."-Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 329, 330.
D Friday
a. Describe the symbolic bride standing before the throne of God.
b. What does Christ offer us in Revelation 3:18 and how do we accept the offer?
c. Show the difference between right and wrong ideas of confession.
d. Show the relationship between faith and the experience mentioned in 1 John
1:9.
e. Show how faith, together with pardon and cleansing, depends on complete
surrender of the soul to Christ. •
(Continued from page 21)

"* * "* * "* * "*
blood of the Lamb. Through its life-giving power it brings all there is of mind and soul
and strength into harmony with the divine life. Man with his human nature be-
comes a partaker of divinity. Christ is honored in excellence and perfection of char-
acter."-Ibid., p. 102.
D Friday
a. According to the Spirit of Prophecy, how should we understand Acts 3:19?
b. Explain the statement: "Bring forth fruit worthy of (or meet for) repentance."
c. Explain the difference between true and false repentance. Give examples.
d. What change will testify to genuine conversion?
e. Describe a born again Christian. •
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Lesson 9 Sabbath, March 4, 1989
YIELDING OUR WILL TO HIM
"The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his
own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the
control of God," - The Desire of Ages, p. 300.
KEY TEXT: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek
to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:24.
D Sunday
COMPLETE SURRENDER February 26
1. What symbols did Christ use to emphasize the need of self·surrender? Mat·
thew 5:29, 30.
"In order for us to reach this high ideal, that which causes the soul to stumble
must be sacrificed. It is through the will that sin retains its hold upon us. The sur-
render of the will is represented as plucking out the eye or cutting off the hand. Often
it seems to us that to surrender the will to God is to consent to go through life maimed
or crippled. But it is better, says Christ, for self to be maimed, wounded, crippled, if
thus you may enter into life. That which you look upon as disaster is the door to high-
est benefit."- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 61.
2. What is involved in accepting the invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30?
"Only through the surrender of our will to God is it possible for Him to impart life
to us. Only by receiving His life through self-surrender is it possible, said Jesus, for
these hidden sins, which I have pointed out, to be overcome. It is possible that you
may bury them in your hearts and conceal them from human eyes, but how will you
stand in God's presence?
"If you cling to self, refusing to yield your will to God, you are choosing death. To
sin, wherever found, God is a consuming fire. If you choose sin, and refuse to separate
from it, the presence of God, which consumes sin, must consume you.
"It will require a sacrifice to give yourself to God; but it is a sacrifice of the lower
for the higher, the earthly for the spiritual, the perishable for the eternal. God does
not design that our will should be destroyed, for it is only through its exercise that we
can accomplish what He would have us to do. Our will is to be yielded to Him, that we
may receive it again, purified and refined, and so linked in sympathy with the Divine
that He can pour through us the tides of His love and power."- Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing, pp. 61, 62.
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o Monday
COMPLETE SURRENDER (continued) February 27
3. According to Paul, what yielding is required of us before we can be freed

from sin? Romans 6:16-18.
"Weare not to wait for some special time, but today we are to give ourselves to
Him, refusing to be the servants of sin. Do you imagine you can leave off sin a little at
a time? Oh, leave the accursed thing at once! Hate the things that Christ hates, love
the things that Christ loves. Has He not by His death and suffering made provision for
your cleansing from sin? When we begin to realize that we are sinners, and fall on the
Rock to be broken, the everlasting arms are placed about us, and we are brought
close to the heart of Jesus. Then we shall be charmed with His loveliness, and
disgusted with our own righteousness. We need to come close to the foot of the cross.
The more we humble ourselves there, the more exalted will God's love appear."-Se-
lected Messages, book I, pp. 327, 328.
4. What does James say pointing out the way in which we are to cooperate with
Christ if we want to be delivered from the bondage of sins? James 4:7-10.
"Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is left free to choose whom he will
serve. In the change that takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the
highest sense of freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself. True, we
have no power to free ourselves from Satan's control; but when we desire to be set
free from sin, and in our great need cry out for a power out of and above ourselves,
the powers of the soul are imbued with the divine energy of the Holy Spirit, and they
obey the dictates of the will in fulfilling the will of God.
"The only condition upon which the freedom of man is possible is that of becom-
ing one with Christ. 'The truth shall make you free'; and Christ is the truth. Sin can
triumph only by enfeebling the mind, and destroying the liberty of the soul. Subjec-
tion to God is restoration to one's self-to the true glory and dignity of man. The
divine law, to which we are brought into subjection, is 'the law of liberty.' "-The Desire
of Ages, p. 466.
o Tuesday
GIVING UP ALL FOR CHRIST February 28
5. How did Paul consent to "die daily"? 1 Corinthians 15:31; Philippians 1:21;
2 Corinthians 3:18. How are we to follow his example? Luke 13:24.
"Your words will declare, your acts will show, where your treasure is. If it is in
this world, the little gain of earth, your anxieties will be manifested in that direction.
If you are striving for the immortal inheritance with an earnestness, energy, and zeal
proportionate to its value, then can you be a fair candidate for everlasting life, an heir
of glory. You need a fresh conversion every day. Die daily to self, keep your tongue as
with a bridle, control your words, cease your murmurings and complaints, let not one
word of censure escape your lips. If this requires a great effort, make it; you will be
repaid in so doing."-Testimonies, vol. I, p. 699.
6. When Paul decided to give up all for Christ, what progress did he see in his
daily life? Philippians 3:7-14. What will be our experience if we give up all
for Christ?
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"He who would build up a strong, symmetrical character, he who would be a well-
balanced Christian, must give all and do all for Christ; for the Redeemer will not ac-
cept divided service. Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must
study the word of God, learning its meaning and obeying its precepts. Thus he may
reach the standard of Christian excellence. Day by day God works with him, perfec-
ting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer
is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel
can do for fallen human beings."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 483.
D Wednesday
A JOINT OPERAnON March 1
7. Concerning the need of human effort, what did Isaiah say? Isaiah 1:16-19;
55:6, 7; 27:5.
"Will man take hold of divine power, and with determination and perseverance
resist Satan, as Christ has given him example in His conflict with the foe in the wilder-
ness of temptation? God cannot save man against his will from the power of Satan's
artifices. Man must work with his human power, aided by the divine power of Christ,
to resist and to conquer at any cost to himself. In short, man must overcome as Christ
overcame. And then, through the victory that it is his privilege to gain by the all-
powerful name of Jesus, he may become an heir of God and joint heir with Jesus
Christ. This could not be the case if Christ alone did all the overcoming. Man must do
his part; he must be victor on his own account, through the strength and grace that
Christ gives him. Man must be a co-worker with Christ in the labor of overcoming,
and then he will be partaker with Christ of His glory."-Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 32, 33.
8. What does Paul say on this point? Philippians 2:12.
"The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation. There is

to be cooperation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the for-
mation of right principles in the character. Man is to make earnest efforts to over-
come that which hinders him from attaining to 'perfection. But he is wholly dependent
upon God for success. Human effort of itself is not sufficient. Without the aid of
divine power, it avails nothing. God works and man works. Resistance of temptation
must come from man, who must draw his power from God."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 482.
D Thursday
TRUE FAITH VS. INTELLECTUAL FAITH March 2
9. What lesson should we learn from the conquering faith and perseverance of
Jacob? Genesis 32:24-28; Hosea 12:4.
"Jacob's history is an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been
betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. It was by
self-surrender and confiding faith that Jacob gained what he had failed to gain by con-
flict in his own strength. God thus taught His servant that divine power and grace
alone could give him the blessing he craved. Thus it will be with those who live in the
last days. As dangers surround them, and despair seizes upon the soul, they must de-
pend solely upon the merits of the atonement. We can do nothing of ourselves. In all
our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen
Saviour. None will ever perish while they do this. The long, black catalogue of our
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delinquencies is before the eye of the Infinite. The register is complete; none of our
offenses are forgotten. But He who listened to the cries of His servants of old, will
hear the prayer of faith and pardon our transgressions. He has promised, and He will
fulfill His word.
"Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience
testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson
of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ
or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by
wealth, or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience
chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of
power."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 202, 203.
10. Describe the quality of faith of some of the Jewish rulers who believed on
Christ but were afraid to confess Him? John 12:42,43. What kind of faith is
common in the Christian world today? Titus 1:16.
"Often the question arises, Why, then, are there so many, claiming to believe
God's word, in whom there is not seen a reformation in words, in spirit, and in
character? Why are there so many who cannot bear oppositjon to their purposes and
plans, who manifest an unholy temper, and whose words are harsh, overbearing, and
passionate? There is seen in their lives the same love of self, the same selfish in-
dulgence, the same temper and hasty speech, that is seen in the life of the worldling.
There is the same sensitive pride, the same yielding to natural inclination, the same
perversity of character, as if the truth were wholly unknown to them. The reason is
that they are not converted. They have not hidden the leaven of truth in the heart. It
has not had opportunity to do its work. Their natural and cultivated tendencies to evil
have not been submitted to its transforming power. Their lives reveal the absence of
the grace of Christ, and unbelief in His power to transform the character."-Christ's
Object Lessons, pp. 99, 100.
o Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS March 3
a. Explain the connection between the right use of will power, full surrender,
and the receiving of new life from Christ.
b. What does it mean to refuse to be servants of sin? What struggle does this ex-
perience involve?
c. "I die daily." Explain.
d. Explain this statement: Salvation is the result of a "joint operation" (God

and man work together).
e. How will the experience of Jacob be repeated with the remnant people of God
in the last days? •
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RIGHTEOUSNESS
IMPUTED AND IMPARTED
"Our only ground of hope is in the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and
in that wrought by His Spirit working in and through us."-Steps to Christ, p. 63.
KEY TEXT: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we
might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21.
D Sunday
JUSTIFICATION AND SANCTIFICATION March 5
1. Through whom can we be covered with God's righteousness? 1 Corinthians

1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21. What does Christ's righteousness mean to us in
view of our need to have a title to and fitness for heaven?
"[B]oth our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of
Christ."-The Desire of Ages, p. 300.
"We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law
of God. But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and
temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now
He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If you give yourself to Him,
and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake
you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and
you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.
"More than this, Christ changes the heart. He abides in your heart by faith. You
are to maintain this connection with Christ by faith and the continual surrender of
your will to Him; and so long as you do this, He will work in you to will and to do ac-
cording to His good pleasure." -Steps to Christ, pp. 62, 63.
2. On the basis of what evidence do we affirm our need of Christ's righteous-

ness both for justification and sanctification? Romans 4:5-7; Titus 3:3-8.
- 36-
"Righteousness within is testified to by righteouness without. He who is righ-
teous within is not hard-hearted and unsympathetic, but day by day he grows into the
image of Christ, going on from strength to strength. He who is being sanctified by the
truth will be self-controlled, and will follow in the footsteps of Christ until grace is lost
in glory. The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteous-
ness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the sec-
ond is our fitness for heaven."-Messages to Young People, p. 35.
o Monday
JUSTIFICATION AND SANCTIFICATION (continued) March 6
3. What exhortation of Peter should induce us to obtain the needed title and
fitness for heaven? 2 Peter 1:1-8, 10, 11. What speculations about righ-
teousness by faith should be avoided?
"Many commit the error of trying to define minutely the fine points of distinction
between justification and sanctification. Into the definitions of these two terms they
often bring their own ideas and speculations. Why try to be more minute than is In-
spiration on the vital question of righteousness by faith? Why try to work out every
minute point, as if the salvation of the soul depended upon all having exactly your
understanding of this matter?"-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol.
6, p. 1072.
4. What warning stands for those who believe they are justified, possessing the
title to heaven, while they do not seem to be worried about their fitness for
heaven? 2 Peter 1:9; Hebrews 12:14. Why are the Laodicean believers in an
almost helpless situation? Revelation 3:17.
"Christ sees that which man does not see. He sees the sins which, if not repented
of, will exhaust the patience of a long-suffering God. Christ cannot take up the names
of those who are satisfied in their own self-sufficiency. He cannot importune in behalf
of a people who feel no need of His help, who claim to know and possess everything."
o Tuesday
VICTORY OVER SIN March 7
5. How does the Holy Spirit, with our consent and cooperation, use the truth in
the work of sanctification? 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (last part); John 17:17;
16:13. What determines whether or not we will be victorious?
"What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing
power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends
on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs
to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its af-
fections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then
work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature
will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be cen-
tered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him."-Steps to Christ, p. 47.
- 37-
6. In what sense is the example of Jesus an assurance to those who want to be
overcomers? (Note.) How are the two natures (human and divine) to be com-
bined in the new man, and what does this combination enable him to achieve?
2 Peter 1:4; John 14:23; Galatians 2:20.
"He (Jesus] did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to tempta-
tion. So it may be with us. Christ's humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted
for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us par-
takers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more
dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold
upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character."- The Desire
of Ages, p. 123.
D Wednesday
THE 1888 MESSAGE March 8
7. What work is prophesied in Habakkuk 2:14 and Revelation 18:1? When did
this work have its beginning? Answer: In 1888.
"The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people
through Elders Waggoner and Jones. This message was to bring more prominently
before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It
presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the
righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the command-
ments of God."-Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 91, 92.
"The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already
begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer.
This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole
earth. "-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 363.
8. What reception did the message and the messengers of God have in 1888?
(Note.) In what sense was history repeated? Luke 11:52. What is irrefutable
evidence that the message was rejected?
"The power of the Holy Spirit has been largely manifested at Battle Creek, the
great heart of the work, to be communicated to those in the highways and hedges,
that the mass of human beings under Satan's sway of sin and death might be reform-
ed and renovated by the Spirit's power. But when light has come to those at the cen-
ter of the work, they have not known how to treat it."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 402.
"[O]ur own people opposed the work of God by refusing the light of truth on the
righteousness of Christ by faith."-Ibid., p. 401.
"On every hand we see those who have had much light and knowledge deliberate-
ly choosing evil in the place of good. Making no attempt to reform, they are growing
worse and worse."-Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 62.
"I saw our Instructor pointing to the garments of so-called righteousness. Strip-
ping them off, He laid bare the defilement beneath. Then He said to me: 'Can you not
see how they have pretentiously covered up their defilement and rottenness of char-
acter? "How is the faithful city become an harlot?" My Father's house is made a
house of merchandise, a place whence the divine presence and glory have departed!
For this cause there is weakness, and strength is lacking.' "-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 250
(1903).
- 38-
THE WORLD TO BE LIGHTENED o Thursday
WITH THE GLORY OF GOD March 9
9. As the work that was begun in 1888 was not entirely lost, what happened in
many cases? What was seen in a meeting in South Lancaster (1889)? How
have honest souls reacted, and are still reacting, to the message? Hosea 6:1.
"In every meeting since the General Conference, souls have eagerly accepted the
precious message of the righteousness of Christ. We thank God that there are souls
who realize that they are in need of something which they do not possess-gold of
faith and love, white raiment of Christ's righteousness, eyesalve of spiritual discern-
ment."-The Review and Herald, July 23,1889.
"I have never seen a revival work go forward with such thoroughness, and yet re-
main so free from all undue excitement. There was no urging or inviting. The people
were not called forward, but there was a solemn realization that Christ came not to
call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. The honest in heart were ready to con-
fess their sins, and to bring forth fruit to God by repentance and restoration, as far as
it lay in their power."-Ibid., March 5, 1889.
10. After the message of Christ's righteousness has accomplished its purpose
(revival and reformation) among a small remnant, what work will this rem-
nant do for the fallen churches and the world in general? Isaiah 60:1,2.
"The work of the Holy Spirit is to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and
of judgment. The world can only be warned by seeing those who believe the truth
sanctified through the truth, acting upon high and holy principles, showing in a high,
elevated sense, the line of demarcation between those who keep the commandments
of God and those who trample them under their feet." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G.
"The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to
the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the
work of the third angel."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 19.
o Friday
a. Wherein do we find both our title to and our fitness for heaven? What is
justification? What is sanctification?
b. What explanation of Peter clearly shows that our entrance "into the
everlasting kingdom" depends not only on our justification but also on our
sanctification?
c. On what condition can human beings become partakers of the divine nature?
And what is possible where these two natures are combined?
d. What message came to the Adventist people 100 years ago? What is the pur-
pose of this message? Why did it fail to "reform and renovate" the church at
that time?
e. As in the case of the South Lancaster meeting in 1889, what has been, till to-
day, the effect of the message of Christ's righteousness? In whom and in
what way will the glory of God be seen in the finishing of the work? •
- 39-
SELF-DECEPTION
"One safeguard removed from conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit, a
single neglect of the high claims of duty, may be the beginning of a course of
deception that will pass you into the ranks of those who are serving Satan,
while you are all the time professing to love God and His cause." - Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 398.
KEY TEXT: "Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness."
Luke 11:35.
D Sunday
A GREAT DANGER March 12
1. What description fits nominal Christians in general and Laodicean believers

in particular? Ezekiel 33:31; Matthew 15:8.
"Those who live for self are ranged under the head of the Laodicean church....
There may be a wonderful appearance for zeal and ceremonies, but this is the
substance of their self-inflated religion. Christ represents them as nauseating to His
taste."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 962.
2. What is one of the sure evidences of lack of conversion? (Note.) Therefore,

what is required of every church member? 2 Corinthians 13:5.
"I fear, yea, 1 know that many of you know not what religion is. You have felt
some excitement, some emotion, but have never seen sin in its enormity. You have
never felt your undone condition and turned from your evil ways with bitter sorrow.
You have never died to the world. You still love its pleasures; you love to engage in
conversation on worldly matters. But when the truth of God is introduced, you have
nothing to say. Why so silent? Why so talkative upon worldly things, and so silent
upon the subject that should most concern you-a subject that should engage your
whole soul? The truth of God does not dwell in you."-Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 159.
WARNING: THIS ROAD LEADS D Monday

TO SELF·DESTRUCTION March 13
3. How do men destroy themselves? Galatians 6:7.
"God speaks to men through His servants, giving cautions and warnings, and rebuk-
ing sin. He gives to each an opportunity to correct his errors before they become fixed
-40-
in the character; but if one refuses to be corrected, divine power does not interpose to
counteract the tendency of his own action. He finds it more easy to repeat the same
course. He is hardening the heart against the influence of the Holy Spirit. A further
rejection of light places him where a far stronger influence will be ineffectual to make
an abiding impression.
"He who has once yielded to temptation will yield more readily the second time.
Every repetition of the sin lessens his power of resistance, blinds his eyes, and stifles
conviction. Every seed of indulgence sown will bear fruit. God works no miracle to
prevent the harvest. 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' Galatians
6:7. He who manifests an infidel hardihood, a stolid indifference to divine truth, is but
reaping the harvest of that which he has himself sown. It is thus that multitudes come
to listen with stoical indifference to the truths that once stirred their very souls. They
sowed neglect and resistance to the truth, and such is the harvest which they reap."-
Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 268, 269.
4. Why will many professed believers find no place in heaven? Luke 13:24-27.
For what specific reason will many, in the judgment in heaven, be called the
least among men on earth? Matthew 5:19; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.
"In the judgment men will not be condemned because they conscientiously
believed a lie, but because they did not believe the truth, because they neglected the
opportunity of learning what is truth. Notwithstanding the sophistry of Satan to the
contrary, it is always disastrous to disobey God. We must set our hearts to know what
is truth. All the lessons which God has caused to be placed on record in His word are
for our warning and instruction. They are given to save us from deception. Their
neglect will result in ruin to ourselves. Whatever contradicts God's word, we may be
sure proceeds from Satan."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 55.
"[T]he commandment breaker, and all who unite with him in teaching that it
makes no difference whether men break or observe the divine law, will by the universe
of heaven be called least among the human agencies. For not only have they been
disloyal themselves, but they have taught others to break the law of God. Christ pro-
nounces judgment upon those who claim to have a knowledge of the law, but who, by
precept and example, lead souls into confusion and darkness."-The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1085.
D Tuesday
LAODICEAN SELF·DECEPTION March 14
5. What accounts for the fact that many so-called believers in the threefold
message are becoming deaf to the voice of Jesus? 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.
"Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the Word of God, or through His
delegated messengers, is a knock at the door of the heart; it is the voice of Jesus, ask-
ing for entrance. With every knock unheeded, your determination to open becomes
weaker and weaker. If the voice of Jesus is not heeded at once, it becomes confused in
the mind with a multitude of other voices, the world's care and business engross the
attention, and conviction dies away. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses
into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of time, and of the great eternity
beyond."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 966, 967 (see The
Desire of Ages, pp. 489, 490).
6. What does the True Witness say about the Laodicean self-deception? Revela-
tion 3:15-17.
- 41-
"It is not enough to merely profess to believe the truth. All the soldiers of the
cross of Christ virtually obligate themselves to enter the crusade against the adver-
sary of souls, to condemn wrong and sustain righteousness. But the message of the
True Witness reveals the fact that a terrible deception is upon our people, which
makes it necessary to come to them with warnings."- Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 254.
"Many who call themselves Christians are mere human moralists. They have
refused the gift which alone could enable them to honor Christ by representing Him
to the world. The work of the Holy Spirit is to them a strange work. They are not
doers of the word. The heavenly principles that distinguish those who are one with
Christ from those who are one with the world have become almost indistinguishable.
The professed followers of Christ are no longer a separate and peculiar people. The
line of demarcation is indistinct. The people are subordinating themselves to the
world, to its practices, its customs, its selfishness. The church has gone over to the
world in transgression of the law, when the world should have come over to the
church in obedience to the law. Daily the church is being converted to the world."
-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 315, 316 (see Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 118, 119).
D Wednesday
SELF-DESTRUCTION ILLUSTRATED IN PARABLES March 15
7. Describe the deception of those represented by the foolish virgins in the

parable of Matthew 25:1-12. 2 Timothy 3:4,5.
"The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites. They have a
regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to those who
believe the truth; but they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working.
They have not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their old nature to be
broken up. This class are represented also by the stony-ground hearers. They receive
the word with readiness, but they fail of assimilating its principles. Its influence is not
abiding. The Spirit works upon man's heart, according to his desire and consent im-
planting in him a new nature; but the class represented by the foolish virgins have
been content with a superficial work. They do not know God. They have not studied
His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know
how to trust, how to look and live. Their service to God degenerates into a form....
"This is the class that in time of peril are found crying, Peace and safety. They
lull their hearts into security, and dream not of danger."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 411.
8. What other representation is used, in another parable, for this same class of
professed Christians? Matthew 24:48-51.
"That evil servant who said in his heart, 'My lord delayeth His coming,' professed
to be waiting for Christ. He was a 'servant,' outwardly devoted to the service of God
while at heart he had yielded to Satan. He does not, like the scoffer, openly deny the
truth, but reveals in his life the sentiment of the heart-that the Lord's coming is
delayed. Presumption renders him careless of eternal interests. He accepts the world's
maxims and conforms to its customs and practices. Selfishness, worldly pride and
ambitions predominate. Fearing that his brethren may stand higher than himself, he
begins to disparage their efforts and impugn their motives. Thus he smites his fellow
servants. As he alienates himself from the people of God he unites more and more
with the ungodly. He is found eating and drinking 'with the drunken'-joining with
worldlings and partaking of their spirit. Thus he is lulled into a carnal security and
overcome by forgetfulness, indifference, and sloth."- Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 101, 102.
-42 -
D Thursday
NO SECOND CHANCE March 16
9. Repeating the words of the Spirit of Prophecy, describe the downward path
of the evil servant. (Note.) What instructions of Jesus to His disciples were
given also for our benefit today? Luke 11:34, 35; 21:34, 35; Mark 13:33.
"The very beginning of the evil was a neglect of watchfulness and secret prayer,
then came a neglect of other religious duties, and thus the way was opened for all the
sins that followed. Every Christian will be assailed by the allurements of the world,
the clamors of the carnal nature, and the direct temptations of Satan. No one is safe.
No matter what our experience has been, no matter how high our station, we need to
watch and pray continually. We must be daily controlled by the Spirit of God, or we
are controlled by Satan."- Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 102.
10. What will many superficial believers realize when it is too late to make a
change? Jeremiah 8:20.
"Sad will be the retrospect in that day when men stand face to face with eternity.
The whole life will present itself just as it has been. The world's pleasures, riches,
and honors will not then seem so important. Men will then see that the righteousness
they despised is alone of value. They will see that they have fashioned their charac-
ters under the deceptive allurements of Satan. The garments they have chosen are
t)le badge of their allegiance to the first great apostate. Then they will see the results
of their choice. They will have a knowledge of what it means to transgress the com-
mandments of God."-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 318, 319.
D Friday
a. What is our urgent need in view of the danger of self-deception?
b. For what specific reason will men be condemned in the judgment?
c. Explain the statement: "The heavenly principles that distinguish those who
are one with Christ from those who are one with the world have become al-
most undistinguishable'; to a large class of "professed followers of Christ."
d. What description is given of the class of nominal believers represented by

the foolish virgins and by the evil servant?
e. Let each church member and friend think it through: How can I be sure that I
do not belong to the class mentioned in question "d"? If I have good reasons
to believe that I am not in that class, what am I doing to get myself ready and
help others by precept and example? •
- 43-
~",
THE WEDDING GARMENT

AND THE JUDGMENT
"It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ's righteousness. This
is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has
made ready for those who obey His commandments." - Christ's Object Lessons,
p.319.
KEY TEXT: "And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man
which had not on a wedding garment." Matthew 22:11.
D Sunday
TRUE CHRISTIANS VS. PROFESSED CHRISTIANS March 19
1. What kind of people may desire to enter into the kingdom but will be refused
admittance? Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Galatians 5:19-21.
"The man who came to the feast without a wedding garment represents the con-
dition of many in our world today. They profess to be Christians, and lay claim to the
blessings and privileges of the gospel; yet they feel no need of a transformation of
character. They have never felt true repentance for sin. They do not realize their need
of Christ or exercise faith in Him. They have not overcome their hereditary or
cultivated tendencies to wrongdoing. Yet they think that they are good enough in
themselves, and they rest upon their own merits instead of trusting in Christ. Hearers
of the word, they come to the banquet, but they have not put on the robe of Christ's
righteousness."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 315.
- 44-
2. What kind of people will God have as subjects of His kingdom? Isaiah 26:1,
2; Revelation 22:14; 2 Peter 3:13.
"God requires perfection of His children. His law is a transcript of His own
character, and it is the standard of all character. This infinite standard is presented to
all that there may be no mistake in regard to the kind of people whom God will have to
compose His kingdom. The life of Christ on earth was a perfect expression of God's
law, and when those who claim to be children of God become Christlike in character,
they will be obedient to God's commandments. Then the Lord can trust them to be of
the number who shall compose the family of heaven. Clothed in the glorious apparel
of Christ's righteousness, they have a place at the King's feast. They have a right to
join the blood-washed throng." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 315.
D Monday
PREPARING FOR THE JUDGMENT March 20
3. If we do not, by the grace of God, overcome our defects of character, how

shall we stand before the judgment seat of God? Romans 14:10, 12.
"We shall be judged according to what we ought to have done, but did not ac-
complish because we did not use our powers to glorify God. Even if we do not lose our
souls, we shall realize in eternity the result of our unused talents. For all the knowl-
edge and ability that we might have gained and did not, there will be an eternal loss. "
-Messages to Young People, p. 309.
4. In what sense is God a consuming fire? Hebrews 12:29.
"The prophet Isaiah had declared that the Lord would cleanse His people from
their iniquities 'by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.' The word of
the Lord to Israel was, 'I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy
dross, and take away all thy tin.' Isa. 4:4; 1:25. To sin, whever found, 'our God is a
consuming fire.' Heb. 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will con-
sume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of
God, which destroys sin, must destroy them."-The Desire of Ages, p. 107.
D Tuesday
BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF GOD March 21
5. In the parable (Matthew 22:11, 12), what is represented by the King's ex-
amination of the guests? 2 Corinthians 5: 10. What stands for the fact that
the "garments" are considered in the judgment?
"By the king's examination of the guests at the feast is represented a work of
judgment. The guests at the gospel feast are those who profess to serve God, those
whose names are written in the book of life. But not all who profess to be Christians
are true disciples. Before the final reward is given, it must be decided who are fitted
to share the inheritance of the righteous. This decision must be made prior to the sec-
ond coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven; for when He comes, then, the character
of every man's work will have been determined, and to everyone of Christ's followers
the reward will have been apportioned according to his deeds." -Christ's Object Lessons,
p.310.
-45 -
"He who becomes a partaker of the divine nature will be in harmony with God's
great standard of righteousness, His holy law. This is the rule by which God mea-
sures the actions of men. This will be the test of character in the judgment."-Ibid.,
p.314.
"Everyone must be tested and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing."
- The Great Controversy, p. 490.
6. Who are those that will be judged and those that will be approved in the judg-
ment? Romans 2:12, 13; Revelation 3:5.
"As they [the redeemed] have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ,
and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be
blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life. "- The Great
Controversy, p. 483.
o Wednesday
THE GARMENT OF CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS March 22
7. What had been provided for every guest? Matthew 22: 11, 12. What does the
wedding garment in the parable represent?
"By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless charac-
ter which Christ's true followers will possess. To the church it is given 'that she should
be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white,' 'not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing.' Revelation 19:8. The fine linen, says the Scripture, 'is the righteousness of
saints.' Ephesians 5:27. It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished charac-
ter, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour."
-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 310.
8. What did Christ say about the righteousness that His followers should ob-
tain? Matthew 5:19,20. Through whom and how is the righteousness of the
law to achieve its final aim (complete fulfillment) in us? Romans 8:3, 4; 10:4;
Galatians 2:20.
"The disciples of Christ must obtain righteousness of a different character from

that of the Pharisees, if they would enter the kingdom of heaven. God offered them, in
His Son, the perfect righteousness of the law. If they would open their hearts fully to
receive Christ, then the very life of God, His love, would dwell in them, transforming
them into His own likeness; and thus through God's free gift they would possess the
righteousness which the law requires."- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 54,55.
THE GARMENT o Thursday

OF CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS (continued) March 23
9. Whereby can we be clothed with the garment of Christ's righteousness? 1

John 3:5; 5:18; 3:24.
"Everything that we of ourselves can do is defiled by sin. But the Son of God 'was
manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.' Sin is defined to be 'the trans-
gression of the law.' 1 John 3:5, 4. But Christ was obedient to every requirement of
-46-
the law. He said of Himself, 'I delight to do Thy will, 0 My God; yea, Thy law is
within My heart.' Psalm 40:8. When on earth He said to His disciples, 'I have kept
My Father's commandments.' John 15:10. By His perfect obedience He has made it
possible for every human being to obey God's commandments. When we submit our-
selves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the
mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we
live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righ-
teousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the
nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect
obedience to the law of Jehovah."-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 311, 312.
10. What scriptural text refutes the claim that man cannot obey God's com·
mandments? Revelation 14:12. Through whom and how is obedience possi·
ble? Philippians 4:13; 2:13; 2 Corinthians 3:5; John 1:12.
"Satan had claimed that it was impossible for man to obey God's commandments;
and in our own strength it is true that we cannot obey them. But Christ came in the
form of humanity, and by His perfect obedience He proved that humanity and divinity
combined can obey every one of God's precepts.... When a soul receives Christ, he
receives power to live the life of Christ."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 314.
"When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then
He will come to claim them as His own."-Ibid., p. 69.
D Friday
a. Describe the difference between the two classes of believers (true Christians
and nominal Christians).
b. "For our God is a consuming fire." Explain.
c. What will be tested in the investigative judgment? Whose sins will be blotted
out?
d. How can we be clothed with the garment of Christ's righteousness? How can
His unblemished character become ours?
e. What does Christ's perfect obedience mean to us? Under what condition can
we also obey? What will happen when we live the life of Christ, when His
character is perfectly reproduced in us? •
•
"No one is saved who is a transgressor of the law of
God, which is the foundation of His government in
heaven and in earth."
-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 315.
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GULF OF MEXICO
The arrow on the map above points to the approximate location

where the brethren plan to improve the existing facilities. See
page 4 for more detailed information.

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Sabbath School Lessons

Lesson Title Page

1 All Men Have Sinned 5

The purpose of this series of lessons, Christ, Our Only Hope, is

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

ALL MEN HAVE SINNED

8. In what sense was ancient Pharisaism a false religion? Matthew 23:1-5,

a. On what basis do we believe that man was created righteous?

OUR ONLY HOPE

"Through Christ, restoration as well as reconciliation is provided for man. The

a. What standard of righteousness pronounces the whole world guilty before

CHRIST IN ALL THE BIBLE

7. In what way was Abraham justified? Galatians 3:8; Romans 4:1-3,8-12,

"God is waiting to bestow the blessing of forgiveness, of pardon for iniquity, of

4. What symbol describes the work of justification in Zechariah 3:4, 5?

5. What evidence do we have that no man can be justified in transgression?

"There is no safety nor repose nor justification in transgression of the law."-Se-

6. Although our present obedience cannot be the basis of our justification

8. What words of Christ condemn profession without corresponding works?

(Continued from page 14)

REPENTANCE AND CONVERSION

1. What exhortation to repentance and conversion comes to us through Joel?

5. In whose experience do we see an example of true repentance? Psalm 32:1-7.

6. What is false repentance? Give examples. Hebrews 12:15-17; Matthew 27:4.

7. When repentance is followed by conversion, what change will be seen in the

8. What is the evidence of genuine conversion? 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6.

9. Under what symbols was the experience of conversion presented to Nicode-

CHRIST AS ALL AND IN ALL

KEY TEXT: "Christ is all, and in all." Colossians 3:11.

7. By whom are sinners convinced of their sins and of God's righteousness?

VICTORY THROUGH CHRIST

6. What prayer should we offer continually in connection with our self-examina-

8. What is the experience of a repentant sinner when conviction takes hold

MAN MUST DO HIS PART

(Continued from page 21)

YIELDING OUR WILL TO HIM

2. What is involved in accepting the invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30?

3. According to Paul, what yielding is required of us before we can be freed

8. What does Paul say on this point? Philippians 2:12.

"The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation. There is

c. "I die daily." Explain.

d. Explain this statement: Salvation is the result of a "joint operation" (God

1. Through whom can we be covered with God's righteousness? 1 Corinthians

2. On the basis of what evidence do we affirm our need of Christ's righteous-

1. What description fits nominal Christians in general and Laodicean believers

2. What is one of the sure evidences of lack of conversion? (Note.) Therefore,

WARNING: THIS ROAD LEADS D Monday

3. How do men destroy themselves? Galatians 6:7.

7. Describe the deception of those represented by the foolish virgins in the

a. What is our urgent need in view of the danger of self-deception?

b. For what specific reason will men be condemned in the judgment?

d. What description is given of the class of nominal believers represented by

Lesson 12 Sabbath, March 25, 1989

THE WEDDING GARMENT

3. If we do not, by the grace of God, overcome our defects of character, how

4. In what sense is God a consuming fire? Hebrews 12:29.

"The disciples of Christ must obtain righteousness of a different character from

THE GARMENT o Thursday

9. Whereby can we be clothed with the garment of Christ's righteousness? 1

The arrow on the map above points to the approximate location

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