Fundamental Beliefs Worksheet
Compiled from “Seventh-day Adventists Believe…27”
End Time Hospitality in the 27

Part 1 The Doctrine of God

1. The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration though holy men of God who spoke and wrote as the Holy Spirit moved them. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history.

Comments: The scripture provides evidence of a caring God through the stories recorded. The focus is on the reuniting of human beings and God. It records two extremes: humans unfathomable evil and God’s inexhaustible love. As people follow the scripture they reveal evidence of a caring God in their happy relationships between friends and family members. In a world of increasing hostility this portrays the hospitable condition God wants to give all humanity through Jesus Christ. God gives us a progressive understanding of His revelation. These instructions are to enable us to be complete and thoroughly equipped for all good works.

2. There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation.

Comments: We must know God personally in order to love Him. He reaches out to each of us through Scripture revealing his love and compassion. It is this self-revelation that is designed to bridge the gulf between a rebellious world and a caring God. God uses humanity to further reach other peoples as His loving concern flows through His people to them. His concern includes love (Romans 5:8), grace (Romans 3:24), mercy (Psalms 145:9), patience (2 Peter 3:15, NIV), holiness (Psalms 99:9), righteousness (Ezra 9:15; John 17:25), justice (Revelation 22:12), and truth (1 John 5:20).

The absolute perfect love that existed within the Godhead means that each so lived for the others that they experienced complete fulfillment and happiness. (1 John 4:8) We can only know and share this kind of love by our knowledge and understanding of God as presented through Scripture and the Godhead.

3. God the Eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father.

Comments: When God met Israel at Mount Sinai He expressed His desire to be Israel’s friend, and to be with them. The covenants reveal a personal, loving God interested in His people’s concerns. God is not a distant detached, uninterested person, but One very much involved in our affairs. Psalms 18:1, 2 tell us that God is our shield, horn of our salvation and our stronghold. Psalms 27:5 says, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.” God surrounds His people continually. When we cast our burdens on Him, He will sustain us. Psalms 55:22. When we pour out our heart to Him He becomes our refuge. He is full of compassion. Psalms 62:8 and 86:15. He pities those who fear Him. Psalms 103:11-14.

We don’t have to worry about justice for God executes justice for the oppressed, and gives food to the hungry, and freedom to captives, opens the eyes of the blind, and raises up those bowed down, watches over strangers and relieves orphans and widows. Psalms 146:7-9.

He is a God of faithfulness. Isaiah 45:22 says, “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” He comes and saves us. Isaiah 35:4.

Stories and parables in the Bible reveal a caring, loving, seeking God. No matter where we lose ourselves He knows where we are and provides for our needs. This is Biblical Hospitality!

4. God the Eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s power and was attested as God’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things.

Comments: He became sin, taking upon Himself all our sins. Jesus’ name was Immanuel, or “God With Us,” which reflected His divine-human nature and illustrated God’s identification with humanity (Matthew 1:23). He became His Father’s servant (Isaiah 42:1), to carry out the Father’s will (John 6:38; Matthew 26:39, 42). His holy nature was extremely sensitive. Christ faced a powerful temptation never known to man – the temptation to use His divine power on His own behalf. “It was as difficult for Him to keep the level of humanity as it is for men to rise above the low level of their depraved natures, and be partakers of the divine nature.” The Temptation of Christ,” E. White, Review and Herald, April 1, 1875 p.3.

5. God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth.

Comments: Some of the things the Holy Spirit does are – strives (Gen. 6:3), teaches (Luke 12:12), convicts (John 16:8), directs church affairs (Acts 13:2), helps and intercedes (Romans, 8:26), inspires (2 Peter 1:21), and sanctifies (1 Peter 1:2).

The Holy Spirit is – life, (Romans 8:2), truth, (John 16:13), omnipotent and distributes spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:11), omnipresent, (John 14:16). No one can escape His influence (Ps. 139:7-10). He is omniscient (1 Cor. 2:10, 11)

The Holy Spirit fills the role of executor. We were intended to be dwelling places of the Holy Spirit!

The Holy Spirit’s mission is to “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment” John 16:8.

Hindrances: Human nature gets in the way of true hospitality when Satan is allowed entrance. Self is put on the throne instead of God. There goes hospitality and reaching out to others.

Part 2 The Doctrine of Man

6. God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made “the heaven and the earth” and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was “very good,” declaring the glory of God.

Comments: The doctrine of divine creation forms “the indispensable foundation for Christian and Biblical theology.”

The importance of this theme is indicated by its inclusion in the call extended to earth’s inhabitants just before Christ’s return, (Heavenly Invitation) to worship the One “who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs or water” Revelation 14:7.

Sabbath was a gift of grace. Besides work, life should include communion with the Creator, rest, and celebration of God’s marvelous creative works. (Genesis 2:2, 3).

It leaves no room for a low estimate of ourselves. Indeed, we have been given a unique place in creation, with the special privilege of constant communication with the Creator and the opportunity of becoming more like Him.

God’s creatorship establishes His father-hood (Mal. 2:10) and reveals the brother hood of all humanity. He is our Father; we are His children. Regardless of sex, race, education, or position, all have been created in God’s image. Understood and applied, this concept would eliminate racism, bigotry, and any other form of discrimination.

We have the sacred responsibility to be faithful stewards of our physical, mental, and spiritual faculties.

The human race was designed for an everlasting relationship with the Creator Himself. When we understand that we were created for a reason, life becomes meaningful and rich, and the painful emptiness and dissatisfaction that so many express vanishes, replaced by the love of God.

Delaying the completion of the Creation by making it dependent on a process of gradual development over long periods of time would have been contrary to the character of a loving God. The amount of time allowed for re-creation reveals God’s loving desire to save as many people as possible (2Peter 3:9).

For man is not only created; he may be re-created.

Created in the image of God, we have been called to glorify God. As the crowning act of His Creation, God invites each of us to enter into communion with Him, daily seeking the regenerating power of Christ so that, to God’s glory, we will be able to reflect His image more fully.

7. Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment.

Comments: The breath of life is “the breath of the Almighty” that gives life (Job 33:4) – the spark of life. We might compare it with the streams of electricity that, when they flow through various electrical components, transform a quiet, gray panel of glass in a box into a pulsating splash of color and action – when we flip the switch on a color TV. The electricity brings sound and motion where once there was nothing.

Spirit refers to the energizing spark of life essential to individual existence. It stands for the divine energy, or life principle, that animates human beings.

When the spirit is sanctified, the mind is under divine control. The sanctified mind, in turn, will have a sanctifying influence on the soul, i.e., the desires, feelings, and emotions. The person in whom this sanctification takes place will not abuse his body, so his physical health will flourish. Thus the body becomes the sanctified instrument through which the Christian can serve His Lord and Savior.

The impact the faculties have on each other means that each individual has a God-given responsibility to maintain the faculties in the best possible condition. The development of this aspect of the image of God is an integral part of the harmony and prosperity of the kingdom of God.

These insights provide the key to improving human relationships in a world in which brokenness abounds.

The author of sin sowed seeds of discontent among his fellow angels. (Revelation 12:4, 7-9. See also Chapter 8.)

In trusting her senses rather than God’s word, Eve severed her dependence upon God, fell from her high position, and plunged into sin.

The apostle Paul said, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” “I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Romans 7:15, 19, 20, 22-24 RSV).

Even before Creation the Godhead had covenanted between themselves to rescue the race if they would fall into sin.

Regarding the new birth experience: The renewal of the heart it affords transforms individuals so that they will bring forth the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22, 23).

THE CIRCLE OF HOPE

The symbol of a cross within a circle depicts the process to achieve an effective ministry. Note the lines going up and down. This represents our relationship with God, which must be a two-way communication. This prepares and strengthens us for our ministry to others. We must determine that nothing will interrupt or interfere with this growing experience.

This connection with God is our source of strength and power. We must be faithful to share this kind of love with our fellow human beings. This kind of love has the potential of turning the world upside down. More and more we see cruelty, unkindness, and thoughtlessness taking possession of people around us, even invading into our church structure. At the same time the Holy Spirit is touching the hearts of many. The Holy Spirit will soften us if we are seeking to have our hearts sensitized to receive God’s love. Then we will be equipped to share God's love with others. This is our gospel commission. In the parable of the Good Samaritan we learn we must first realize our need of a Savior who brings healing to us before we can be a neighbor to others.

The cross bar line go back and forth indicating that as we reach out to others it is a sharing experience also. We must learn to give and receive.

Finally, the circle symbolizes how God binds us up and heals us, His church. His care and love is never ending and when we have experienced this process we are provided with an unending source of strength to do our tasks. A biblically based hospitality ministry is a healing ministry that prepares us to fulfill the gospel commission.

Other Comments: FINDING HOSPITALITY IN OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS, by Mildred Moore.

God has given many spiritual gifts, but not all have the same gifts. I have discovered that my spiritual gifts are, faith, mercy, and giving. But the question is how do we find hospitality in these gifts.

Faith is belief and trust in God. Faith is also allegiance to duty or a person. We know that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb.11: 6). As followers of Christ we want always to please Him. Faith gives us courage to step forward to show hospitality to others.

It was faith that gave the Good Samaritan courage to get down from his beast to help the man that robbers left by the road. He had compassion (mercy) on him (Luke 10:33). Mercy is to show kindness or compassion to those in distress. “So then you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” Col 3:12. Good News Bible.

The Good Samaritan bound up the wounds of this man, took him to the inn and took care of him. This is hospitality.

Giving is to apply freely, to enter wholeheartedly into an activity. The Good Samaritan gave himself wholeheartedly to help the man who fell among thieves

As we show mercy to the sick, hungry, lonely and the poor, we are giving our time, our money and ourselves, not to be seen by others, but to honor God by using the gifts He had given us. The Bible says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35.

So it takes faith, to step forward to show mercy to those in need. We give freely what we can to help others. Yes I find hospitality in all three.

PART 3 The Doctrine Of Salvation

8. All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to, guide, protect and sustain them in the way of salvation.

Comments: Satan aroused in Eve discontent regarding her assigned position

Through the constant and insidious undermining of the law, Satan attempts to overthrow God’s government and even God Himself.

There is a most crucial question: “But who do you say that I am?” Today we also face this same question that Jesus asked His disciples. This is a life and death question and our answer depends on our faith in God’s Word.

We are counseled to clothe ourselves with truth, a breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; and most importantly the shield of faith in order to put out the fiery darts of Satan. The helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit (God’s word) completes our protection.

Satan is the cause of cruelty, suffering and many other heartbreaking tragedies; robberies, murders, funerals, crimes and accidents.

9. In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow

Comments: Jer 31:3 speaks of God reaching out to humanity “with an everlasting love”. However God’s love demands that that He permit each person to have freedom of choice in responding (Rev. 3:20,21).

In the Old Testament we see that God often pleaded longingly for His people to acknowledge their iniquity and return to Him (Jer. 3:12-14). Amazingly they spurned His gracious invitations (Jer.5:3). Thus an unrepentant attitude that mocks forgiveness makes punishment inevitable (Ps. 7:12).

Our human response to God’s offer of salvation does not originate with us but with God. Faith is a gift of God (Rom. 12:3); as is also our repentance (Acts 5:31). Our love is a response to God’s love (1John 4:19). Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6).

The process of reconciliation has been associated with the term atonement. The word means ‘at-one’, or in agreement. Thus this word denotes harmony of a relationship. Where there has been estrangement this harmony would be the result of a process of reconciliation.

Christ’s self-sacrifice took away the barrier between God and sinful humanity in that He completely bore humanities sin. God is both the provider and the recipient of the reconciliation.

As our example, Jesus lived a pure, holy, and loving life, relying completely on God. When we submit ourselves to Christ, our heart is united with His heart, our will merged in His will, our mind becomes one with His mind, our thoughts are brought into captivity to him and we life His life. We are covered with His righteousness. When God looks at us He sees the robe of righteousness formed by Christ’s perfect obedience to the law. We cannot be truly righteous unless this robe covers us.

See the parable of the wedding garment in Matt. 22:10.

With full access to the throne of God through Christ, we receive the power of the Holy Spirit to break down all the barriers or dividing walls of hostility between humanity, symbolized by the hostility that exists between Jew and Gentile. Ephesians 2:14-16.

There is a new relationship between God and the repentant sinner that takes place. It is a fellowship based on love and admiration, rather than one of fear and obligation (John 15:1-10). More and more we will realize how blessed we are. Instead of failure, we will experience daily victory over sin.

When we have experienced this reconciliation ourselves, we cannot keep this secret. We will pass on to others the moving gospel invitation of reconciliation (2Cor. 5:20,21).

10. In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith, which receives salvation, comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment.

Part 4 The Doctrine of the Church

11. The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish.

Comments: Members are committed to relate to one another on the basis of equality. They must also realize that following Christ’s example means they are to minister to the needs of others, leading them to the Master. Learning from Jesus example will teach us how to relate to each other as well as to God in all aspects of our life.

Hindrances: A lack of understanding about the Lord’s Supper can discourage us from attending. Blocked pews give a message that only a few are welcomed to the service. A lack of relationship with people and with God prevents us from giving, sharing and receiving in this beautiful service.

Living only to ourselves prevents us from interaction with other believers and joining together in celebrations. Sometimes if may be the way we were raised but we may not feel comfortable in participating in activities either in church or in various fellowship activities. We may have been taught that nothing frivolous should take up our time.

12. The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His Second Advent. The three angels of Revelation 14 symbolize this proclamation; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness.

Comments: Paul warns us that after his departure savage wolves will come in among us. People will rise up speaking perverse things, to draw us away. These “wolves” would lead the church to “the apostasy,” or “falling away.”

We are also warned that the church left its ‘first love’ (Rev. 2:4), it forfeited its purity of doctrine, its high standards of personal conduct, and the invisible bond of unity provided by the Holy Spirit. In worship, formalism replaced simplicity. Popularity and personal power became more and more to determine the choice of leaders.

Henceforth leadership thought only of ruling the church instead of serving it, and the ‘greatest’ was no longer one who considered himself ‘servant of all.’ This gradually, developed the concept of a priestly hierarchy that interposed between the individual and his Lord.”

Multitudes knowing very little of genuine Christianity joined the church in name only, bringing their pagan doctrines, images, and modes of worship, celebrations, feasts, and symbolism with them.

Every drop of blood spilled put a stain on the name of God and Jesus Christ.

Martin Luther – fiery, impulsive, and uncompromising – was perhaps the most powerful personality of the Reformation. More than any other man, he led the people back to the Scriptures and the great gospel truth of justification by faith, while he railed against salvation by works.

The Bible portrays the remnant as a small group of God’s people who, through calamities, wars, and apostasy, remain loyal to God. They reflect Jesus’ unshakable confidence in God and the authority of Scripture.

We are told in Scripture: “not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).

The gift of the Spirit was to function continuously throughout the history of the church, until “all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ”(Eph. 4:13).

The Three Angels

The first angel symbolizes God’s remnant carrying an everlasting gospel to the world

The second angels’ message brings out the universal nature of the Babylonian apostasy and her coercive power. It also warns against all humanly originated forms of worship.

The third angel proclaims God’s most solemn warning against worshiping the beast and his image – which all who reject the gospel of righteousness by faith ultimately will do.

It reveals that those who submit to human authority in earth’s final crisis will worship the beast and his image. The other class, in marked contrast, will live by the true gospel and “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:9, 12).

Recognizing that many of God’s people have yet to join them, the remnant sense their inadequacies and weaknesses when they try to fulfill this solemn mission. They realize that it is only through God’s grace that they can accomplish their momentous task.

THE THREE MESSAGES OF THE ANGELS

The Invitation
You are invited to attend
THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS
"Honor God and praise His greatness!"
The time has come to
Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea, and the
Springs of water!
Great Babylon has fallen!
She made all people drink of her wine -
The strong wine of her immoral lust!

The Warning
This is what will happen to those who continue
In worshiping false Gods.
Their thoughts and actions will reveal
Who they worship.
They have refused this invitation
And sadly they will reap the consequences
Brought on by their rejection.
So there is no doubt in their mind,
A warning is issued telling
What becomes of those who will insist on
Continuing in their wrongdoing.

The Reward
God's people, on the other hand,
Will have patient endurance,
Will be obedient to God,
Will be faithful to Jesus.
Those who have died in this belief,
Die happy in the service of the Lord!
God's people will enjoy rest from painful difficulties.
The results of their service go with them forever and ever.

Paraphrased from Revelation 14:6-13

Hindrances: When we fall away from God and His plan for us we are then in danger of misinterpretation of His message that we should share with others. Losing our first love of God and His message. Anything that distracts us from our connection with God and His mission. When we are unable to stand firm in times of crises. Tolerating things that should not be tolerated. Getting too close to the world and compromising our principles.

13. The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children.

Comments: Not understanding this unselfish love, His disciples were filled with strong prejudices toward non-Jews, women, “sinners,” and the poor, which blinded them to the all encompassing love of Christ even toward these detested ones.

His irrepressible love reached down and restored broken humanity. Such love, which would set them apart from the careless public, would be the evidence of being true disciples…because of the revelation of Christ’s love in them. (John 13:34,35)

As they grow into Christ cultural differences are no longer divisive. The Holy Spirit breaks down barriers between high and low, rich and poor, male and female. Realizing that in God’s sight they are all equal, they hold one another in esteem. Such a spiritual union knows no hierarchy.

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” (1 Cor. 1:10). There will be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together and in the same judgment.” (1Cor. 1:10)

To accomplish its mission, the church needs the contributions of all the gifts. Together, they provide a total evangelistic thrust. It depends on all the members performing their God-assigned tasks.

So while there are different temperaments in the church, all work under one Head. While there are many gifts, there is but on Spirit. Though the gifts differ, there is harmonious action.

Like the hub and spokes of a wheel, the closer church members (the spokes) come to Christ (the hub) the closer they come to each other.

As the Spirit enters believers, He causes them to transcend human prejudices of culture, race, sex, color, nationality, and status. (See Galatians 3:26-28)

They will then minimize their differences and unite in mission to glorify Jesus.

Christ “gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors, and teachers.” These gifts were given to the church for the “equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)

As this truth as it is in Jesus dwells in the heart, it will refine, elevate, and purify the life, eliminating all prejudice and friction.

Our Goal: As each member of the Godhead has love for the others so will the members of the church love one another.

God can accomplish the impossible.

It is only as we realize that we cannot and do not love like Jesus that we admit our need of His abiding presence – and believe Him when He said: “Without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Man’s narrow vision tends to separate people.

If we learn wise management, kindness, gentleness, patience, and love with the cross as its center, at home, we will be able to carry these principles out in the church.

We should minimize differences and avoid arguing about nonessentials. Instead of focusing on what divides us, we should talk about the many precious truths on which we agree.

It teaches believers that they are all individual parts of God’s mighty family and that the happiness of the whole depends upon the well being of each believer.

The church must take care not to foster separate national interests, which would harm it united, worldwide thrust.

A fresh look at God’s gift in Christ at Calvary can renew love for one another (1John 4:9-11). The grace of God mediated by the Holy Spirit can subdue these sources of disunity in the natural heart.

Just as our Lord, the Son of man, became a brother to every son and daughter of Adam, so we His followers, are called to reach out in unity of mind and mission in a redemptive way to our brothers, and sisters from “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6).

Hindrances: Our hectic life style prevents us from getting deep into the Word and thus being fortified to equip us properly.

We don’t open our spiritual gifts.

14. By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Savior, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings.

Comments: Their baptism would demonstrate that they had entered into a personal relationship with Christ and were committed to living in harmony with the principles of His kingdom of grace.

It is the blood of Christ, not the water of baptism that removes sin from the believer.

“Immersed” in water – the cloud above and the water on each side – the people of Israel were symbolically baptized as they passed through the Red Sea. Yet in spite of this experience “God was not well pleased” with most of them (1Cor. 10:1-5).

Some employ immersion, or dipping; others aspersion, or sprinkling; and still others affusion, or pouring. The meaning of the word “Baptize” is derived from the verb bapto, meaning, “to dip in or under.” When the verb to baptize refers to water baptism it carried the idea of immersing, or dipping a person under water.

Believers have renounced their former lifestyle. They are dead to sin and confirm that the “old things have passed away” (2Cor. 5:17). Their lives being hid with Christ in God. Baptism symbolizes the crucifixion of the old life. It is not only a death but also a burial.

This new life lifts us to a higher plateau of human experience, giving us new values, aspirations, and desires that focus on a commitment to Jesus Christ. We are new disciples of our Savior.

So today, when we are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we are dedicated, consecrated, and united with the three great powers of heaven and to the spreading of the everlasting gospel.

“When a person presents himself as a candidate for church membership, we are to examine the fruit of his life, and leave the responsibility of this motive with himself.” (Evangelism p. 313)

Their unsanctified influence confuses those within and without the church and jeopardizes its witness.

Faithfulness to our baptismal covenant involves leading others into the kingdom of grace.

Today God anxiously waits for us to enter into the abundant life He so graciously had provided.

Comments: It was their maneuvering for position, their pride and self-esteem that prevented the disciples from humbling themselves, from substituting for the servant and washing the feet of the others. Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-17.

Christ instituted both of these ordinances to assist us with entering into communion with Him. John 13:17 tells us, “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.”

It was humiliating for God’s Son to give so selflessly, so lovingly, only to be rejected by the majority of those He came to save. Throughout Christ’s earthly life Satan was determined to disgrace Him to the utmost at every turn. What mortification it must have brought Him – the innocent One – to be crucified as a criminal!

Through the act of foot washing He showed that He would do any service, no matter how lowly, to save people. Christ intended to lead believers into a state of tenderness and love that would move them to serve others. This ordinance encourages those who reflect on its significance to treat others with humility and sensitivity. By following Christ in foot washing we profess His spirit: “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). We must have a cleansing of the heart!

Foot washing as an ordinance reminds us of our need for regular cleansing and that we are totally dependent upon the blood of Christ. We need both to be willing to wash another’s feet and to be willing to be washed by another. In the latter case we admit our need of spiritual help. This service becomes a fellowship of forgiveness. Jesus said that evening, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). The message is clear: “Through love serve on another.” (Galatians 5:13) Such a love can be a powerful witness!

The Lord’s Supper is to be joyful season, not a time for sorrow. Jesus said, “I am the door” (John 10:7), “I am the way” John 14:6), “I am the true vine: (John 15:1), and “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).

Eating and drinking the Lord’s Supper is symbolic language for the assimilation of the Word of God, through which believers maintain communion with heaven and are enabled to have spiritual life. Think of the candlestick: “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread” (1 Corinthians 10:16,17).

All these pieces of communion bread come from the same loaf; we all the believers who partake of the communion service are united in Him whose broken body is thus typified by the broken bread. By partaking together of this ordinance, Christians show publicly that they are united and belong to one great family, whose head is Christ.” (SDA Commentary vol.6, p.746.

If we participate in an unworthy manner (consisting of unbecoming conduct) or in a lack of vital, active faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, such behavior shows disrespect to our Lord. This would be considered a rejection of the Savior and so a sharing in the guilt of those who crucify Him.

Before each communion every church member should clear away everything that would tend to separate one from the other and from God. Hearts are searched and confessions made of personal or business relationships containing hidden sins, hurtful words that have been spoken. God comes near and members are strengthened, as wrongs are made right before they get so old as to not remember why disagreements started.

16. God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love.

Comments: After Jesus went to heaven His disciples spent much time in prayer. The discord and jealousy that marred much of their time with Jesus was replaced by harmony and humility. These disciples were converted! This close communion with Christ and the resulting unity was necessary preparation for their baptism by the Holy Spirit. This baptism (Acts 1:5) enabled them to witness. The results were electrifying. On the day they received the gift of the Holy Spirit, they baptized three thousand persons (Acts 2:41).

In the Corinthian Church there was bickering over which gifts were the most important even though they had all the spiritual gifts. The gifts are given for the church, not the individual, recipients should not consider the fits their private property.

The gifts are not sufficient by themselves. The gifts will pass away at Christ’s return, but the fruit of the Spirit is eternal. This is the eternal virtue of love, peace, goodness and righteousness that love brings with it (Gal. 5:22,23; Eph. 5:9). Even though prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will disappear, faith, hope and love will remain. And the greatest of these is love (1Cor. 13:13). This love is the self-sacrificing and giving kind of love (1Cor. 13:4-8). This is the higher type of love that recognizes something of value in the person or object that is loved; is based on principle, not on emotion; a totally unselfish love.

As each of us has received a gift we are to minister it to each other as good stewards of the grace of God (1Peter 4:10).

That the church remains united in spite of the diversity of spiritual gifts points to the complementary nature of the gifts.

A Caution: Believers who refuse to employ their spiritual gifts will not only find that their gifts atrophy but also that they are jeopardizing their eternal life. To the extent that we “choose not to (or simply neglect to) recognize, develop, and exercise our gifts, the church is less than it could be. Less than God intended it to be.”

17. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As the Lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested.

18. The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Savior. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness.

Comments: The Ten Commandments are a reflection of God’s character, which is revealed as moral, spiritual and comprehensive, containing universal principles. They define our relationship with our Creator and Redeemer and our duty to our fellow beings. Only those who are spiritual and have the fruit of the Spirit can obey it (John 15:4; Gal. 5:22,23). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasized this spiritual dimension of the law, revealing that transgression begins in the heart (Matt. 5:21,22,27,28; Mark 7:21-23).

The Commandments are positive in that they tell us the things we should do. We must learn to use our God-given talents and gifts for good. Thus every negative injunction has a positive dimension. God’s will is that His followers seek to promote the well being and happiness of everyone who comes within their sphere of influence.

The twofold division derives from the two great fundamental principles of love upon which God’s kingdom operates: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27; Deut. 6:4,5; Lev 19:18).

God gave us His law to provide us with abundant blessings and to lead us into a saving relationship with Himself. “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matt. 19:17). This obedience is possible only through the power of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

In Old Testament times God often blessed nations and individuals in proportion to their obedience to His law. After Israel’s liberation God led them to Mount Sinai to give them the moral law that is the standard of His government and the ceremonial laws that were to teach them that the way of salvation is through the atoning sacrifice of the Savior.

Saints are described as keeping the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 12:17; 14:12). This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and they are not burdensome (1John 5:3). The tabernacle of the testimony is designated at the tabernacle that Moses built (Num.1:50, 53; 17:8; 18:2). So the Ten Commandments are the testimony – the witness to humanity of the divine will (Ex.34:28, 29). Christ strongly emphasized the grand object of God’s law must always be kept in mind; to love the Lord and your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:37,38). To explain this love Jesus spoke of a new commandment that provides believers with an example of what true unselfish love really is, such love as had never before been witnessed on earth: “That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). This produces a sense of well being, causing us to grow up as newborn babes and transformed into Christ’s image (1Peter 2:2; 2Cor, 3:18).

19. The beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, as sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts.

Comments: The greatest gift God could give to newly created Adam and Eve was the privilege of a personal relationship with Him. So He gave them the Sabbath, a day of special blessing, fellowship, and communion with their Creator. It is God’s special gift, enabling the human race to experience the reality of heaven on earth.

The Sabbath lies at the very foundation of divine worship, for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive manner, and no other institution does this. The true ground of divine worships is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures.

It was by resting on the Sabbath that He made it. “The blessing on the seventh day implied that it was thereby declared to be a special object of divine favor and a day that would bring blessing to His creatures.” God set it apart for the lofty purpose of enriching the divine-human relationship. He blessed and sanctified it for humanity, not for Himself. This is the crowning example of giving.

For forty years, or more than 2,000 successive weekly Sabbaths, that the Israelites were in the wilderness, the miracle of the manna reminded them of this pattern of six days of work and the seventh day of rest. “Remember” the Sabbath alerts humanity to the danger of forgetting its importance. It defines the time for rest and worship, directing us to contemplate God and His works. Sabbath observance is an antidote for idolatry.

The Sabbath commandment functions as the seal of God’s law. Generally, seals contain three elements: the name of the owner of the seal, his title, and jurisdiction. “The Lord your God;” His name. “The One who made – the Creator;” His title. “The heavens and the earth;” His territory. This is an institution of perpetual personal obligation.

“Annual sabbaths were an integral part of the Jewish system of rites and ceremonies instituted at Mount Sinai, which pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah, and the observance of which terminated with His death on the cross.”

God added another reason for the observance of the Sabbath: The redemption of His people (Duet. 5:14, 15). So the Sabbath marks those who have accepted Jesus as Creator and Savior. Mark 2:27 tells us that the Sabbath was made for man.

God intended that His people should observe the Sabbath throughout eternity: “As the new heavens and the new earth which I will make will remain before me, says the Lord, so shall your descendants and your name remain…From one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me, says the Lord” (Isa. 66:22,23).

The Sabbath command as a memorial of the creative power of God devolves upon the entire human race. The institution was wholly commemorative and given to all mankind. “The Lord intended that the weekly Sabbath rest, if properly observed, would constantly release man from the bondage of an Egypt not limited to any country or century but which includes every land and every age. Man today needs escape from the bondage that comes from greediness, from gain and power, from social inequality, and from sin and selfishness.”

“The greatest burden we carry is the guilt of our disobedience. The Sabbath rest, by pointing back to Christ’s rest in the tomb, the rest of victory over sin, offers to the Christian a tangible opportunity to accept and experience Christ’s forgiveness, peace, and rest.”

Just as God has set the Sabbath aside for a holy purpose, so He has set His people apart for a holy purpose – to be His special witnesses. Their communion with Him on that day leads to holiness; they learn to depend not on their own resources but on the God who sanctifies them.

The arrival of the Sabbath, however, brings hope, joy, meaning, and courage. It provides time to commune with God through worship, prayer, song, the study of and mediation on the Word and through sharing the gospel with others. The Sabbath is our opportunity to experience God’s presence.

God had promised this spiritual rest to literal Israel. Despite their failure to enter it, God’s invitation still stands. (Heb. 4:9) All who enter that rest must enter by faith into His spiritual rest, the rest of the soul from sin and from its own efforts at salvation. All who have entered this rest – the saving grace received by faith in Jesus Christ – have ceased every effort to achieve righteousness by their own works.

In modern times the divine institution of the Sabbath is to be restored and the breach in the wall of God’s law repaired. To successfully accomplish the mission of magnifying God’s law and honoring His neglected Sabbath, God’s people must set a consistent, loving example of Sabbath keeping. Because the Sabbath is a day of special communion with God in which we are invited to joyously celebrate His gracious activities in Creation and redemption, it is important that we avoid anything that tends to diminish its sacred atmosphere. See Ex. 20:10, Neh, 13:15-22, Isa.58:13.

Christ too part in the services, and gave religious instruction. (Mark 1:21; 3:1-4; Luke 4:15-27; 13:10). He fellowshipped with others (Mark 1:29-31; Luke 14:1), spent time outdoors (Mark 2:23), and went about doing holy deeds of mercy. Wherever He could, He healed the sick and afflicted (Mark 1:21-31; 3:1-5; Luke 13:10-17; 14:2-4; John 5:1-15; 9:1-14).

Those who accept His call experience the Sabbath as a delight and a spiritual feast – a foretaste of heaven…to prevent spiritual discouragement.

20. We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellowmen, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness.

Comments: A giving up of ourselves and an accepting of Christ is what living the Christian life means. As we discover new areas of our lives to turn over to God, our commitment grows. At high coast we were purchased, redeemed. But such was mere reclaiming, for He made us; we have belonged to Him from the beginning because “in the beginning God created…” (Gen.1:1).

A steward is a person entrusted with the management of the household or estate of another. Life, physical being, time, talents, and abilities, material possessions, opportunities to be of service to other and his knowledge of truth are all entrusted to us by God. A definition of stewardship: involves the wise and unselfish use of life. It is our privilege to develop our physical and mental powers to the best of our ability and opportunities. Then we can prove to be a greater blessing to our fellow-beings. Every talent can be used to glorify either the one who possess it or its original Bestower. To remind us that He is the source of every blessing, God instituted a system of tithes and offerings. “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8). This principal applies to the sharing of our financial blessings as well.

The use we make of the remaining principle tests us as well. Money can be a power for good; in our hands it can provide food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, and clothing for the naked (Matt. 25:34-40). Proper stewardship is selflessness: it is complete self-giving to God and service to humanity. It will move us to become the caring church, caring for both those within the communion of believers and those without. Since Christ died for the world, stewardship, in its broadest sense, is for the world.

21. We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness.

Comments: We are live by principle in order to reach our full potential as God’s creation. Christians behavior is a natural fruit of salvation and is grounded in what Christ has already accomplished for us at Calvary. God’s laws are designed to enable us to enjoy life at its best.

In the blessing of Exercise is the simple formula for increased energy, a fir body, stress relief, healthier skin, more self-confidence, effective weight control, improved digestion and regularity and reduced depression and risk of heart disease and cancer. Exercise is essential to maintaining optimal health – both physical and mental.

One of the important functions of water is its use for cleanliness and the relaxation it affords.

The lack of fresh air tend to make a person less alert and responsive. We need to do everything possible to secure a generous supply of fresh air daily.

The wise Christian will abstain from all that is harmful, using in moderation only that which is good. Those who use tobacco are slowly committing suicide. Drinking alcoholic beverages on a regular basis will eventually produce loss of memory, judgment, and learning ability. True Christians beholding Christ will continually glorify God with their bodies, realizing that they are His prized possessions, bought with His precious blood.

Rest is more than sleeping or ceasing our regular work. It involves the way we spend our leisure time. Our minds can be wearied by over stimulation through the media, sickness, or various personal problems. Music is a gift of God to inspire pure, noble, and elevated thoughts. Good music, then, enhances the finest qualities of character. Any activity that weakens our relationship with our Lord and causes us to lose sight of eternal interests helps to bind Satan’s chains about our souls. Christians will rather participate in those wholesome forms of leisure activities that will truly refresh their physical, mental, and spiritual natures.

Christians win unbelievers not by looking and behaving like the world but by revealing an attractive and refreshing difference. If we lift up the Savior in the way we speak, act, and dress, we become like magnets, drawing people to Him!

Under all circumstances, favorable or adverse, we should seek to understand and live in harmony with the will and mind of Christ. True Christians put God first in all they do, in all they think, in all they speak, and in all that they desire. There are no other gods before the Redeemer (1Cor. 10:31). A daily yielding of the will to Christ’s control and a daily conformity to His teachings as He reveals them to us in our Bible study and prayer develops the progressive holy living

22. Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian, a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message.

Comments: The relationship between husband and wife is to be patterned after God’s everlasting covenant with His people, the church (Eph. 5:21-33). It is the agape love described in the New Testament – the selfless, all-for-other love – that comprises the foundation of true, lasting marital love. True love never fails (1Cor. 13:4-8).

23. There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle, which the Lord set up, and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic periods of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.

Comments: The earthly sanctuary was a place where people were taught the way of salvation. The message of the sanctuary was a message of salvation. God used its services to proclaim the gospel (Heb.4: 2). The sanctuary also illustrated three phases of Christ’s ministry: (1) the substitutionary sacrifice, (2) the priestly mediation, and (3) the final judgment. The English term atonement implies reconciliation between two estranged parties.

The ministry in the holy place could be characterized as a ministry of intercession, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.

24. The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Savior’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times.

Comments: The practice of Biblical Hospitality will (1) teach us to be ready at all times and (2) enable us to help others be ready for preparation to fellowship with Jesus.

All who love Christ look forward eagerly to the day when they will be able to share face-to-face fellowship with Him – and with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the angels.

There were two classes of people at the time of the flood: one class believed Noah’s word and went into the ark and were saved, the other chose to stay outside the ark and the “flood cam and took them all away” (Matt. 24:39). So today there are two classes of people in the world and in the church

Paul told us: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power (2Tim. 3:1-5). Biblical hospitality prepares us for the opposite of this.

Here is the greatest invitation: “Blesses are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (Rev. 19:9)

25. The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later.

26. The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever.

At His second advent Christ takes His followers to heaven, to the dwelling places He has prepared for them in the New Jerusalem. Like Moses and the Israelites, the redeemed, filled with gratitude, sing a song of their deliverance – the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!” (Rev.15:3).

The judgment in which the righteous participate serves the purpose of answering any questions the righteous may have as to why the wicked are lost. God wants those to whom He has given eternal life to have full confidence in His leadership, so He will reveal to them the operations of His mercy and justice. God knows that any doubt about Him is the very base of sin so this is how He will lay to rest forever any occasion for such doubts.

27. On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen.

Comments: Eternity offers unlimited intellectual horizons. In the new earth immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love.