LESSON 12 *March 12–18
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Heb. 12:18–29; Exod. 32:32;
Dan. 7:9, 10, 13–22; Hag. 2:6–9, 20–22; Ps. 15:5; Ps. 16:8; Heb. 13:15, 16.
Memory Text: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which
cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28, NKJV).
Hebrews 12:18–29, the passage for this week, is the climax
of the letter, and it sums up its main concern by repeating
the idea with which it started: God has spoken to us in the
person of His Son, and we need to pay careful attention (Heb. 1:1, 2;
Heb. 12:25) to Him. The description of Jesus in Hebrews 12:22–24
epitomizes the letter’s assertions about Him: Jesus is the Mediator of
the new covenant, and His blood provides salvation for believers. His
priestly and royal ministry in our behalf is a cause for celebration for
the heavenly hosts. And finally, Hebrews 12:25–29 contains the last
and climactic exhortation: God’s judgment is coming. It will bring
destruction to His enemies—but vindication and a kingdom to His
people (Heb. 12:28, 29).
The ending reaffirms the importance of Jesus’ achievements at the
cross and directs believers to the consummation of Jesus’ victory at
the Second Coming. Paul used imagery from Daniel 7 to remind the
readers that Jesus has received a kingdom from God, the Judge (Dan.
7:9–14), and is going to share His kingdom with believers, “the saints
of the Most High,” who will possess it forever and ever (Dan. 7:18).
* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 19.
EGW Notes — SATURDAY ↓
Sabbath Afternoon, March 12
Lesson 12 - Receiving an Unshakable Kingdom
God is speaking to us in these last days. We hear His voice in the storm, in the rolling thunder. We hear of
calamities He permits in the earthquakes, the breaking forth of waters, and the destructive elements sweeping all
before them.
In these perilous times, those who profess to be God’s commandment- keeping people should guard against
the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how to approach their Maker
—with humility and awe, through faith in a divine Mediator. Let man come on bended knee, as a subject of grace,
a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. Thus he is to testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to
his Creator.—God’s Amazing Grace, p. 91.
An earthquake marked the hour when Christ laid down His life, and another earthquake witnessed the
moment when He took it up in triumph. He who had vanquished death and the grave came forth from the tomb
with the tread of a conqueror, amid the reeling of the earth, the flashing of lightning, and the roaring of thunder.
When He shall come to the earth again, He will shake “not the earth only, but also heaven.” “The earth shall reel
to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage.” “The heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll;”
“the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” But
“the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.” Hebrews 12:26; Isaiah 24:20;
34:4; 2 Peter 3:10; Joel 3:16.—The Desire of Ages, p. 780.
Those who study the Bible, counsel with God, and rely upon Christ will be enabled to act wisely at all times
and under all circumstances. Good principles will be illustrated in actual life. Only let the truth for this time be
cordially received and become the basis of character, and it will produce steadfastness of purpose, which the
allurements of pleasure, the fickleness of custom, the contempt of the world-loving, and the heart’s own clamors
for self-indulgence are powerless to influence. Conscience must be first enlightened, the will must be brought into
subjection. The love of truth and righteousness must reign in the soul, and a character will appear which heaven
can approve.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 43.
SUNDAY March 13
“You Have Come to Mount Zion”
Read Hebrews 12:22–24. What does Paul describe here?
* Your notes will not be saved!
Hebrews affirms that we have come to Mount Zion and participate in
a great celebration. “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city
of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in
festal gathering” (Heb 12:22, ESV). We have come through faith in the
person of our Representative, Jesus. In this celebration we find an
innumerable host of angels, God Himself, and Jesus, who is the center of the
celebration. We come as part of the “assembly of the firstborn who are
enrolled in heaven” (Heb. 12:23, ESV). Our names are enrolled in the
books of heaven, where God’s professed people are listed (Exod. 32:32,
Ps. 56:8, Dan. 12:1, Mal. 3:16, Luke 10:20, Rev. 13:8, Rev. 17:8).
We are the “firstborn” because we share the inheritance of the
Firstborn par excellence, Jesus (Heb. 1:6). Thus, we have come not as
guests but as citizens (compare with Phil. 3:20). We also are described
as “the spirits of the righteous made perfect” (Heb. 12:23, ESV). This
expression is a figure of speech in which a dimension of our human
nature stands for the whole. It is analogous to the expression “the Father
of spirits” in Hebrews 12:9, which refers to God as the Father of us all,
human beings who are spiritual in nature.
The festal gathering celebrates the inauguration of Jesus’ kingly
rule, priestly ministry, and the inauguration of the new covenant. In
Hebrews, Mount Zion is the place where all these events take place.
Three of the psalms in Hebrews 1:5–14 describe the enthronement of
the Son and have Mount Zion as the place where it occurred (Ps. 2:6,
7; Ps. 110:1, 2; Ps. 102:21–27).
Mount Zion also is the place where the Son was appointed “priest
forever” (Heb. 5:6), a quotation of Psalm 110:4. According to Psalm
110, the appointment of the Son as High Priest occurs at Mount Zion,
as well (Ps. 110:2). Finally, Hebrews argues that the inauguration of
Jesus’ priesthood also marks the inauguration of the new covenant
(Heb. 7:11–22). Thus, Mount Zion also is the place where the new
covenant was ratified. Hebrews 12:22–24 describes, then, the festal
gathering that occurred in heaven when Jesus ascended.
In what practical ways can we celebrate the reality of Jesus, His
priestly ministry, and the new covenant in our lives and in our
worship? Why is rejoicing in this great truth faith-affirming?
EGW Notes — SUNDAY ↓
Sunday, March 13
“You Have Come to Mount Zion”
Jesus is coming … in the glory of the Father and with all the retinue of holy angels to escort Him on His way
to earth. All heaven will be emptied of the angels, while the waiting saints will be looking for Him and gazing into
heaven, as were the men of Galilee when He ascended from the Mount of Olivet. Then only those who are holy,
those who have followed fully the meek Pattern, will with rapturous joy exclaim as they behold Him, “Lo, this is
our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.” And they will be changed “in a moment, in the twinkling
of an eye, at the last trump”—that trump which wakes the sleeping saints, and calls them forth from their dusty
beds, clothed with glorious immortality, and shouting, “Victory! Victory over death and the grave!” The changed
saints are then caught up together with the angels to meet the Lord in the air, never more to be separated from the
object of their love.
With such a prospect as this before us, such a glorious hope, such a redemption that Christ has purchased for
us by His own blood, shall we hold our peace? Shall we not praise God even with a loud voice, as did the disciples
when Jesus rode into Jerusalem? Is not our prospect far more glorious than was theirs? Who dare then forbid us
glorifying God, even with a loud voice, when we have such a hope, big with immortality, and full of glory? We
have tasted of the powers of the world to come, and long for more. My whole being cries out after the living God,
and I shall not be satisfied until I am filled with all His
fullness.—Early Writings, p. 110.
Even here Christians may have the joy of communion with Christ; they may have the light of His love, the
perpetual comfort of His presence. Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper experience
of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the blessed home of peace. Then let us not cast away our
confidence, but have firm assurance, firmer than ever before. “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,” and He will help
us to the end. 1 Samuel 7:12. Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord has done to
comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer. Let us keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies
that God has shown us,—the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed, the anxieties removed, the fears
dispelled, the wants supplied, the blessings bestowed,—thus strengthening ourselves for all that is before us
through the remainder of our pilgrimage. …
And by and by the gates of heaven will be thrown open to admit God’s children, and from the lips of the King
of glory the benediction will fall on their ears like richest music, “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matthew
25:34.—Steps to Christ, pp. 125, 126.
MONDAY March 14
You Have Come to God, the Judge of All
Read Hebrews 12:23. If this is a celebration, why is God described as
a judge? How can a judge be part of or a reason for a celebration?
Read also Daniel 7:9, 10, 13–22.
The celebration described in Hebrews 12:22–24 alludes to a future
judgment. God, the Judge, presides, and books are used, and the result
of this future judgment from the books is that God’s people receive the
kingdom (Heb. 12:28).
This scene evokes the great pre-Advent judgment described in
Daniel 7, which portrays a judgment scene in which God, the “Ancient
of Days” (Dan. 7:9), sits on a throne made of fire and is surrounded
with “ten thousand times ten thousand” (Dan. 7:10) angels. Books are
opened (Dan. 7:10), and the judgment is decided in favor of “the saints
of the most High,” who then “possessed the kingdom” (Dan. 7:22).
Similarly, Hebrews 12:22–29 describes a judgment scene at Mount
Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, where God, “the Judge of all,” is
surrounded with “thousands upon thousands” of angels (NIV). The scene
also is a fiery one (Heb. 12:29). It includes books because the saints
are “enrolled” in them (Heb. 12:23, ESV), which implies a favorable
judgment for the saints.
Jesus is at the center of the scene (Heb. 12:24). He was described as
the Son of man in Hebrews 2, who was “crowned with glory and honor”
after having tasted “death” in our behalf (Heb. 2:9, ESV). According
to Hebrews 2:10, the “son of man” (see Heb. 2:6, ESV) suffered in
order that He could bring “many sons to glory” (ESV); that is, in order
that believers would be able to be “crowned with glory and honor,”
as well. The “Son” has now brought believers into Zion, the heavenly
Jerusalem, through the benefits of the new covenant (Heb. 12:22–24),
where they are promised to receive a kingdom (Heb. 12:28).
This judgment is, then, really good news for believers because it is a
judgment that rules in their favor. It vindicates them. It is a judgment
that defeats their adversary, the dragon, who is behind the terrible
beasts that have persecuted believers in the past (Daniel 7) and will do
so in the future (Revelation 13).
How does what we studied today help us understand that God’s
judgment in the three angels’ messages is “good news” for this
time (Rev. 14:6, 7; compare with Deut. 32:36; 1 Chron. 16:33–35)?
EGW Notes — MONDAY ↓
Monday, March 14
You Have Come to God, the Judge of All
The gospel message proclaimed by Christ’s disciples … pointed forward to His second coming in glory to
redeem His people, and it set before men the hope, through faith and obedience, of sharing the inheritance of the
saints in light. This message is given to men today, and at this time there is coupled with it the announcement of
Christ’s second coming as at hand. The signs which He Himself gave of His coming have been fulfilled, and by the
teaching of God’s word we may know that the Lord is at the door.
John in the Revelation foretells the proclamation of the gospel message just before Christ’s second coming. He
beholds an angel flying “in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on
the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give
glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.” Revelation 14:6, 7.
In the prophecy this warning of the judgment, with its connected messages, is followed by the coming of the
Son of man in the clouds of heaven. The proclamation of the judgment is an announcement of Christ’s second
coming as at hand. And this proclamation is called the everlasting gospel. Thus the preaching of Christ’s second
coming, the announcement of its nearness, is shown to be an essential part of the gospel
message.—Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 226–228.
John saw the mercy, the tenderness, and the love of God blending with His holiness, justice, and power. He
saw sinners finding a Father in Him of whom their sins had made them afraid. And looking beyond the
culmination of the great conflict, he beheld upon Zion “them that had gotten the victory … stand on the sea of
glass, having the harps of God,” and singing “the song of Moses” and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2, 3.
The Saviour is presented before John under the symbols of “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” and of “a Lamb as
it had been slain.” Revelation 5:5, 6. These symbols represent the union of omnipotent power and self-sacrificing
love. The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and
faithful. The pillar of fire that speaks terror and wrath to the transgressor of God’s law is a token of light and
mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The arm strong to smite the rebellious will be
strong to deliver the loyal. Everyone who is faithful will be saved. “He shall send His angels with a great sound of
a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
Matthew 24:31.—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 589, 590.
TUESDAY March 15
Shake the Heavens and the Earth
After describing the festal gathering occurring in heaven, Paul warns
the readers that they need to pay attention to God’s voice because God
will shake “ ‘yet once more . . . not only the earth but also the
heavens’ ” (Heb. 12:26, ESV). Paul is saying that although Jesus has been
enthroned in heaven, our salvation has not been consummated. We need
to pay attention because an important event is still to happen.
Compare Haggai 2:6–9, 20–22; Psalm 96:9, 10; Psalm 99:1; and
Hebrews 12:26, 27. What is the purpose of God’s shaking the heavens
and the earth? What does this mean?
In the Old Testament, the shaking of the earth was a common figure
for the presence of God, who shows up to deliver His people. When
Deborah and Barak fought against Sisera, God fought from heaven on
their behalf (Judg. 5:20). This is described as a powerful earthquake,
a shaking of the earth and mountains because of the presence of God
(Judg. 5:4, 5). We find this same image appearing throughout the Old
Testament when God arises to deliver the oppressed (Ps. 68:7, 8; Ps.
60:2; Ps. 77:17, 18). Thus, a shaking signaled God’s judgment as
He asserts His authority over the peoples of the earth. The prophets
predicted this would happen in the day of the Lord (Isa. 13:13, Isa.
24:18–23).
For Hebrews, the “shaking” of heaven and earth refers to the destruction
of the enemies of God. This is what God promised at the enthronement
of Jesus. God said to Him: “ ‘Sit at my right hand until I make
your enemies a footstool for your feet’ ” (Heb. 1:13, ESV). Thus, Jesus
has defeated the enemy (Heb. 2:14–16) and been enthroned (Heb.
1:5–14), but the enemies have not yet been destroyed (Heb. 10:11–14,
1 Cor. 15:23–25).
But God will destroy these enemies in the future, when He will
shake the heavens and the earth. The shaking of the heavens and the
earth means, then, the destruction of the earthly powers that persecute
God’s people and, more important, the destruction of the evil powers
(Satan and his angels) who stand behind the earthly powers and
control them.
Why is the promise that one day justice will be done, and the evil
that has been so prevalent in our world will one day be destroyed,
such a hopeful promise for us all, especially those who have
suffered directly at the hands of evil?
EGW Notes — TUESDAY ↓
Tuesday, March 15
Shake the Heavens and the Earth
[On] December 16, 1848, the Lord gave me a view of the shaking of the powers of the heavens. I saw that
when the Lord said “heaven,” in giving the signs recorded by Matthew, Mark, and Luke, He meant heaven, and
when He said “earth” He meant earth. The powers of heaven are the sun, moon, and stars. They rule in the
heavens. The powers of earth are those that rule on the earth. The powers of heaven will be shaken at the voice of
God. Then the sun, moon, and stars will be moved out of their places. They will not pass away, but be shaken by
the voice of God.
Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. The atmosphere parted and rolled back; then we
could look up through the open space in Orion, whence came the voice of God. The Holy City will come down
through that open space. I saw that the powers of earth are now being shaken and that events come in order. War,
and rumors of war, sword, famine, and pestilence are first to shake the powers of earth, then the voice of God will
shake the sun, moon, and stars, and this earth also.—Early Writings, p. 41.
It will not be long until the gathering storm will burst upon the world that is so asleep in sin. … When the
earth is reeling to and fro like a drunkard, when the heavens are shaking, and the great day of the Lord has come,
who shall be able to stand? One object they behold in trembling agony from which they will try in vain to escape.
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7). …
That Lamb whose wrath will be so terrible to the scorners of His grace will be grace and righteousness and
love and blessing to all who have received Him. The pillar of cloud that was dark with terror and avenging wrath
to the Egyptians, was to the people of God a pillar of fire for brightness. So will it be to the Lord’s people in these
last days. The light and glory of God to His commandment-keeping people are darkness to the unbelieving. They
see that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The arm, long stretched, strong to save all who
come unto Him, is strong to execute His judgment upon all who would not come unto Him that they might have
life. God grant that while mercy still lingers, while the voice of invitation is still heard, there will be a turning unto
the Lord. The sure provision has been made to shelter every soul and shield those who have kept His
commandments until the indignation be overpast.—That I May Know Him, p. 356.
In mercy to the world, God blotted out its wicked inhabitants in Noah’s time. In mercy He destroyed the
corrupt dwellers in Sodom. Through the deceptive power of Satan the workers of iniquity obtain sympathy and
admiration, and are thus constantly leading others to rebellion. It was so in Cain’s and in Noah’s day, and in the
time of Abraham and Lot; it is so in our time. It is in mercy to the universe that God will finally destroy the
rejecters of His grace.—The Great Controversy, p. 543.
WEDNESDAY March 16
An Unshakable Kingdom
God has announced that He will “shake” the heavens and the earth,
which means that He will destroy enemy nations. There are some
things, however, that will not be shaken, that will not be destroyed.
Compare Psalm 15:5, Psalm 16:8, Psalm 21:7, Psalm 62:2, Psalm
112:6, and Hebrews 12:27. What are the things that will not be
shaken?
Many modern translations of Hebrews 12:27 suggest that the shaking
of the heavens and the earth means that they will be removed and
forever gone.
The Bible is clear, however, that God will create new heavens and
a new earth (Isa. 65:17, Rev. 21:1–4), and we will be resurrected and
have new bodies (1 Thess. 4:13–17, Phil. 3:20) on this earth. Thus,
the “shaking” implies the cleansing and renovation of creation, not its
complete removal. What is here will be re-created, and it will be where
the redeemed live.
There are some things, however, that will not and cannot be shaken.
They include the righteous. They will not be shaken because they trust
in God. The Creator sustains them and guarantees their survival.
Note that in Hebrews permanence and stability are associated with
Jesus. Hebrews 1:10–12 says about Jesus:
“ ‘You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and
the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you
remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll
them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same,
and your years will have no end’ ” (ESV). Hebrews also says that Jesus’
priesthood remains forever (Heb. 7:3, 24), as does the inheritance of the
redeemed (Heb. 10:34). In the final judgment, those who hold fast “in
Jesus” will not be shaken (Ps. 46:5).
Hebrews 12:28 also says that we will receive “a kingdom that cannot
be shaken” (ESV). This is a reference to Daniel 7:18, which says that the
saints will “possess the kingdom forever.” This is the kingdom that “shall
never be destroyed” mentioned in Daniel 2:44. This kingdom belongs to
the Son, but He will share it with us. Revelation 20:4 says that we will
judge with Him the evil powers that persecuted us (see also 1 Cor. 6:3).
How well do you do now, in terms of being shaken? If not so well,
what choices can you make in order to get help in this important
area? (See Eph. 4:14.)
EGW Notes — WEDNESDAY ↓
Wednesday, March 16
An Unshakable Kingdom
The follower of Christ will meet with … spiritualistic interpretations of the Scriptures, but he is not to accept
them. His voice is to be heard in clear affirmation of the eternal truths of the Scriptures. Keeping his eyes fixed on
Christ, he is to move steadily forward in the path marked out, discarding all ideas that are not in harmony with
His teaching. The truth of God is to be the subject for his contemplation and meditation. He is to regard the Bible
as the voice of God speaking directly to him. Thus he will find the wisdom which is divine.
The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. This is the
knowledge that works transformation of character. Received into the life, it will re-create the soul in the image of
Christ. This is the knowledge that God invites His children to receive, beside which all else is vanity and
nothingness.
In every generation and in every land the true foundation for character building has been the same—the
principles contained in the word of God. The only safe and sure rule is to do what God says. “The statutes of the
Lord are right,” and “he that doeth these things shall never be moved.” Psalms 19:8;
15:5.—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 474, 475.
Those who are partakers of the divine nature will not give way to temptation. The enemy is working with all
his might to overcome those who are striving to live the Christian life. He comes to them with temptations, in the
hope that they will yield. Thus he hopes to discourage them. But those who have planted their feet firmly on the
Rock of Ages will not yield to his devices. They will remember that God is their Father and Christ their Helper.
The Saviour came to our world to bring to every tried, tempted soul strength to overcome even as He overcame. I
know the power of temptation; I know the dangers that are in the way; but I know, too, that strength sufficient for
every time of need is provided for those who are struggling against
temptation.—Messages to Young People, p. 81.
He that is to come says, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as
his work shall be.” Every good deed done by the people of God as the fruit of their faith, will have its
corresponding reward. As one star differeth from another star in glory, so will believers have their different
spheres assigned them in the future life. …
When a man dies, his influence does not die with him; but it lives on, reproducing itself. The influence of the
man who was good and pure and holy lives on after his death, like the glow of the descending sun, casting its
glories athwart the heavens, lighting up the mountain peaks long after the sun has sunk behind the hill. So will
the works of the pure and the holy and the good reflect their light when they no longer live to speak and act
themselves. Their works, their words, their example will forever live. “The righteous shall be in everlasting
remembrance.”—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, pp. 428, 429.
THURSDAY March 17
Let Us Be Grateful
Hebrews concludes this section by pointing out that the appropriate
response to God for all the wonderful things He has done for us is to
show gratitude by offering Him an appropriate type of worship.
Compare Hebrews 12:28 and Hebrews 13:15, 16. How do we offer
God acceptable worship?
In the old covenant system, the sacrifice of animals was the way
people showed repentance and gratitude, but these sacrifices were to be
but a token of the gratitude and repentance in the heart of the worshiper.
Thus, God made clear in Psalms and through the prophets that what
really pleased Him was not the blood of animals but the gratitude, good
deeds, and righteousness of the worshipers (Ps. 50:7–23, Isa. 1:11–17).
Thus, Paul invites us to worship God in the heavenly sanctuary by
offering sacrifices of praise, confession, thanksgiving, and good works,
which is the true worship that delights Him. We offer these sacrifices
on earth, but they are accepted as pleasing to God in heaven. This
exhortation embraces all the calls that Paul has made throughout the
letter for the confession of Jesus’ name (Heb. 3:1, Heb. 4:14, Heb.
10:23) and his exhortations that we continue to do good works (Heb.
6:10–12; Heb. 13:1, 2, 16).
The invitation of Paul to the audience to “offer to God acceptable
worship” (Heb. 12:28, ESV) implies that believers are truly now a
priestly nation that has been perfected and sanctified through the
sacrifice of Jesus (Heb. 10:10–14, 19–23). This fulfills God’s original
purpose for Israel, that it would be a priestly nation through which He
would be able to announce the good news of salvation to the world
(Exod. 19:4–6; 1 Pet. 2:9, 10; Rev. 1:6; Rev. 5:10).
Hebrews 13:1–6 describes in practical terms what it means to do
good and share what we have. It means to show brotherly love, just as
Jesus showed brotherly love to us (Heb. 2:11, 12). It means to be
hospitable, to visit those who are in prison or have been mistreated
(Heb. 13:3), and to reject adultery and covetousness.
Why is it important to consider good works and sharing what
we have as part of our worship to God? At the same time, what
are the very real ways that our spiritual sacrifices to God may be
corrupted (Isa. 1:11–17)?
EGW Notes — THURSDAY ↓
Thursday, March 17
Let Us Be Grateful
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Hebrews 12:28. …
The Christian is to be prepared for the doing of a work that reveals kindness, forbearance, long-suffering,
gentleness, patience. The cultivation of these precious gifts is to come into the life of the Christian, that, when
called into service by the Master, he may be ready to use his highest powers in helping and blessing those around
him.—In Heavenly Places, p. 330.
There are many who profess to be Christ’s followers and yet are not doers of His Word. They do not relish
this Word because it presents service which is not agreeable to them. …
The essence and flavor of all obedience is the outworking of a principle within—the love of righteousness, the
love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer, doing right because it is right.
…
… When the love of Christ enters the heart we strive to imitate the character of Christ. … The more we study
the life of Christ with a heart to learn, the more Christlike we become. Into the heart of every true doer of the
Word the Holy Spirit infuses clear understanding. The more we crucify selfish practices by imparting our
blessings to others and by exercising our God-given ability, the more the heavenly graces will be strengthened
and increased in us. We will grow in spirituality, in patience, in fortitude, in meekness, in
gentleness.—That I May Know Him, p. 118.
Our God is a tender, merciful Father. His service should not be looked upon as a heart-saddening, distressing
exercise. It should be a pleasure to worship the Lord and to take part in His work. God would not have His
children, for whom so great salvation has been provided, act as if He were a hard, exacting taskmaster. He is their
best friend; and when they worship Him, He expects to be with them, to bless and comfort them, filling their
hearts with joy and love. The Lord desires His children to take comfort in His service and to find more pleasure
than hardship in His work. He desires that those who come to worship Him shall carry away with them precious
thoughts of His care and love, that they may be cheered in all the employments of daily life, that they may have
grace to deal honestly and faithfully in all things. …
The soul may ascend nearer heaven on the wings of praise. God is worshiped with song and music in the
courts above, and as we express our gratitude we are approximating to the worship of the heavenly hosts. “Whoso
offereth praise glorifieth” God. Psalm 50:23. Let us with reverent joy come before our Creator, with “thanksgiving,
and the voice of melody.” Isaiah 51:3.—Steps to Christ, pp. 103, 104.
FRIDAY March 18
Further Thought: “During the thousand years between the first and the
second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. The apostle
Paul points to this judgment as an event that follows the second advent.
‘Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring
to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels
of the hearts.’ 1 Corinthians 4:5. Daniel declares that when the Ancient of
Days came, ‘judgment was given to the saints of the Most High.’ Daniel
7:22. At this time the righteous reign as kings and priests unto God. John
in the Revelation says: ‘I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment
was given unto them.’ ‘They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and
shall reign with Him a thousand years.’ Revelation 20:4, 6. It is at this time
that, as foretold by Paul, ‘the saints shall judge the world.’ 1 Corinthians
6:2. In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with
the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds
done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted
out, according to their works; and it is recorded against their names in the
book of death.
“Satan also and evil angels are judged by Christ and His people.
Says Paul: ‘Know ye not that we shall judge angels?’ Verse 3. And Jude
declares that ‘the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their
own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness
unto the judgment of the great day.’ Jude 6.”—Ellen G. White, The
Great Controversy, pp. 660, 661.
Discussion Questions:
-
1. What does the participation of the saints in the judgment of
the wicked (1 Cor. 6:3, Jude 6) say about God and how transparent
He will be with us in showing us His goodness and fairness in how
He has dealt with sin and evil?
-
2. Read Exodus 32:32, Psalm 56:8, Psalm 69:28, Psalm 139:16,
Isaiah 4:3, Daniel 12:1, Malachi 3:16, Luke 10:20, Revelation
13:8, and Revelation 17:8. These are references to God’s books in
heaven. What kinds of things are registered in these books? Why
is it important that God maintains a record of our tears (Ps. 56:8),
for example? If God knows everything, what is the purpose of such
books or records?
-
3. Why do you think it is important that Hebrews ends the argument
of the epistle with a link to the promises of Daniel 7? Why
are these links important in the context of Jesus’ ministry in
heaven? What does Daniel 7 teach us about the end of all earthly
and fallen things?
EGW Notes — FRIDAY ↓
Friday, March 18
For Further Reading
The Faith I Live By, “Unmoved in the Shaking Time,” p. 336;
Early Writings, “The Shaking,” pp. 269–272.
