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SENIOR DIVISION
FOURTH QUARTER 1981
 Lesson Titles for this Quarter

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# 1. Christ, the Divine Link Between Earth and Heaven

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#
2. Like Unto His Brethren
3. Dangers of Unbelief
~
4. The Christian's Rest
5. Christ, Our High Priest
6. Warnings Against Apostasy
7. After the Order of Melchizedek
8. A Better Covenant
9. The Mediator of the New Testament
10. Forward and Upward
11. Heroes of Faith
12. Consider Him
13. Divers Admonitions

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, The Epistle to the Hebrews, for October-December, 1981, is
published by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference Sabbath
School Department. Printed and distributed by the Reformation Herald Publishing Association,
P.O. Box 312, Blackwood, N] 08012, U.S.A.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.

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 FOREWORD

The lessons for this quarter are based on a verse by verse study of the
epistle to the Hebrews which, in our Bibles and in the writings of the Spirit of
Prophecy, is ascribed to the apostle Paul.
The epistle was written from Italy [Hebrews 13:24] shortly before the
destruction of Jerusalem. The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia says that there
are several factors which "seem to put the writing somewhere in the late
A.D. 60's, c. 67-69."
The title and Old Testament usage seem to indicate that the letter was
addressed to Jewish Christians, who had been educated from birth in the im-
portance of the ceremonial law and who needed more clarity on the relation-
ship between the type and the antitype, as well as on the sacrifice of Christ
and His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.
From the content of the book of Hebrews it is apparent that Paul, discern-
ing the political situation and having in view the prophecies of Christ [Mat-
thew 24] regarding the fate of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple,
was particularly concerned for the Jewish believers. They still worshiped in
Herod's Porch, a chamber in the court of the temple, and still had much con-
fidence in the temple rituals and ceremonials. Paul sent them a timely mes-
sage, that their faith would not be shaken when the temple services should
be cut off. To prepare his countrymen for this calamity, he wrote them this
epistle to establish the fact that Christians have a High Priest, Christ, and
also a sanctuary service. Since Christ ascended into the heavens, He has been
ministering in the tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man. He is a
minister of a better covenant with better promises.
No doubt the influence of this epistle coming as it did, just prior to the
destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, had a stabilizing influence among the
Hebrew believers. Down through the centuries it has shown the connection
between the services in the earthly sanctuary (Old Testament) and the in-
tercessory work of Christ for His people in the heavenly sanctuary (New
Testament).
As a great asset to those who are looking forward to the soon coming of
Christ, the Epistle to the Hebrews should be studied by us with much interest.

The General Conference Sabbath School Department

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 New Headquarters
for the
GENERAL CONFERENCE

The present General Conference property located in Blackwood,

New Jersey, has served the interests of the work as headquarters
since 1970. In 1976 the brethren of the General Conference felt that a
more suitable property and location should be found and the search has
been going on since that time. Many properties were considered and
several offers were made, but for various reasons none materialized.

A property has been located in Northwestern New Jersey, approx-

imately 50 miles to Newark International Airport in Newark, New
Jersey, or 75 miles to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New
York, New York. This property consists of 8.13 acres of land, and a
large two-story house which is suitable for conversion into a church
and offices. An offer was made on this property and it was accepted.
We now await the approval of the township to use the property to
serve our needs.

If this property is approved by the township, the GC headquarters

will be moved there within three (3) months after the close of escrow-
sometime in September or October of this year. There are also plans
to make an addition to the house which will provide adequate space for
the publishing department, a library, committee meeting room, and
an apartment for the caretaker. In the future a parsonage may also be
built for the GC officers who will reside at the headquarters.

You can become an active participant in the Lord's work through

your prayers and your means in giving liberally for this project. We
believe that the new headquarters will provide sufficient space for the
various departments of the General Conference and a better environ-
ment as well.

Therefore, we ask you to make a willing sacrifice and give liber-

ally for the new General Conference headquarters. May God bless each
giver.

Your brethren of the General Conference

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Lesson 1 Sabbath, October 3,1981

CHRIST, THE DIVINE LINK BETWEEN

EARTH AND HEAVEN

The first chapter of the epistle presents a difference between the angels and
Christ. While the angels are ministering creatures, Christ is the eternal Son of
God, our Creator and Redeemer.

KEY TEXT: "Thy throne, 0 God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is
the sceptre of thy kingdom" (Hebrews 1:8).
God's Method ofRevelation to Man D Sunday
September 27
1. How did God speak in times past to His people? Hebrews 1:1.
2. Through whom did He speak "in these last days"? Hebrews 1:2 (first part).
By what special means, also, does He speak to the remnant today?

"In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In
these days He speaks to them by the Testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a
time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them now con-
cerning His will and the course that He would have them pursue. But will they profit
by His teachings? will they receive His reproofs and heed His warnings? God will ac-
cept of no partial obedience; He will sanction no compromise with self."- Testimonies.
yol. 4, pp. 147, 148.

Christ's Power and Position D Monday

September 28
3. How are Christ's position and creative power described? Hebrews 1:2 (second
part); John 1:3.

4. How is the Son identified in His relation to the Father? Hebrews 1:3 (first
part). What power does the Son have and what is His position in relation to
the throne of the Father? Hebrews 1:3 (second part); Colossians 3:1; Ephe-
sians 1:19,20.

"As a personal being, God has revealed Himself in His Son. The outshining of the
Father's glory, 'and the express image of His person,' Jesus, as a personal Saviour,
came to the world. As a personal Saviour He ascended on high. As a personal Saviour
He intercedes in the heavenly courts. Before the throne of God in our behalf ministers
'One like unto the Son of man.' Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 1:13."-The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 418, 419.

Christ and the Angels D Tuesday

September 29
5. What is Christ's position in relation to the angels and other created beings?
Hebrews 1:4, 5, 13; Ephesians 1:21,22; Philippians 2:9-11.

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 "The Father gave all honor to His Son, seating Him at His right hand, far above
all principalities and powers. He expressed His great joy and delight in receiving the
crucified One, and crowning Him with glory and honor.
"And all the favors He has shown to His Son in His acceptance of the great atone-
ment, are shown to His people. Those who have united their interests in love with Christ
are accepted in the Beloved. They suffered with Christ in His deepest humiliation,
and His glorification is of great interest in them, because they are accepted in Him.
God loves them as He loves His Son. Christ, Emmanuel, stands between God and the
believer, revealing the glory of God to His chosen ones, and covering their defects
and transgressions with the garments of His own spotless righteousness." - The SDA Bi-
ble Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1115.

6. What command was given to the angels in regard to Christ? Hebrews 1:6.
What is their mission? Hebrews 1:7, 14.

"With joy unutterable, rulers and principalities and powers acknowledge the
supremacy of the Prince of life. The angel host prostrate themselves before Him,
while the glad shout fills all the courts of heaven, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and
blessing.' Rev. 5:12." -The Desire of Ages, p. 834.
"We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angel visitants. It
would be well to consider that in all our work we have the cooperation and care of
heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones
who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and seraphim and angels that
excel in strength-ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands-stand
at His right hand, 'all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be
heirs of salvation.' Heb. 1:14." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 176.

Christ's Eternal Throne D Wednesday

September 30

7. How is the Son addressed with reference to His throne and His anointing?
Hebrews 1:8,9.

"Christ's enemies had demanded a miracle as evidence of His divinity. They had
evidence far greater than any they had sought. As their cruelty degraded His tor-
turers below humanity into the likeness of Satan, so did His meekness and patience
exalt Jesus above humanity, and prove His kinship to God. His abasement was the
pledge of His exaltation. The blood drops of agony that from His wounded temples
flowed down His face and beard were the pledge of His anointing with 'the oil of
gladness' (Heb. 1:9) as our great high priest." -The Desire of Ages, p. 734.

8. What is said about Christ's creative power? Hebrews 1:10.

"The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had
an associate-a co-worker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His
joy in giving happiness to created beings. 'In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with
God.' John 1:1, 2. Christ, the Word, the only begottenof God, was one with the eter-
nal Father-one in nature, in character, in purpose-the only being that could enter
into all the counsels and purposes of God." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 34.

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The Fate of a Rebellious Planet o Thursday
October 1

9. While Christ will remain forever, what will finally happen to the earth and the
heavens? Hebrews 1:11, 12; Revelation 6:14. How does Peter refer to this
future event? 2 Peter 2:10-12.

"In the bowels of the earth God has in reserve the weapons that He will use to de-
stroy the sinful race. Since the Flood, God has used, to destroy wicked cities, both the
water and the fire that are concealed in the earth. In the final conflagration God will in
His wrath send lightning from heaven that will unite with the fire in the earth. The
mountains will burn like a furnace, and pour forth streams of lava."- The SDA Bible Com-
mentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 946, 947.

10. To what promise do we look forward? 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1.

"There we shall know even as also we are known. There the loves and sym-
pathies that God has planted in the soul will find truest and sweetest exercise. The
pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels
and with the faithful ones of all ages, the sacred fellowship that binds together 'the
whole family in heaven and earth'-all are among the experiences ofthe hereafter."-
Education, p. 306.

Recapitulation o Friday
October 2

a. What instrumentalities did God employ in ancient times to make His will
known to His people?

b. What is said of Christ's position and power?

c. How does Christ's position compare with that of the angels?

d. What did Christ do in the beginning?

e. Describe the future of this world.

•

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Lesson 2 Sabbath, October 10, 1981

LIKE UNTO HIS BRETHREN

In the Son of God divinity and humanity were combined. God and man became
one. Herein lies our only hope.

KEY TEXT: "For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all
things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their
salvation perfect through sufferings" (Hebrews 2:10).
A Solemn Warning D Sunday
October 4
1. What earnest admonition is given to the believers? Hebrews 2: 1.

2. What event in their history is brought forward? Hebrews 2:2; Acts 7:53; Ga-
latians 3:19. What will be the sure result of neglecting the message of salva-
tion? Hebrews 2:3; 12:25.

"The Israelites had been specially charged not to lose sight of the commandments
of God, in obedience to which they would find strength and blessing. 'Take heed to
thyself, and keep thy soul diligently,' had been the word of the Lord to them through
Moses, 'lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart
from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons.'
Verse 9. The awe-inspiring scenes connected with the giving of the law at Sinai were
never to be forgotten. Plain and decided were the warnings that had been given Israel
against the idolatrous customs prevailing among the neighboring nations." -Prophets
and Kings, pp. 294, 295.
"Those who have put on Christ by baptism, by this act showing their separation
from the world and that they have covenanted to walk in newness of life, should not
set up idols in their hearts. Those who have once rejoiced in the evidence of sins
forgiven, who have tasted a Saviour's love and who then persist in uniting with the
foes of Christ, rejecting the perfect righteousness that Jesus offers them and choosing
the ways that He has condemned, will be more severely judged than the heathen who
have never had the light and have never known God or His law."-Testimonies, vol. 3, pp.
365, 366.

The First Dominion D Monday

October 5
3. What has not been put in subjection under the angels? Hebrews 2:5. To
whom has the universal dominion been promised? Psalm 37:11; Daniel 7:27.

4. How was man created in the beginning? Hebrews 2:6, 7. What was put in
subjection under him? Hebrews 2:8. In man's fallen state, what cannot be
seen yet? Hebrews 2:8 (last sentence).

"After the earth with its teeming animal and vegetable life had been called into
existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator, and the one for whom the beautiful

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earth had been fitted up, was brought upon the stage of action. To him was given
dominion over all that his eye could behold; for 'God said, Let us make man in Our im-
age, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over ... all the earth.' "-Patriarchs
and Prophets, p. 44.

The Restoration D Tuesday

October 6
5. By what condescension did Christ undertake to restore the lost dominion?
Hebrews 2:9.

"The angels prostrated themselves at the feet of their Commander and offered to
become a sacrifice for man. But an angel's life could not pay the debt; only He who
created man had power to redeem him. Yet the angels were to have a part to act in the
plan of redemption. Christ was to be made 'a little lower than the angels for the suf-
fering of death.' Hebrews 2:9. As He should take human nature upon Him, His
strength would not be equal to theirs, and they were to minister to Him, to strengthen
and soothe Him under His sufferings." -Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 64, 65.
6. What did Christ become to us through suffering and how was He perfected?
Hebrews 2:10.

"The Captain of our salvation was perfected through suffering. His soul was
made an offering for sin. It was necessary for the awful darkness to gather about His
soul because of the withdrawal of the Father's love and favor; for He was standing in
the sinner's place, and this darkness every sinner must experience. The righteous
One must suffer the condemnation and wrath of God, not in vindictiveness; for the
heart of God yearned with greatest sorrow when His Son, the guiltless, was suffering
the penalty of sin. This sundering of the divine powers will never again occur
throughout the eternal ages." - The SDA Bible Commelltary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 924.
The Glorious Deliverance D Wednesday
October 7
7. What relationship exists between Christ and His people? Hebrews 2:11.
What name does He make known to them? Hebrews 2:12; John 17:26.

"We may address Him [God] by the endearing name, 'Our Father,' which is a
sign of our affection for Him and a pledge of His tender regard and relationship to us.
And the Son of God, beholding the heirs of grace, 'is not ashamed to call them
brethren.' They have even a more sacred relationship to God than have the angels
who have never fallen." - Testimollies, vol. 5, pp. 739, 740.
8. Of what did Christ become a partaker? Hebrews 2:13, 14 (first part). How
did Christ destroy Satan and the power of death? Hebrews 2:14 (last part).
What did Christ accomplish through His death? Hebrews 2:15.

"Only humanity could reach humanity. He [our Saviour] lived out the character of
God through the human body which God had prepared for Him. He blessed the world
by living out in human flesh the life of God, thus showing that He had the power to
unite humanity to divinity.' '-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 924.
"Satan bruised Christ's heel, but Christ bruised Satan's head. Through death the
Saviour destroyed him that had the power of death. In the very act of grasping his
prey, death was vanquished; for by dying, Christ brought to light life and immortality
through the gospel." -Ibid.

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The Incarnation o Thursday
October 8

9. For what purpose did Christ take on humanity and not the nature of angels?
Hebrews 2:16, 17. What is the result of such condescension? Isaiah 53:4,5.

"He [Christ] could not come in the form of an angel; for unless He met man as
man, and testified by His connection with God that divine power was not given to
Him in a different way to what it will be given to us, He could not be a perfect exam-
ple for us."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments]. vol. 7, p. 925.
"It is our privilege to contemplate Jesus by faith, and see Him standing between
humanity and the eternal throne. He is our Advocate, presenting our prayers and offer-
ings as spiritual sacrifices to God. Jesus is the great sinless propitiation, and through
His merit, God and man may hold converse together." -Ibid.

10. Of what can we now be sure? Hebrews 2:18. How great were the temptations
through which Christ passed? Matthew 4:1-10.

"The Son of God was assaulted at every step by the powers of darkness. After
His baptism He was driven of the Spirit into the wilderness, and suffered temptation
for forty days. Letters have been coming in to me, affirming that Christ could not
have had the same nature as man, for if He had, He would have fallen under similar
temptations. If he did not have man's nature, He could not be our example. If He was
not a partaker of our nature, He could not have been tempted as man has been. If it
were not possible for Him to yield to temptation, He could not be our helper. It was a
solemn reality that Christ came to fight the battles as man, in man's behalf. His temp-
tation and victory tell us that humanity must copy the Pattern; man must become a
partaker of the divine nature."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p.
1082.

Recapitulation o Friday
October 9

a. What should we always keep in mind in connection with the awe-inspiring

scenes witnessed at Sinai?

b. In the beginning, under whom was everything put in subjection and how was
it forfeited?

c. By what great plan will the first dominion be restored?

d. How does Christ identify Himself with His people? Whose fate was sealed
through the victory on Calvary?

e. What has the incarnation of Christ accomplished?

•

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Lesson 3 Sabbath, October 17,1981

DANGERS OF UNBELIEF

Israel's failure was recorded for our admonition: Let us beware of unbelief, lest
we fall as they did and we perish in the wilderness.

KEY TEXT: "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12).

The Worthiness of our High Priest D Sunday

October 11
1. Whom are we called upon to consider and what is said of Him? Hebrews 3:1,
2; Isaiah 11:5; Revelation 1:5 (first part).

2. Why was Christ counted worthy of more glory than Moses? Hebrews 3:3, 4.

"Moses was the prophet by whom God communicated to the church in the wilder-
ness; but great as was Moses, a greater than he is the Son of God, who builded the
house.
"The presence of Jesus Christ, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the
pillar of fire by night, followed this people in their wilderness wandering. The Angel
of the covenant came in the name of God, as the invisible leader of Israel. The Son of
God over His own house is higher than Moses, higher than the highest angel. He
bears the name of Jehovah upon His miter, while on His breastplate is written the
name of Israel. Christ took humanity that humanity might touch humanity."- The SDA
Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp. 927, 928.

The Gracious Invitation D Monday

October 12
3. In what capacity did Christ serve in contrast to Moses? Hebrews 3:5. What is
here represented by the house? Hebrews 3:6.

"Moses was a type of Christ. He himself had declared to Israel, 'The Lord thy
God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto
me; unto Him ye shall hearken.' Deuteronomy 18:15. God saw fit to discipline Moses
in the school of affliction and poverty before he could be prepared to lead the hosts of
Israel to the earthly Canaan. The Israel of God, journeying to the heavenly Canaan,
have a Captain who needed no human teaching to prepare Him for His mission as a
divine leader; yet He was made perfect through sufferings; and 'in that He Himself
hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.' Hebrews
2:10, 18. Our Redeemer manifested no human weakness or imperfection; yet He died
to obtain for us an entrance into the Promised Land." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 480.

4. What warning should we take from Israel's default? Hebrews 3:7, 8.

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 "It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the
world. It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the
blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual
slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry
of character. 'Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.' "- Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 215, 216.

Results ofIsrael's Unbelief o Tuesday

October 13
5. How did the Israelites tempt God and how long? Hebrews 3:9, 10. What
should we learn from their negative experience? 1 Corinthians 10:5,6,9.

. "In their thirst the people had tempted God, saying, 'Is the Lord among us, or
not?'-'If God has brought us here, why does He not give us water as well as bread?'
The unbelief thus manifested was criminal, and Moses feared that the judgments of
God would rest upon them. And he called the name of the place Massah, 'temptation,'
and Meribah, 'chiding,' as a memorial of their sin." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 298.
"God gave the people that which was not for their highest good, because they per-
sisted in desiring it; they would not be satisfied with those things that would prove a
benefit to them. Their rebellious desires were gratified, but they were left to suffer
the result." -Ibid., p. 382.

6. What was the consequence of their unbelief and disobedience? Hebrews

3:11.

"God had made it their [Israel's] privilege and their duty to enter the land at the
time of His appointment, but through their willful neglect that permission had been
withdrawn. Satan had gained his object in preventing them from entering Canaan."-
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 392.
" ... That first defeat of Israel, by inspiring the Canaanites with courage and
resolution, had greatly increased the difficulties of the conquest. Nothing remained
for Israel but to fall back from the face of their victorious foes, into the wilderness,
knowing that here must be the grave of a whole generation." -Ibid., p. 394.

Lessons for the Remnant o Wednesday

October 14
7. What warning is given to all believers? Hebrews 3:12. What are they ad-
monished to do as long as the day of grace lasts? Hebrews 3:13; 1 Corin-
thians 10:11.

"In view of all that God has wrought for us, our faith should be strong, active, and
enduring. Instead of murmuring and complaining, the language of our hearts should
be, 'Bless the Lord, 0 my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless
the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all His benefits.' Psalm 103:1, 2."-PatriarchsandProph.
ets, p. 294.

8. Under what conditions are we made partakers of Christ? Hebrews 3:14,15;

Matthew 24:13.

"'(ell it over and over again. We may become the sons of God, members of the
royal family, children of the heavenly King. Let it be known that all who accept Jesus
Christ and hold the beginning of their confidence firm to the end will be heirs of God

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and joint heirs with Christ 'to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that
fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.' 1 Peter 1:4, 5."-Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 60.

God's Wrath Manifested D Thursday

October 15

9. What did the Israelites do in the wilderness and what was their fate? Hebrews
3:16, 17; Psalm 106:25,26.

10. What sin prevented them from entering into the promised land? Hebrews
3:18, 19. How has history been repeated?

"It was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be thus delayed. God
did not design that His people, Israel, should wander forty years in the wilderness. He
promised to lead them directly to the land of Canaan, and establish them there a holy,
healthy, happy people. But those to whom it was first preached, went not in 'because
of unbelief.' Their hearts were filled with murmuring, rebellion, and hatred, and He
could not fulfill His covenant with them.
"For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel
from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel
into the heavenly Canaan. In neither case were the promises of God at fault. It is the
unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord's professed peo-
ple that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years." -Evangelism, p. 696.

Recapitulation D Friday
October 16

a. What contrast is made between Christ and Moses?

b. What dangers arise as a result of delay?

c. What sentence did God pass on the unbelieving Israelites?

d. How only can we become partakers of Christ?

e. In which way can we escape the fate of ancient Israel?

•

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Lesson 4 Sabbath, October 24,1981

THE CHRISTIAN'S REST

True rest in the Lord-of which Sabbathkeeping is a sign-is found in heeding

Christ's invitation (Matthew 11:28-30).

KEY TEXT: "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God" (Hebrews
4:9).

The Key to the Promised Rest o Sunday

October 18
1. What should we fear concerning the promised rest and why? Hebrews 4: 1,2.

"A proper fear of God, in believing His threatenings, works the peaceable fruits
of righteousness, by causing the trembling soul to flee to Jesus. Many ought to have
this spirit today, and turn to the Lord with humble contrition, for the Lord has not
given so many terrible threatenings, pronounced so severe judgments in His Word,
simply to have them recorded, but He means what He says."-TheSDA Bible Commentary
[E.G. White Comments], vol. 6. p. 1100.

2. What enables us to enter into spiritual rest in contrast with the Israelites?
Hebrews 4:3. What admonition did the Israelites ignore? Isaiah 30:15.

"Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping,
their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can
make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence
there is perfect rest."- The Desire of Ages. p. 331.
The Acceptable Time o Monday
October 19
3. What is the sign of God's rest offered to His people? Hebrews 4:4,5.

"The Sabbath of the fourth commandment was instituted in Eden. After God had
made the world, and created man upon the earth, He made the Sabbath for man.
After Adam's sin and fall nothing was taken from the law of God. The principles of
the ten commandments existed before the fall, and were of a character suited to the
condition of a holy order of beings. After the fall, the principles of those precepts were
not changed, but additional precepts were given to meet man in his fallen state."- The
SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1104.

4. Though the day of grace ended for the unbelieving generation when they fell
in the wilderness, what invitation was extended to others? Hebrews 4:6-8.
What does God call the "certain day" (or "other day") of opportunity for
entering into His rest? Psalm 95:7, 8. What is the extent of this period of
time called "To day"? Hebrews 3:13.

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The Outlook D Tuesday
October 20

5. To what must all true Christians seek to attain? Hebrews 4:9. Besides the
Sabbath rest, what other rest is offered to us on this earth? Matthew 11:28,
29. What glorious hope lies before the true followers of Christ? Isaiah 26:2.

"[Heb. 4:9, 11 quoted.] The rest here spoken of is the rest of grace, obtained by
following the prescription, Labor diligently. Those who learn of Jesus His meekness
and lowliness find rest in the experience of practicing His lessons. It is not in indo-
lence, in selfish ease and pleasure-seeking, that rest is obtained. Those who are unwill-
ing to give the Lord faithful, earnest, loving service will not find spiritual rest in this
life or in the life to come. Only from earnest labor comes peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit-happiness on earth and glory hereafter."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White
Comments], vol. 7, p. 928.

6. When we enter into Christ's rest, from what do we cease? Hebrews 4:10,11.

"What is our profession? We profess to be following Christ. We claim to be Chris-

tians. Do we, then, reveal the Christlikeness? Do we serve the Saviour intelligently?
Does the love of God continually flow from us to others? Do we, in word and action,
confess our Redeemer?"-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 928.

An Omniscient God D Wednesday

October 21

7. To what is the word of God likened and what is its work? Hebrews 4:12;
Jeremiah 23:29.

"The Word makes the proud humble, the perverse meek and contrite, the disobe-
dient obedient. The sinful habits natural to man are interwoven with the daily prac-
tice. But the Word cuts away the fleshly lusts. It is a discerner of the thoughts and in-
tents of the mind. It divides the joints and marrow, cutting away the lusts of the flesh,
making men willing to suffer for their Lord."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 7, p. 928.

8. How well does God know all His creatures? Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 139:2-5;
Acts 17:28.

"It is for the eternal interest of every one to search his own heart, and to improve
every God-given faculty. Let all remember that there is not a motive in the heart of
any man that the Lord does not clearly see. The motives of each one are weighed as
carefully as if the destiny of the human agent depended upon this one result.... He
reads the secret devisings of every heart. Men may plan out crooked actions for the
future, thinking that God does not understand; but in that great day when the books
are opened, and every man is judged by the things written in the books, those actions
will appear as they are."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 3, p. 1160.

Access to the Throne of Grace D Thursday

October 22

9. To what should we hold fast and to whom should we look continually? He-
brews 4:14.

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 " ... The Lord manifests His grace and His power over again, and this should
teach us that it is always profitable under all circumstances to cherish faith, to talk
faith, to act faith. Weare not to have our hearts and hands weakened by allowing the
suggestions of suspicious minds to plant in our hearts the seeds of doubt and dis-
trust."- The SDA Bible Commenlary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 928.

10. How compassionate is our heavenly High Priest and why? Hebrews 4:15.
Where are we to come for help and what do we find there? Hebrews 4: 16.

"The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks upon every soul
who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour. He knows by experience what are
the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our
temptations; for He was 'in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.'
Hebrews 4: 15. He is watching over you, trembling child of God. Are you tempted? He
will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten.
Are you wounded? He will heal. The Lord 'telleth the number of the stars;' and yet
'He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.' Psalm 147:4, 3.' "-The
Ministry 0/ Healing, p. 71.

Recapitulation o Friday
October 23

a. How only can we enter into Christ's rest?

b. How can we avoid the fate of ancient Israel?

c. When we have attained rest in Christ, what opens before us?

d. As all things are manifest before God, how should we walk before Him?

e. To what have we now access through our High Priest?

•

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Lesson 5 Sabbath, October 31, 1981

CHRIST, OUR HIGH PRIEST

After our Saviour had died on the cross, making a perfect sacrificial atonement
for our sins, He began His work as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary,
where He is pleading His blood before the Father in our behalf.

KEY TEXT: "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation
unto all them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:9).

Duties a/the High Priest D Sunday

October 25
1. What was the work of the high priest in the old dispensation and what did his
office enable him to have? Hebrews 5: 1, 2. What will Christ do at the end of
His work of atonement?

"He [the high priest] held the highest and most responsible positions among the
people of God." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 575.
"He was not only counselor and mediator, but judge. "-The SDA Bible Commentary
[E.G. White Comments], vol. 5, p. 1100.
"[He] bore the names of Israel upon his breast. He communicated to the people
the will of God. He entered the most holy place on the Day of Atonement, 'not without
blood,' as a mediator for all Israel. He came forth from that work to bless the con-
gregation, as Christ will come forth to bless His waiting people when His work of
atonement in their behalf shall be ended." -Patriarchs and Prophets. p. 426.
2. Besides offering sacrifices for the people, for whom did he also have to offer
sacrifices? Hebrews 5:3. What lesson should we learn from this arrangement?

" ..'. And those who are themselves 'compassed with infirmity' should be able to
'have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.' Heb. 5:2.
Having been in peril themselves, they are acquainted with the dangers and difficulties
of the way, and for this reason are called to reach out for others in like peril. There are
souls perplexed with doubt, burdened with infirmities, weak in faith, and unable to
grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they can see, coming to them in Christ's stead,
can be a connecting link to fasten their trembling faith upon Christ." - The Desire ofAges,
p.297.

Christ's Calling D Monday

October 26
3. By whom were the priests called to fill this office and from whom did they
have to be descended? Hebrews 5:4.

"By divine direction the tribe of Levi was set apart for the service of the sanc-
tuary. In the earliest times every man was the priest of his own household. In the days
of Abraham the priesthood was regarded as the birthright of the eldest son. Now, in-

-17 -
stead of the first-born of all Israel, the Lord accepted the tribe of Levi for the work of
the sanctuary. By this signal honor He manifested His approval of their fidelity, both
in adhering to His service and in executing His judgments when Israel apostatized in
the worship of the golden calf. The priesthood, however, was restricted to the family
of Aaron." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 350.

4. By whom was Christ called to become a High Priest and after which order?
Hebrews 5:5, 6; Psalm 110:4.

"Christ glorified not Himself in being made High Priest. God gave Him His ap-
pointment to the priesthood. He was to be an example to all the human family. He
qualified Himself to be, not only the representative of the race, but their Advocate, so
that every soul if he will may say, I have a Friend at court. He is a High Priest that can
be touched with the feelings of our infirmities."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 7, p. 930.

Divine Submission D Tuesday

October 27
5. How great were Christ's sufferings and what did He learn? Hebrews 5:7, 8;
Philippians 2:8.

" ... The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His ac-
cusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed
heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life.
"Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony
He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from
God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not.
From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, '0 My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass
from Me.' Yet even now He adds, 'Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.' "-The
Desire of Ages, p. 687.

6. By virtue of His perfect obedience and submission, what was Christ called to
be? Hebrews 5:9, 10.

"While the Author of our salvation was laboring and suffering for us, He denied
Himself, and His whole life was one continued scene of toil and privation.... He lived
to do others good. He suffered to save others from suffering. He endured to the end
and finished the work which was given Him to do. All this was to save us from ruin."-
Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 370.

A Serious Spiritual Condition D Wednesday

October 28
7. What hindered Paul from explaining more about Christ's wonderful office of
High Priest? Hebrews 5:11; John 16:12.

"When they [many of the Corinthian believers] should have been far advanced in
Christian experience, and able to comprehend and to practice the deeper truths of the
word, they were standing where the disciples stood when Christ said to them, 'I have
yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.' John 16:12."-TheActs
of the Apostles, p. 271.

8. What rebuke did Paul utter concerning their backward spiritual state?
Hebrews 5:12. To what do the Scriptures liken spiritual growth? Mark 4:28.

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 "The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to sustain its life. It
sends down roots into the earth. It drinks in the sunshine, the dew, and the rain. It
receives the life-giving properties from the air. So the Christian is to grow by
cooperating with the divine agencies. Feeling our helplessness, we are to improve all
the opportunities granted us to gain a fuller experience. As the plant takes root in the
soil, so we are to take deep root in Christ. As the plant receives the sunshine, the dew,
and the rain, we are to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit." -Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 66,
67.

Necessity of Spiritual Growth o Thursday

October 29
9. To whom did the apostle liken the Jewish Christians and what did they still
need? Hebrews 5:13; 1 Corinthians 13:11; 14:20.

"Through faith in the power of God, it is wonderful how strong a weak man may
become, how decided his efforts, how prolific of great results. He who begins with a
little knowledge, in a humble way, and tells what he knows, while seeking diligently
for further knowledge, will find the whole heavenly treasure awaiting his demand.
The more he seeks to impart light, the more light he will receive. The more one tries
to explain the word of God to others, with a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to
himself. The more we use our knowledge and exercise our powers, the more knowl-
edge and power we shall have." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 354.

10. What should we all strive to do and what kind of spiritual food shall we then
be able to assimilate? Hebrews 5:14; Matthew 4:4. What will be the result?
Ephesians 4:13.

"The noble powers of the mind may be so dwarfed by lack of exercise on themes
worthy of their concentration as to lose their ability to grasp the deep meaning of the
word of God. The mind will enlarge if it is employed in tracing out the relation of the
subjects of the Bible, comparing scripture with scripture and spiritual things with
spiritual.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the
Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the
faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it
should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability
of purpose rarely seen in these times." -Steps to Christ, p. 90.

Recapitulation o Friday
October 30

a. What important duties had to be carried out by the high priest in ancient
times?

b. How was Christ called to the office of High Priest?

c. What example has Christ left us of perfect obedience to the divine will?

d. What is God unable to do if we fail to grow spiritually?

e. What should be our highest goal?

•
-19 -
Lesson 6 Sabbath, November 7,1981

WARNINGS AGAINST APOSTASY

With the eye of faith we must look up to God and follow His guidance along the
t,
narrow way pointed out in His Word. This is our only safety.

KEY TEXT: "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from
dead works, and of faith toward God" (Hebrews 6:1).

Necessity of Spiritual Advancement o Sunday

November 1
1. After we have received a thorough grounding in the initial principles of the
truth, what should be our aim? Hebrews 6:1-3; Proverbs 4:18.

"Many [of God's people] have for years made no advancement in knowledge and
true holiness. They are spiritual dwarfs. Instead of going forward to perfection, they
are going back to the darkness and bondage of Egypt. Their minds are not exercised
unto godliness and true holiness."- Testimonies. vol. 2, p. 124.

2. When those who have once been convinced of the truth by the enlightenment
of the Holy Spirit fall away and oppose the truth, how much hope is there for
them? Hebrews 6:4-6. What example do we have of this kind of apostasy in
the Scriptures? Matthew 12:24; Acts 5:40.

"Christ told them [the Pharisees] plainly that in attributing the work of the Holy
Spirit to Satan, they were cutting themselves off from the fountain of blessing. Those
who had spoken against Jesus Himself, not discerning His divine character, might
receive forgiveness; for through the Holy Spirit they might be brought to see their
error and repent. . . .
"The Pharisees to whom Jesus spoke this warning did not themselves believe the
charge they brought against Him....
"It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts. He sends them
light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe paths; it is by the rejection of this
light that the eyes are blinded and the heart hardened. Often the process is gradual,
and almost imperceptible. Light comes to the soul through God's word, through His
servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is disregard-
ed, there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing
of light is less clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is night in the soul.
Thus it had been with these Jewish leaders. They were convinced that a divine power
attended Christ, but in order to resist the truth, they attributed the work of the Holy
Spirit to Satan. In doing this they deliberately chose deception; they yielded
themselves to Satan, and henceforth they were controlled by his power."- The Desire of
Ages. pp. 321-323.

-20-
 When Light Becomes Darkness D Monday
November 2
3. When we are enlightened by the Holy Spirit, what should we bring forth?
Hebrews 6:7. Nevertheless, what fruits are evident in the lives of many who
have known the truth? What will be their end? Hebrews 6:8.

"The life of the vine will be manifest in fragrant fruit on the branches. 'He that
abideth in Me,' said Jesus, 'and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for
without Me ye can do nothing.' When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of
the Spirit will be seen in our life; not one will be missing."- The Desire of Ages. p. 676.
"The deeds of a man's life are the fruit he bears. If he is unfaithful and dishonest
in temporal matters he is bringing forth briers and thorns."-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 311.
4. Of what was Paul persuaded in regard to the Hebrew believers? Hebrews 6:9.
In what way did they show their unselfishness? Hebrews 6:10.

"Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd.
They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be
longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of
interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will
be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity.
"When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not
be spoken with indifference." - The Desire of Ages, p. 641.
Diligence in Ministering D Tuesday
November 3
5. What further admonition did the apostle give the believers? Hebrews 6:11.
Whose example are we to follow? Hebrews 6:12.

"The religion of Christ will be exemplified by its possessor in the life, in the con-
versation, in the works. Its strong principles will prove an anchor. Those who are
teachers of the word should be patterns of piety, ensamples to the flock. Their exam-
ple should rebuke idleness, slothfulness, lack of industry and economy. The prin-
ciples of religion exact diligence, industry, economy, and honesty. 'Give an account of
thy stewardship' will soon be heard by all."- Testil1wnies. vol. 2, p. 501.
6. W)Iat promise did God make to Abraham and by whom did He swear?
Hebrews 6: 13, 14; Genesis 22: 16, 17.

"There was given to Abraham the promise, especially dear to the people of that
/ age, of a numberous posterity and of national greatness: 'I will make of thee a great
nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.'
And to this was added the assurance,precious above every other to the inheritor of
faith, that of his line the Redeemer of the world should come: 'In thee shall all families
of the earth be blessed.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets. p. 125.
The Reward for Endurance D Wednesday
November 4
7. What was the reward of Abraham's patient endurance witnessed by all
heaven? Hebrews 6: 15.

"Heavenly beings were witnesses of the scene as the faith of Abraham and the
submission of Isaac were tested. The trial was far more severe than that which had

- 21-
been brought upon Adam. Compliance with the prohibition laid upon our first parents
involved no suffering, but the command to Abraham demanded the most agonizing
sacrifice. All heaven beheld with wonder and admiration Abraham's unfaltering obe-
dience. All heaven applauded his fidelity." ~Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 155.

8. By whom do men swear and how do they put an end to a contention?

Hebrews 6: 16.

The Immutability of the Divine Oath o Thursday

November 5

9. In what way did God show the heirs of promise the immutability of His
counsel? For what purpose did He do this? Hebrews 6:17, 18.

"Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will
He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow
upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands." -Prophets
and Kings, pp. 164, 165.

10. To what is our hope likened and where did it enable the disciples to follow
Christ? Hebrews 6:19,20.

"After His ascension our Saviour began His work as our high priest.
" ... So did Christ plead His blood before the Father in behalf of sinners, and pre-
sent before Him also, with the precious fragrance of His own righteousness, the
prayers of penitent believers. Such was the work of ministration in the first apartment
of the sanctuary in heaven.
"Thither the faith of Christ's disciples followed Him as He ascended from their
sight. Here their hopes centered."- The Great Controversy, pp. 420, 421.

Recapitulation o Friday
November 6

a. What is very important in the Christian life and of what does the sin against
the Holy Spirit consist? ,.
b. What will be the result when the truth is received into the heart and o~eyed?

c. In what does practical Christianity consist?

d. Who is set before us as an example of implicit faith in God's promises?

e. Why did God confirm His promise to the patriarch by an oath?

•

- 22-
 Lesson 7 Sabbath, November 14, 1981

AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

By His spotless life of perfect obedience and His death on the cross, Christ became
our High Priest. His priesthood is not based on the Levitical law, but on a specific
t oath of God.

KEY TEXT: "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them"
(Hebrews 7:25).
The Two Priesthoods oSunday
November 8
1. Whom did Abraham meet when returning from a rescue operation and what
did he do? Hebrews 7: 1. What did Abraham give him? Hebrews 7:2. What de-
scription is given of Melchizedek? Hebrews 7:3; Genesis 14:18-20.

"God has never left Himself without witness on the earth. At one time Melchisedek
represented the Lord Jesus Christ in person, to reveal the truth of heaven, and perpetu-
ate the law of God."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, pp. 1092, 1093.
2. What are we called upon to consider? Hebrews 7:4. Who received tithes from
.the people? Hebrews 7:5. How was this situation reversed in the case of
Melchizedek? Hebrews 7:6.

"The apostle [Paul] here referred to the Lord's plan for the maintenance of the
priests who ministered in the temple. Those who were set apart to this holy office were
supported by their brethren, to whom they ministered spiritual blessings. 'Verily they
that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a command-
ment to take tithes of the people according to the law.' Hebrews 7:5. The tribe of Levi
was chosen by the Lord for the sacred offices pertaining to the temple and the priest-
hood. Of the priest it was said, 'The Lord thy God hath chosen him ... to stand to min-
ister in the name of the Lord.' (Deuteronomy 18:5.) One tenth of all the increase was
claimed by the Lord as His own, and to withhold the tithe was regarded by Him as
robbery." -The Acts of the Apostles, p. 336.
"The tithing system reaches back beyond the days of Moses. Men were required
to offer to God gifts for religious purposes, before the definite system was given to
Moses, even as far back as the days of Adam. In complying with God's requirements
they were to manifest in offerings their appreciation of His mercies and blessings to
them. This was continued through successive generations, and was carried out by
Abraham, who gave tithes to Melchisedek, the priest of the most high God." - The SDA
Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1093.

The Superiority of the Divine Priesthood o Monday

November 9
3. In the meeting between Melchizedek and Abraham, who acknowledged him-
self to be the lesser? Hebrews 7:7. What institution has not ceased under the
priesthood of Melchizedek? Hebrews 7:8. Who also paid tithes indirectly to
Melchizedek thus acknowledging the superiority of the divine priesthood?
Hebrews 7:9, 10.

-23 -
 "It was Christ that spoke through Melchisedek, the priest of the most high God.
Melchisedek was not Christ, but he was the voice of God in the world, the representa-
tive of the Father."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, p. 1093.
4. Why was it necessary for another priest to arise after the order of Melchize-
dek? Hebrews 7:11. What superseded the Levitical law concerning the priest-
hood? Hebrews 7: 12, 28. Who was consecrated to be our High Priest?

"Let us remember that our great High Priest is pleading before the mercy seat in
behalf of His ransomed people. He ever liveth to make intercession for us. 'If any man t,
I.
sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.'
"The blood of Jesus is pleading with power and efficacy for those who are back-
slidden, for those who are rebellious, for those who sin against great light and love.
Satan stands at our right hand to accuse us, and our Advocate stands at God's right
hand to plead for us. He has never lost a case that has been committed to Him. We
may trust in our Advocate; for He pleads His own merits in our behalf."- The SDA Bible
Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 948.

From the Transient to the Eternal D Tuesday

November 10
5. From what tribe was our Lord descended? What was not entrusted to that
tribe by the Levitical law? Hebrews 7:13, 14.

6. Who had to arise after the similitude of Melchizedek to replace the Levitical
priests? Hebrews 7:15-17.

"The high priest was designed in a especial manner to represent Christ, who was
to become a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. This order of priest-
hood was not to pass to another, or be superseded by another."-The SDA Bible Commen-
tary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 930.

The Bringing in ofa Better Hope D Wednesday

November 11
7. What was disannulled through the priesthood of Christ and why? What did
Christ's divine priesthood bring in? Hebrews 7:18, 19; 10:4.

"Since the Saviour shed His blood for the remission of sins, and ascended to II
heaven 'to appear in the presence of God for us' (Hebrews 9:24), light has been
streaming from the cross of Calvary and from the holy places of the sanctuary above.
But the clearer light granted us should not cause us to despise that which in earlier
times was received through the types pointing to the coming Saviour. The gospel of
Christ sheds light upon the Jewish economy and gives significance to the ceremonial
law. As new truths are revealed, and that which has been known from the beginning
is brought into clearer light, the character and purposes of God are made manifest in
His dealings with His chosen people. Every additional ray of light that we receive
gives us a clearer understanding of the plan of redemption, which is the working out
of the divine will in the salvation of man. We see new beauty and force in the inspired
word, and we study its pages with a deeper and more absorbing interest." -Patriarchs
and Prophets, pp. 367, 368.

8. Since the priesthood of Christ could not be established by the Levitical law,
by what was it confirmed? Hebrews 7:20-22; Psalm 110:4.

- 24-
 The Excell.ence of Christ's Priesthood o Thursday
November 12

9. What was one of the imperfections of the Levitical priesthood and how does
Christ's priesthood contrast with this? Hebrews 7:23. For this reason, what
is Christ able to do? Hebrews 7:24,25; 1 John 2:1, 2.

"Christ is able to save to the uttermost all who come to Him in faith. He will
cleanse them from all defilement if they will let Him. But if they cling to their sins,
f they cannot possibly be saved; for Christ's righteousness covers no sin unrepented of.
•'. God has declared that those who receive Christ as their Redeemer, accepting Him as
the One who takes away all sin, will receive pardon for their transgressions. These
are the terms of our election. Man's salvation depends upon his receiving Christ by
faith. Those who will not receive Him lose eternal life because they refused to avail
themselves of the only means provided by the Father and the Son for the salvation of
a perishing world." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 931.

10. How does the apostle describe the excellency and perfection of the character
of Christ, our great High Priest? Hebrews 7:26, 27.

"Christ alone had experience in all the sorrows and temptations that befall human
beings. Never another of woman born was so fiercely beset by temptation; never
another bore so heavy a burden of the world's sin and pain. Never was there another
whose sympathies were so broad or so tender. A sharer in all the experiences of
humanity, He could feel not only for, but with, every burdened and tempted and
struggling one." -Education, p. 78.

Recapitulation o Friday
November 13

a. When Abraham met Melchizedek, what did he immediately recognize?

b. What did the Levitical priesthood really foreshadow?

c. Why was the Levitical priesthood purely transient?

d. What did the eternal priesthood of Christ bring with it?

e. How does the apostle describe the sublimity of the divine priesthood and the
perfection of our great High Priest? •

- 25-
Lesson 8 Sabbath, November 21,1981

A BETTER COVENANT

The same law that was written upon tables of stone in the old dispensation is writ-
ten by the Holy Spirit upon the tables of the human heart in the new dispensation.

KEY TEXT: "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much
also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established
upon better promises" (Hebrews 8:6).

A Minister of the True Tabernacle D Sunday

November 15
1. How did the apostle sum up the foregoing explanations? Of what is Christ a
minister? Hebrews 8:1, 2.

"Here [in Hebrews 8:1, 2] is revealed the sanctuary of the new covenant. The
sanctuary of the first covenant was pitched by man, built by Moses; this is pitched by
the Lord, not by man. In that sanctuary the earthly priests performed their service; in
this, Christ, our great High Priest, ministers at God's right hand. One sanctuary was
on earth, the other is in heaven."- The Great Controversy, p. 413.
2. What was the duty of every high priest and what follows logically from this?
Hebrews 8:3.

"But the atonement for a lost world was to be full, abundant, and complete. Christ's
offering was exceedingly abundant to reach every soul that God had created. It could
not be restricted so as not to exceed the number who would accept the great Gift. All
men are not saved; yet the plan of redemption is not a waste because it does not ac-
complish all that its liberality has provided for. There must be enough and to spare."-
The Desire 0/ Ages, pp. 565, 566. J
A Pattern of the Heavenly D Monday
November 16
3. What office could Christ never have filled in the earthly sanctuary and why?
Hebrews 8:4.

4. What did the earthly priest foreshadow and after what pattern was the earthly
sanctuary made? Who was shown this pattern and where? Hebrews 8:5.

"The holy places made with hands were to be 'figures of the true,' 'patterns of
things in the heavens' (Hebrews 9:24, 23)-a miniature representation of the heavenly
temple where Christ, our great High Priest, after offering His life as a sacrifice, was to
minister in the sinner's behalf. God presented before Moses in the mount a view of the
heavenly sanctuary, and commanded him to make all things according to the pattern
shown him. All these directions were carefully recorded by Moses, who communi-
cated them to the leaders of the people." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 343.

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The Mediator ofa Better Covenant oTuesday
November 17
5. What did Christ obtain through His sacrifice and of what did He become the
Mediator? Hebrews 8:6.

"God did not lessen His claim upon men in order to save them. When as a sinless
offering Christ bowed His head and died, when by the Almighty's unseen hand the
veil of the temple was rent in twain, a new and living way was opened. All can now
approach God through the merits of Christ. It is because the veil has been rent that
men can draw nigh to God. They need not depend on priest or ceremonial sacrifice.
Liberty is given to all to go directly to God through a personal Saviour."- The SDA Bible
Commentary [E.G. White Commentsl, vol. 7, p. 932.

6. If the first cpvenant had been faultless, what would not have been necessary?
Hebrews 8:7. What did the Lord promise to make? Hebrews 8:8. What hap-
pened to the old covenant? Hebrews 8:13.

"The terms of the 'old covenant' were, Obey and live: 'If a man do, he shall even
live in them' (Ezekiel 20:11; Leviticus 18:5); but 'cursed be he that confirmeth not all
the words of this law to do them.' Deuteronomy 27:26. The 'new covenant' was estab-
lished upon 'better promises'-the promise of forgiveness of sins and of the grace of
God to renew the heart and bring it into harmony with the principles of God's law.
'This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days,
saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts. ... I
will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.' Jeremiah 31:33,
34." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372.

The Old Covenant and the New Covenant o Wednesday

November 18
7. With whom did the Lord make the old covenant and what did they fail to do?
What was the result? Hebrews 8:9.

"It was their own evil heart of unbelief, controlled by Satan, that led them to hide
their light, instead of shedding it upon surrounding peoples; it was that same bigoted
spirit that caused them either to follow the iniquitous practices of the heathen or to
shut themselves away in proud exclusiveness, as if God's love and care were over
them alone." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 370.

8. In what way was the new covenant under the gospel dispensation to differ
from the old covenant? Hebrews 8:10; Jeremiah 31:33. How all-embracing is
this covenant? Matthew 28: 19; Romans 9:8.

"Through the grace of Christ we shall live in obedience to the law of God written
upon our hearts. Having the Spirit of Christ, we shall walk even as He walked.
Through the prophet He declared of Himself, 'I delight to do Thy will, 0 My God:
yea, Thy law is within my heart.' Psalm 40:8." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372.
"He who has God's law written in the heart will obey God rather than men, and
will sooner disobey all men than deviate in the least from the commandment of God.
God's people, taught by the inspiration of truth, and led by a good conscience to live
by every word.of God, will take His law, written in their hearts, as the only authority
which they can acknowledge or consent to obey. The wisdom and authority of the
divine law are supreme."-Testimonies. vol. 1, p. 361.

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A Saving Knowledge o Thursday
November 19

9. What results did the preaching of the gospel bring? Hebrews 8:11; Colos-
sians 1:10.

"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." - The Acts of the Apostles, p. 475.

10. Under the new covenant, how graciously will the Lord deal with those who
come to Him in repentance? Hebrews 8:12; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:18, 19..

" ... Instead of going about to establish our own righteousness, we accept the righ-
teousness of Christ. His blood atones for our sins. His obedience is accepted for us.
Then the heart renewed by the Holy Spirit will bring forth 'the fruits of the Spirit.' "-
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372.
"The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we shall see to esteem in the in-
finite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him
who can pardon; and when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out after
Christ, He will reveal Himself in power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him
and to the word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and
the more fully we shall reflect His image." -Steps to Christ, p. 65.

Recapitulation o Friday
November 20

a. Where is our great High Priest and of what is He a minister?

b. Of what was the earthly sanctuary a pattern?

c. Why was it necessary that God should make a new covenant?

d. Where did the Lord say He would write the law under the new covenant?

e. What knowledge alone can save and how will the Lord deal with those who
accept it? •

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Lesson 9 Sabbath, November 28,1981

THE MEDIATOR OF
THE NEW TESTAMENT

We have only one Advocate, one Mediator, namely, Jesus Christ, through whom
we approach God "with sacredness and awe through faith."

KEY TEXT: "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by
means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were
under the first testament, they which are called might receive the pro-
mise of eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:15).

The Old Covenant D Sunday

November 22
1. Having made a comparison between the two covenants, what does Paul say
about the first covenant? Hebrews 9:1.

2. Give a detailed description of the earthly sanctuary and its sacred fur-
nishings. Hebrews 9:2-5.

"Above the mercy seat was the Shekinah, the manifestation of the divine Presence;
and from between the cherubim, God made known His will. Divine messages were
sometimes communicated to the high priest by a voice from the cloud. Sometimes a
light fell upon the angel at the right, to signify approval or acceptance, or a shadow or
cloud rested upon the one at the left to reveal disapproval or rejection." -Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 349.

The Two Apartments D Monday

November 23
3. How often did the priest enter the first apartment of the sanctuary and what
did he do there? Hebrews 9:6.

"The ministration of the sanctuary consisted of two divisions, a daily and a yearly
service. The daily service was performed at the altar of burnt offering in the court of
the tabernacle and in the holy place; while the yearly service was-in the most holy."-
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 352.

4. How often did the high priest enter the second apartment and what did he do
there? Hebrews 9:7.

"No mortal eye but that of the high priest was to look upon the inner apartment of
the sanctuary. Only once a year could the priest enter there, and that after the most
careful and solemn preparation. With trembling he went in before God, and the people
in reverent silence awaited his return, their hearts uplifted in earnest prayer for the

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divine blessing. Before the mercy seat the high priest made the atonement for Israel;
and in the cloud of glory, God met with him. His stay here beyond the accustomed
time filled them with fear, lest because of their sins or his own he had been slain by
the glory of the Lord." -Patn'archs and Prophets, p. 352.

The Two Sanctuaries D Tuesday

November 24
5. Which way was not open as long as the services in the earthly sanctuary were
valid? Hebrews 9:8. Of what did the ceremonial law consist and by what was
it to be superseded? Hebrews 9:9, 10.

In Hebrews 9:8, the Greek term "hagia" should be translated "holies" or "holy
places;" ("holiest of all" is a wrong translation in the KJV and some other versions).
Unfortunately, the same word, which appears eight times in the book of Hebrews, is
translated five different ways in the Authorized Version. See: chapter 8, verse 2;
chapter 9, verses 2, 8, 12, 24, 25; chapter 10, verse 19; chapter 13:11.
"Let it therefore be understood and emphasized that the original is plural in every
case; that it can never mean the 'holy place' only, or the 'most holy' only; but that in
each of the eight cases it is in the plural and means 'holies,' or 'holy places,' and in-
cludes both the holy and the most holy apartment. Consistency therefore demands
that in each of the eight instances we translate 'holies,' though as noted above, 'sanc-
tuary' might be admissible, if it is definitely understood to include both apartments
and not one only."-M. L. Andreasen, The Book of Hebrews, p. 327.
"The ceremonial law was given by Christ. Even after it was no longer to be ob-
served, Paul presented it before the Jews in its true position and value, showing its
place in the plan of redemption and its relation to the work of Christ." -Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 367.

6. How did Christ enter the heavenly sanctuary in contrast to the earthly priest
and how much more excellent was His sacrifice? Hebrews 9:11-14.

"The sacrificial service that had pointed to Christ passed away; but the eyes of
men were turned to the true sacrifice for the sins of the world. The earthly priesthood
ceased; but we look to Jesus, the minister of the new covenant. ...
"Though the ministration was to be removed from the earthly to the heavenly tem-
ple; though the sanctuary and our great high priest would be invisible to human sight,
yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby. They would realize no break in their
communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour's absence. While
Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the
church on earth."- The Desire of Ages, p. 166.

The Validity ofa Testament D Wednesday

November 25
7. What could Christ become by virtue of His sacrificial death? Hebrews 9:15.
When only can a testament have validity? Hebrews 9:16, 17.

"While He [Christ] took upon Him humanity, it was a life taken into union with
Deity. He could lay down His life as priest and also victim. He possessed in Himself
power to lay it down and take it up again. He offered Himself without spot to God.
"The atonement of Christ sealed forever the everlasting covenant of grace. It was
the fulfilling of every condition upon which God suspended the free communication of
grace to the human family. Every barrier was then broken down which intercepted the
freest exercise of grace, mercy, peace, and love to the most guilty of Adam's race."-
The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 933.

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8. How did the service under the first testament become valid? Hebrews 9: 18.
How did Moses undertake this? Hebrews 9:19-21. What is impossible
without the shedding of blood? Hebrews 9:22.

"Then [after Moses' return from the mountain, his conveying of God's words to
the people, and their pledge to obey] followed the ratification of the covenant. An
altar was built at the foot of the mountain, and beside it twelve pillars were set up,
'according to the twelve tribes of Israel,' as a testimony to their acceptance of the
covenant. Sacrifices were then presented by young men chosen for the service.
"Having sprinkled the altar with the blood of the offerings, Moses 'took the book
of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people.' Thus the conditions of the
covenant were solemnly repeated, and all were at liberty to choose whether or not they
would comply with them." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 312.
A Perfect Sacrifice Once and for All o Thursday
November 26
9. What became necessary in regard to the purification of the heavenly sanc-
tuary? Hebrews 9:23. Where did Christ enter and in whose presence is He?
Hebrews 9:24.

"After His ascension, our Saviour was to begin His work as our High Priest. Says
Paul, 'Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the
figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.'
Hebrews 9:24. As Christ's ministration was to consist of two great divisions, each oc-
cupying a period of time and having a distinctive place in the heavenly sanctuary, so
the typical ministration consisted of two divisions, the daily and the yearly service,
and to each a department of the tabernacle was devoted." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 357.
10. As Christ's sacrifice was perfect, what was it not necessary for Him to do?
Hebrews 9:25, 26. When will man be judged? Hebrews 9:27. For what pur-
pose will Christ come the second time? Hebrews 9:28.

"As the rock had been once smitten, so Christ was to be 'once offered to bear the
sins of many.' Hebrews 9:28. Our Saviour was not to be sacrificed a second time; and
it is only necessary for those who seek the blessings of His grace to ask in the name of
Jesus, pouring forth the heart's desire in penitential prayer. Such prayer will bring
before the Lord of hosts the wounds of Jesus, and then will flow forth afresh the life-
giving blood, symbolized by the flowing of the living water for Israel." -Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 411.

Recapitulation o Friday
November 27
a. What did the arrangement of the sacred furnishings of the sanctuary
foreshadow?
b. What was one of the differences between the common priests and the high
priest?
c. How can Christ be present, at the same time, in the sanctuary above and with
His people on earth?
d. What sacrifice gave validity first to the old covenant and then to the new
covenant?
e. What is the symbolic meaning of the smitten rock in Horeb?
•
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Lesson 10 Sabbath, December 5, 1981

FORWARD AND UPWARD

Our only safe course is to walk in all the light that God has given us, hold fast to
His promises, and patiently wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

KEY TEXT: "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them
that believe to the saving of the soul" (Hebrews 10:39).

Inadequacy of the Typical Service o Sunday

November 29

1. What were the symbolic services of the earthly sanctuary with its daily sacri-
fices unable to do? Hebrews 10:1,2. If these sacrifices had been perfect, what
would have resulted? Hebrews 10:2,3. What was the purpose of the ritual
service?

"The cloud of incense ascending with the prayers of Israel represents His righ-
teousness that alone can make the sinner's prayer acceptable to God; the bleeding vic-
tim on the altar of sacrifice testified of a Redeemer to come; and from the holy of holies
the visible token of the divine Presence shone forth. Thus through age after age of
darkness and apostasy faith was kept alive in the hearts of men until the time came for
the advent of the promised Messiah." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 367.

2. What prophecy clearly contrasts the type with the antitype? Hebrews
10:5-7. What was taken away and what was established? Hebrews 10:8,9.

"Nearly two thousand years ago, a voice of mysterious import was heard in hea-
ven, from the throne of God, 'La, I come.' 'Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not,
but a body hast Thou prepared Me.... La, I come (in the volume of the Book it is writ-
ten of Me,) to do Thy will, 0 God.' Heb. 10:5-7. In these words is announced the
fulfillment of the purpose that had been hidden from eternal ages. Christ was about to
visit our world, and to become incarnate. He says, 'A body hast Thou prepared Me.'
Had He appeared with the glory that was His with the Father before the world was,
we could not have endured the light of His presence. That we might behold it and not
be destroyed, the manifestation of His glory was shrouded. His divinity was veiled
with humanity,-the invisible glory in the visible human form." -The Desire 0/ Ages, p. 23.

A Perfect Remission of Sins o Monday

November 30

3. How are we sanctified? Hebrews 10:10. What did Christ do after He had of-
fered Himself as a sacrifice? Hebrews 10:11-14.

"He [Christ] became poor that we might come into possession of the heavenly trea-
sure, 'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' 2 Corinthians 4:17. To rescue

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us He descended from one humiliation to another until He, the divine-human, suffer-
ing Christ, was uplifted on the cross to draw all men to Himself. The Son of God could
not have shown greater condescension than He did; He could not have stooped lower."
-Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 29.

4. Under the new covenant, how are sins forgiven? Hebrews 10:17, 18. Where
is the holy law of God written? Hebrews 10:15, 16.

"We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the claims of the law
of God. But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and
temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now
He offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If you give yourself to Him,
and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake
you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and
you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned.
"More than this, Christ changes the heart. He abides in your heart by faith. You
are to maintain this connection with Christ by faith and the continual surrender of
your will to Him; and so long as you do this, He will work in you to will to do accord-
ing to His good pleasure." -Steps to Christ. pp. 62, 63.

A New and Living Way D Tuesday

December 1

5. As Christ has opened a new and living way for us, what are we admonished to
do? Hebrews 10:19-22. To what should we hold fast and what should we
never neglect? Hebrews 10:23-25.

"This is the great day of atonement, and our Advocate is standing before the
Father, pleading as our intercessor. In place of wrapping abQut us the garments of self-
righteousness, we should be found daily humbling ourselves before God, confessing
our own individual sins, seeking the pardon of our transgressions, and cooperating
with Christ in the work of preparing our souls to reflect the divine image. Unless we
enter the sanctuary above, and unite with Christ in working out our own salvation
with fear and trembling, we shall be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and
shall be pronounced wanting." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, pp.
933,934.
"Those who do not feel the necessity of seeking the assembly of the saints, with
the precious assurance that the Lord will meet with them, show how lightly they value
the help that God has provided for them. Satan is constantly at work to wound and
poison the soul; in order to withstand his efforts we must breathe the atmosphere of
heaven, We must ipdividually get hold and keep hold of Christ." -Ibid.

6. If we sin wilfully after we have come to the knowledge of the truth, in what
position do we put ourselves? Hebrews 10:26-31; Matthew 12:31, 32.

"God works by the manifestation of His Spirit to reprove and convict the sinner;
and if the Spirit's work is finally rejected, there is no more that God can do for the
soul. The last resource of divine mercy has been employed. The transgressor has cut
himself off from God, and sin has no remedy to cure itself. There is no reserved
power by which God can work to convict and convert the sinner. 'Let him alone'
(Hosea 4:17) is the divine command. Then 'there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour
the adversaries.' Hebrews 10:26, 27." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 405.

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Sharing the Sufferings of Christ o Wednesday
December 2
7. Of what does the apostle remind the Hebrew believers? What did they endure
at that time? Hebrews 10:32, 33.

"The history of the early church testified to the fulfillment of the Saviour's words.
The powers of earth and hell arrayed themselves against Christ in the person of His
followers. Paganism foresaw that should the gospel triumph, her temples and altars
would be swept away; therefore she summoned her forces to destroy Christianity.
The fires of persecution were kindled. Christians were stripped of their possessions
and driven from their homes. They 'endured a great fight of afflictions.' Hebrews
10:32. They 'had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and
imprisonment.' Hebrews 11:36. Great numbers sealed their testimony with their
blood. Noble and slave, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, were alike slain without
mercy."- The Great Controversy, pp. 39, 40.

8. What does the grateful apostle remember of the treatment received from
them while he was in bonds? Hebrews 10:34.

Need ofPatience and Steadfastness o Thursday

December 3
9. Against what danger are we admonished and what do we need? Hebrews
10:35, 36. How is patience developed? Romans 5:3.

"Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian character
developed. Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater
watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper. Severe trial endured by
the grace of God develops patience, vigilance, fortitude, and a deep and abiding trust
in God. It is the triumph of the Christian faith that it enables its follower to suffer and
be strong; to submit, and thus to conquer; to be killed all the day long, and yet to live;
to bear the cross, and thus to win the crown of glory.' '-The Acts oj the Apostles, pp. 467, 468.

10. Of what future event are we reminded? Hebrews 10:37. How are we ad-
monished to live and what danger is again set before our eyes? Hebrews
10:38,39.

"It is not he that putteth on the armor that can boast of the victory; for he has the
battle to fight and the victory to win. It is he that endureth unto the end that shall be
saved. The Lord says, 'If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him'
(Heb. 10:38). If we do not go forward from victory to victory, the soul will draw back
to perdition." -Selected Messages, book 1, p. 315.

Recapitulation o Friday
December 4
a. Why could perfection not be attained under the ceremonial law?
b. How only is a perfect remission of sins possible?
c. To what does wilful sin lead?
d. What experience of Christ has been shared by His followers throughout all
ages?
e. How do the just live and to what do they hold fast?
•
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Lesson 11 Sabbath, December 12, 1981

HEROES OF FAITH

The life of every true Christian is a life of faith, victory and joy in Him who said
all things are possible to those that believe.

KEY TEXT: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).

Importance ofFaith and Obedience o Sunday

December 6

1. How is faith defined, and what wonderful truth does it enable us to grasp?
Hebrews 11:1-3. What does it accomplish? 1 John 5:4.

"Faith is not the ground of our salvation, but it is the great blessing-the eye that
sees, the ear that hears, the feet that run, the hand that grasps. It is the means, not the
end. If Christ gave His life to save sinners, why shall I not take that blessing? My faith
grasps it, and thus my faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things unseen. Thus resting and believing, I have peace with God through the Lord
Jesus Christ."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1073.

2. What three antediluvian examples of faith are mentioned by the apostle?

How was their faith revealed? Hebrews 11:4-7.

"Abel grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw himself a sinner, and
he saw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and communion with
God. He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of
the law that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to the future
sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was
there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted."
-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 72.
"For three hundred years Enoch had been seeking purity of soul, that he might be
in harmony with Heaven. For three centuries he had walked with God. Day by day he
had longed for a closer union; nearer and nearer had grown the communion, until God
took him to Himself. He had stood at the threshold of the eternal world, only a step
between him and the land of the blest; and now the portals opened, the walk with God,
so long pursued on earth, continued, and he passed through the gates of the Holy
City-the first from among men to enter there. "-Ibid., p. 87.
"While Noah was giving his warning message to the world, his works testified of
his sincerity. It was thus that his faith was perfected and made evident. He gave the
world an example of believing just what God says. All that he possessed, he invested
in the ark. As he began to construct that immense boat on dry ground, multitudes
came from every direction to see the strange sight and to hear the earnest, fervent
words of the singular preacher. Every blow struck upon the ark was a witness to the
people." -Ibid., p. 95.

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The Father of the Faithful o Monday
December 7

3. Whose history of faithful obedience is a lesson for us? What did he keep ever
before his eyes? Hebrews 11:8-12.

"Abraham's unquestioning obedience is one of the most striking evidences of faith

to be found in all the Bible. To him, faith was 'the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen.' Hebrews 11:1. Relying upon the divine promise, without
the least outward assurance of its fulfillment, he abandoned home and kindred and na-
tive land, and went forth, he knew not whither, to follow where God should lead." -Pa-
triarchs and Prophets, p. 126.

4. What did all these great heroes keep to the very end and what is reserved for
them? Hebrews 11:13-16.

"It is recorded of the holy men of old that God was not ashamed to be called their
God. The reason assigned is that instead of coveting earthly possessions or seeking
happiness in worldly plans or aspirations they placed their all upon the altar of God
and made disposition of it to build up His kingdom. They lived only for God's glory
and declared plainly that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth, seeking a better
country, that is, an heavenly. Their conduct proclaimed their faith. God could entrust
to them His truth and could leave the world to receive from them a knowledge of His
will." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 188.
"Human language is inadequate to describe the reward of the righteous. It will be
known only to those who behold it. No finite mind can comprehend the glory of the
Paradise of God."- The Great Controversy, p. 675.

Decisions Made by Faith o Tuesday

December 8

5. What further proof of Abraham's faith do the Scriptures record? Hebrews

11:17-19. How did Isaac, Jacob and Joseph show their faith? Hebrews
11:20-22.

"It was the Son of God that gave to our first parents the promise of redemption. It
was He who revealed Himself to the patriarchs. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,
and Moses understood the gospel. They looked for salvation through man's Substitute
and Surety. These holy men of old held communion with the Saviour who was to come
to our world in human flesh; and some of them talked with Christ and heavenly angels
face to face." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 366.
"When he [Joseph] saw that his end was near, he summoned his kinsmen about
him. Honored as he had been in the land of the Pharaohs, Egypt was to him but the
place of his exile; his last act was to signify that his lot was cast with Israel. His last
words were, 'God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land
which He sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.' And he took a solemn oath of
the children of Israel that they would carry up his bones with them to the land of Ca-
naan." -Ibid., p. 240.

6. In what way did the parents of Moses reveal their faith? Hebrews 11:23.
When Moses had grown to manhood, what did he refuse to be called?
Hebrews 11:24. What choice did he make and with what results? Hebrews
11:25-28.

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 "Moses was fitted to take pre-eminence among the great of the earth, to shine in
the courts of its most glorious kingdom, and to sway the scepter of its power. His in-
tellectual greatness distinguishes him above the great men of all ages. As historian,
poet, philosopher, general of armies, and legislator, he stands without a peer. Yet
with the world before him, he had the moral strength to refuse the flattering pro-
spects of wealth and greatness and fame, 'choosing rather to suffer affliction with the
people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p.
246.

Miracles ofFaith D Wednesday

December 9

7. What further examples of faith are recorded when Israel left Egypt?
Hebrews 11:29-31.

"In marching down to the very water, they [the Hebrews] showed that they
believed the word of God as spoken by Moses. They did all that was in their power to
do, and then the Mighty One of Israel divided the sea to make a path for their feet.
"The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset by
dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin
before and bondage of death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, 'Go for-
ward.' "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 290.

8. What other heroes of faith are mentioned by name and what were they able
to do? Hebrews 11:32-35.

"The children of God are not left alone and defenseless. Prayer moves the arm of
Omnipotence. Prayer has 'subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained prom-
ises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire' -we shall know what
it means when we hear the reports of the martyrs who died for their faith- 'turneth to
flight the armies of the aliens.' Heb. 11:33, 34." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 172.

Afflictions of the Faithful D Thursday

December 10

9. What must the people of God expect as a result of their obeying God rather
thap men? Hebrews 11:36-38; 2 Timothy 3:12.

"Isaiah, who was permitted by the Lord to see wonderful things, was sawn
asunder, because he faithfully reproved the sins of the Jewish nation. The prophets who
came to look after the Lord's vineyard, were indeed beaten and killed. 'They were
stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wan-
dered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented' -men
of whom the world was not worthy. They were cruelly treated, and banished from the
world."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1137.

10. What did all these faithful ones obtain, but what did they not receive and
why? Hebrews 11:39, 40. What is "the better thing" which God has provided
for us?

"Fellow pilgrim, we are still amid the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities;
but soon our Saviour is to appear to bring deliverance and rest. Let us by faith behold
the blessed hereafter as pictured by the hand of God. He who died for the sins of the

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world is opening wide the gates of Paradise to all who believe on Him. Soon the battle
will have been fought, the victory won....
"Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you
along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city into the great beyond,
the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed."-Prophets and Kings, pp.
731,732.

Recapitulation D Friday
December 11

a .. How do we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ?

b. How did Abraham manifest his faith and obedience?

c. As heir apparent to the throne of Egypt, what choice did Moses make and
why?

d. What miracles were wrought by faith all through the history of Israel?

e. What must all those expect who seek to obey God as did these great heroes of
faith? •

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Lesson 12 Sabbath, December 19,1981

CONSIDER HIM

So long as we are united to Christ by faith, Satan has no power over us.

KEY TEXT: "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against
himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (Hebrews 12:3).

Conflict Against Sin o Sunday

December 13
1. With such examples of faith to encourage us, what are we admonished to do?
Hebrews 12:1,2.

"[Heb. 12:1 quoted.] The weights that are here referred to are the evil habits and
practices we have formed by following our own natural dispositions. Who are the wit-
nesses? They are those spoken of in the previous chapter-those who have breasted
the evils and difficulties in their way, and who in the name of the Lord have braced
themselves successfully against the opposing forces of evil. They were sustained and
strengthened and the Lord held them by His hand.
"There are other witnesses. All about us are those who are watching us closely,
to see how we who profess a belief in the truth conduct ourselves. At all times and in
all places, so far as possible, we must magnify the truth before the world."- The SDA
Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 934.

2. Whom are we called upon to consider for our encouragement when tempted
to become weary? Hebrews 12:3. With what intensity must we strive against
sin in order to gain the victory? Hebrews 12:4.

" ... Man must pass over the ground over which Christ has passed. As Christ
overcame every temptation which Satan brought against Him, so man is to overcome.
And those who strive earnestly to overcome are brought into a oneness with Christ
that the angels in heaven can never know."-The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 7, p. 926.

Necessity of Chastening o Monday

December 14
3. What is often necessary before God can acknowledge us as His obedient
children? Hebrews 12:5-8.

"We need to learn that chastisement is a part of His great plan and that under the
rod of affliction the Christian may sometimes do more for the Master than when
engaged in active service."- The Acts of the Apostles, p. 481.

4. What contrast does the apostle show between two kinds of chastisement?
For what purpose does God chastise us? Hebrews 12:9-11.

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 " ... To Jacob the divine touch at break of day revealed the One with whom he
had been contending-the Angel of the covenant; and, weeping and helpless, he fell
upon the breast of Infinite Love, to receive the blessing for which his soul longed. We
also need to learn that trials mean benefit, and not to despise the chastening of the
Lord nor faint when we are rebuked of Him."- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 11.
Holiness-the Ultimate Goal D Tuesday
December 15
5. What are we admonished to do in order to become an encouraging example
to others? Hebrews 12: 12, 13.

"Christ identifies His interest with that of humanity. The work that bears the divine
credentials is that which manifests the spirit of Jesus, which reveals His love, His careful-
ness, His tenderness in dealing with the minds of men....
"We will always have tried and tempted ones to deal with, and it is essential that
we be converted to God every day and be vessels that can be used unto His name's
honor and glory."- Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 184, 185.
6. What should be our aim and of what should we be especially watchful?
Hebrews 12:14, 15. What example in the Old Testament is mentioned as a
warning to us? Hebrews 12:16, 17.

"Weare to have the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. A faith that
does not result in this is of no value. The fruit of the branch will show what is the
character of the parent stock. He who is planted in Christ will be elevated. In place of
acting rashly, in place of cutting off the erring from faith and hope with your severity
and harshness, the true Christian will teach the ignorant, reform the sinful, comfort
those who mourn, restrain oppression and injustice, and work after a Christlike plan,
even in all business transactions. Instead of stirring up strife, he will bring about
peace and harmony."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 185.
"Esau passed the crisis of his life without knowing it. What he regarded as a mat-
ter worthy of scarcely a thought was the act which revealed the prevailing traits of his
character. It showed his choice, showed his true estimate of that which was sacred
and which should have been sacredly cherished. He sold his birthright for a small in-
dulgence to meet his present wants, and this determined the after course of his life.
To Esau a morsel of meat was more than the service of his Master.
"Esau represents those who have not tasted of the privileges which are theirs, pur-
chased for them at infinite cost, but have sold their birthright for some gratification of
appetite, or for the love of gain."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 1, pp.
1094, 1095.

Mount Sinai and Mount Sion D Wednesday

December 16
7. What does the apostle Paul emphasize in connection with the giving of the
law at Sinai? Hebrews 12:18-21.

"Never since man was created had there been witnessed such manifestation of
divine power as when the law was proclaimed from Sinai. 'The earth shook, the
heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the
presence of God, the God of Israel.' Psalm 68:8. Amid the most terrific convulsions of
nature the voice of God, like a trumpet, was heard from the cloud. The mountain was
shaken from base to summit, and the hosts of Israel, pale and trembling with terror,
lay upon their faces upon the earth." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 340.

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8. What is our experience in the new dispensation? Hebrews 12:22-24.

"The blessings of the new covenant are grounded purely on mercy in forgiving un-
righteousness and sins. The Lord specifies, I will do thus and thus unto all who turn to
Me, forsaking the evil and choosing the good. 'I will be merciful to their unrighteous-
ness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.' All who humble their
hearts, confessing their sins, will find mercy and grace and assurance. Has God, in show-
ing mercy to the sinner, ceased to be just? Has He dishonored His holy law, and will He
henceforth pass over the violation of it? God is true. He changes not. The conditions
of salvation are ever the same. Life, eternal life, is for all who will obey God's law....
"Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained are
the same as under the old-perfect obedience."- The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Com-
ments], vol. 7, p. 931.

The Immovable Kingdom D Thursday

December 17
9. What earnest admonition is given us and whose example are we warned not
to follow? Hebrews 12:25. In the near future, what will the voice of God do
and what only will remain? Hebrews 12:26, 27.

"But 'see that ye refuse not Him that speaketh.' Heb. 12:25. Jesus said, 'None of
those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper.' They had rejected the invita-
tion, and none of them were to be invited again. In rejecting Christ, the Jews were
hardening their hearts, and giving themselves into the power of Satan so that it would
be impossible for them to accept His grace. So it is now. If the love of God is not ap-
preciated and does not become an abiding principle to soften and subdue the soul, we
are utterly lost. The Lord can give no greater manifestation of His love than He has
given. If the love of Jesus does not subdue the heart, there are no means by which we
can be reached." -Christ's Object Lessons. pp. 236, 237.
10. What has God prepared for us and under what condition will we receive it?
Hebrews 12:28. What is God to the wicked? Hebrews 12:29.

"Man gains everything by obeying the covenant-keeping God. God's attributes are
imparted to man, enabling him to exercise mercy and compassion. God's covenant as-
sures us of His unchangeable character. Why, then, are those who claim to believe in
God changeable, fickle, untrustworthy? Why do they not do service heartily, as under
obligation to please and glorify God." - The SDA Bible Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol.
7, p. 932.
"To sin, wherever found, 'our God is a consuming fire.' Heb. 12:29. In all who
submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they
become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy
them."- The Desire of Ages, p. 107.
Recapitulation D Friday
December 18
a. What danger confronts every believer in the spiritual warfare?
b. What is necessary for all who wish to become sons and daughters of God?
c. How important is our influence on others?
d. Whose example should we not follow?
e. What will God be to the unrepentant and at His appearing, what will be
shaken? •

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i<~",
This Thirteenth Sabbath

Offering is for the new

General Conference head-

quarters. Let us sacrifice

and be prepared to con-

tribute liberally.

See details on page 4.

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Lesson 13 Sabbath, December 26, 1981

DIVERS ADMONITIONS

Salvation is a joint operation in which the repentant sinner is to cooperate with

the Lord. Those who surrender their hearts to the control of the Holy Spirit will
go on from victory to victory.

KEY TEXT: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews
13:8).

Practical Christianity o Sunday

December 20
1. On what principle does Paul put special emphasis? Hebrews 13: 1. How im-
portant is hospitality? Hebrews 13:2. Whom should we remember? Hebrews
13:3.

"Paul exhorts the Hebrews: 'Let brotherly love continue.' Do not flatter your-
selves that there is a time when this exhortation will not be needed; when brotherly
love may cease. He continues: 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby
some have entertained angels unawares.' Please read Matthew 25:31 and onward.
Read it, brethren, the next time you take the Bible at your morning or evening family
devotions. The good works performed by those who are to be welcomed to the
kingdom were done to Christ in the person of His suffering people. Those who had
done these good works did not see that they had done anything for Christ. They had
done no more than their duty to suffering humanity."- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 679.

2. What admonition is given on moral purity? Hebrews 13:4. How important is

contentment and what promise does it bring with it? Hebrews 13:5, 6.

"When Christ is the object of our affections, those who have received His pardon-
ing love will not stop to calculate the value of the alabaster box of precious ointment.
Covetous Judas could do this; but the receiver of the gift of salvation will only regret
that the offering has not a richer perfume and greater value. Christians must look
upon themselves only as channels through which mercies and blessings are to flow
from the Fountain of all goodness to their fellow men, by whose conversion they may
send to heaven waves of glory in praise and offerings from those who thus become
partakers with them of the heavenly gift." - Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 485.

Timely Advice o Monday

December 21
3. Whom are we advised to follow in as far as they themselves follow Christ?
Hebrews 13:7. What wonderful comfort are we given concerning the un-
changeableness of Jesus? Hebrews 13:8.

" ... Man may change his relation to God by complying with the conditions upon
which he may be brought into the divine favor, or he may, by his own action, place him-

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self outside the favoring condition; but the Lord is the same 'yesterday, and today,
and forever.' Hebrews 13:8. Saul's disobedience changed his relation to God; but the
conditions of acceptance with God were unaltered-God's requirements were still the
same, for with Him there 'is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James
1:17." -Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 630.

4. What should be our attitude to strange doctrines and with what should our
heart be established, rather than with outward forms? Hebrews 13:9.

"Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible are con-
tinually seeking for pleasing fables that will quiet the conscience. The less spiritual,
self-denying, and humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with
which they are received. These persons degrade the intellectual powers to serve their
carnal desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search the Scriptures with contrition
of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance, they have no shield from delusion.
Satan is ready to supply the heart's desire, and he palms off his deceptions in the
place of truth.... All who neglect the word of God to study convenience and policy,
that they may not be at variance with the world, will be left to receive damnable
heresy for religious truth." - The Great Controversy, p. 523.

Readiness to Bear Reproach o Tuesday

December 22

5. What Old Testament symbol represented the manner in which Christ should
suffer? Hebrews 13:10-12. What should we likewise do, and what do we
seek? Hebrews 13:13, 14.

"As Adam and Eve were banished from Eden for transgressing the law of God, so
Christ was to suffer without the boundaries of the holy place. He died outside the
camp, where felons and murderers were executed. There He trod the winepress
alone, bearing the penalty that should have fallen on the sinner. How deep and full of
significance are the words, 'Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being
made a curse for us.' He went forth without the camp, thus showing that He gave His
life not only for the Jewish nation, but for the whole world."-The SDA Bible Commentary
[E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 934.

6. What should we offer continually in view of the greatness of His mercy

towards us? Hebrews 13: 15. With what sacrifice is God well pleased?
Hebrews 13:16.

"God desires His obedient children to claim His blessing and to come before Him
with praise and thanksgiving. God is the Fountain of life and power. He can make the
wilderness a fruitful field for the people that keep His commandments, for this is for
the glory of His name. He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire
every heart with thanksgiving, and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. He
desires to have a stronger expression from His people, showing that they know they
have reason for joy and gladness."-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 364.

Right Attitude Towards God's Shepherds o Wednesday

December 23

7. What great responsibility rests upon the shepherds of the flock and how
should the members cooperate with them? Hebrews 13:17.

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 "They [God's servants] should manifest that deep interest that Christ brings to
view in the care of the shepherd for the lost sheep; they should follow the example
given by Christ and exercise the same compassion and gentleness, and the same ten-
der, pitying love that He has exercised toward us."- Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 186, 187.

8. What request did the apostle make for himself and his co-workers? Hebrews
13:18, 19.

" ... Let the members of the family forget not, as they gather round the family
altar, to pray for the men in positions of responsibility in God's work."-Child Guidance,
p.548.

Conclusion D Thursday
December 24

9. What prayer did the apostle offer in behalf of the Hebrew believers? Hebrews
13:20,21. What final appeal did he make to them? Hebrews 13:22. What
hope is there for repentant sinners?

"Let those who are oppressed under a sense of sin remember that there is hope
for them. The salvation of the human race has ever been the object of the councils of
heaven. The covenant of mercy was made before the foundation of the world. It has
existed from all eternity, and is called the everlasting covenant. So surely as there
never was a time when God was not, so surely there never was a moment when it was
not the delight of the eternal mind to manifest His grace to humanity." -The SDA Bible
Commentary [E.G. White Comments], vol. 7, p. 934.

10. What joyful news was he able to give them in regard to Timothy? Hebrews
13:23. How does he close his epistle? Hebrews 13:24, 25.

Recapitulation D Friday
December 25

a. When only can Christianity be effective?

b. Why is it so important to be well established in the faith?

c. If we are true Christians, what will we be ready to bear?

d. Whose labors and responsibilities should we appreciate?

e. What is the delight of the eternal mind?

•

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