SABBATH S~HOOL LESSON

QUARTERLY
Senior Division, First and Second Quarter, 1956

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL

TO THE ROMANS

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for

it is the power of God unto salvation to every one
that believeth• . . As it is written, The just shall
live by faith." -Romans 1: 16,17.
 Foreword
The Epistle of Paul to the Romans is a book which presents
many difficulties to the casual reader and because of this, it has
been largely neglected and the wonderful truths contained in it
overlooked and ignored. On the other hand, there have been many
Bible students who have used this book to bolster up their own
preconceived ideas, and like the other epistles of Paul, Corin-
thians and Galatians, they have as the apostle Peter confirmed
"wrested them to their own destruction."
In order to properly understand its contents, we have to familiar-
ize ourselves with the book of Isaiah, as it was this prophet who
described the very mission of the apostle to the Gentiles. Further
to this, we have to take into consideration the background behind
the writing of this book; the education of Paul as a Pharisee and
an interpreter of the law; his favored position as a member of the
Sanhedrin council, enjoying the association of those in the highest
ranks of learning. But more important than this was his high
calling in Christ Jesus as the first apostle to the Gentiles, the
special revelation of God to him by which he was enabled to under-
stand the plan of salvation as revealed through all the Scriptures,
the eternal purpose of God in giving His Son for the redemption of
the human family and of the everlasting dominion and glory of the
kingdom that will come at the consummation of the gospel.
Knowing that his life was soon to end, Paul felt a great burden
for his own countrymen scattered abroad throughout the whole
TIoman empire, but especially was this epistle directed to those
Jews who had come under the TIoman culture and education. He
met them on the intellectual level of philosophical reasoning and
argument, and yet at the same time he sought to make it under-
standable to all who believe in Christ Jesus.
We trust that this study of the book of TIomans will prove a great
blessing in bringing us nearer to God and giving us a better appre-
ciation of the plan of salvation. At the same time we believe it
will enable us to better meet some of the subtle arguments of
modern Christendom used to deny the binding claims of God's law.
- The General Conference Committee

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, "The Epistle of Paul to the Romans,"

for January - June, 1956, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist
Reform Movement General Conference and printed by the Reformation
Herald Publishing Association (a corporation of the Seventh Day Adventist
Reform Movement) at Sacramento, California, United States of America.
Mailing adrlress: P.O. Box 234 Oak Park, Sacramento 17, California.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
 000 000 005 152
GC Library

Lesson No.1 - Sabbath, January 7, 1956

THE DIVINE CALLING OF THE APOSTLE PAUL
Questions

1. what testimony does the Psalmist give concerning those whom

God calls? Ps. 65:4.

2. What special work was designated for Paul before his birth?
Isa. 49:6.

NOTE: From this testimony we clearly see that the call of God
. comes as a complete surprise to those who become apostles and
prophets or pioneers. They have never aspired to the position or
taken a special course of training with this in view. They have
been called before the church was organized. We have a striking
example of such a calling in the pioneers of the Advent Movement
and again in the present day work of fieformation.

3. What description did the apostle give of his own national

and religions background? Phil. 3:5.

4. What had been Paul's attitude to the early Christian church?

Phil. 3:6.

5. Under which circumstance was the name of Paul first intro-

duced into the sacred record? Acts 7:57,58.

6. What commission had been given him by the highest authority

of the Jewish church? Acts 9:1-2.

7. What drastic measure was necessary to bring Paul to con-

version? Acts 9 :3-5.

8. How did Paul show his submission to God's will? What

directions were Ulen given him? Acts 9:6; 26:19.

9. true

NOTE: Paul's experience

Like Paul, there are many
church they thought to be right and sometimes in their blindness
have even persecuted Christ's true followers, thinking they were
doing God's service. And then in one way or another they come
to their gate of Damascus, and the "heavenly vision" reveals to
them that this little company they have looked down upon and
opposed are indeed God's true people.

10. Does God give His sanction to those who feel at liberty to
work independently of His organized church? Lev. 17:8,9.
NOTE: "The Son of God identified himself with the office and
authority of his organized church. His blessings were to come
through the agencies that he has ordained, thus connecting man
with the channel through which his blessings come••••
"In the conversion of Paul are given us important principles
which we should ever bear in mind. The nedeemer of the world
does not sanction experience and exercise in religious matters
independent of his organized and acknowledged church, where he
has a church.
"Many have the idea that they are responsible to Christ alone
for their light and experience, independent of his acknowledged
followers in the world." - Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 432,433.

11. In reviewing his past experience, of what particular sin did

Paul acknowledge himself as being a partaker? What lesson
is there in this for the church of God? Acts 22:20.
NOTE: "Satan is working with unfailing perseverance and intense
energy to draw into his ranks the professed followers of Christ.
He is working 'with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them
that perish.' But Satan is not the only worker by whom the kingdom
of darkness is supported. Whoever solicits to sin is a tempter.
Whoever imitates the great deceiver becomes his aid. Those who
give their influence to sustain an evil work are doing Satan's
drudgery." Id., vol. 5, p. 102.
Paul acknowledged his own guilt in the martyrdom of Stephen,
and in this confession there is a most valuable lesson for God's
people today. The Third Angel's Message, if understood in its
true sense, is a message of separation from the world and its
entanglements. Any connection with unbelievers in which we
become identified with them, such as in politics, trade unions,
secret societies, or in participation in acts of war and bloodshed
makes us partakers of their sins. The call of God is still sounding
to those who will listen, "Come out from among them and be
separate.' ,
-4-
Lesson No.2 - Sabbath, January 14. 1956
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS
Questions

1. With what words does Paul introduce the book of Romans?

Row. 1:1,2.

2. What was the main object of Paul in writing this book? Rom.
1:3-6.

NOTE: Although he was called to be the apostle to the Gentiles,

Paul had an intense longing for his own kinsmen "according to
the flesh." He could not forget the great revelation of Jesus
Christ given him on the Damascus road and his own call to preach
the gospel. It was the burden of his life to make known to the
Jews scattered throughout the noman Empire and particularly
those in nome itself that the Messiah for whom they were looking
had already come, "that there was none other name under heaven
given among men whereby we must be saved" than Jesus Christ
himself.

3. What was God's original intention in calling out the Jewish

nation? Ex. 12:3.
NOTE: The Jews did not appreciate their holy calling and felt
no burden for the Gentiles. Instead of being an example in right
doing, they misrepresented the character of God and became a
stumbling block in the way of the Gentiles with whom they associ-
ated. The name of God was evil spoken of because of their un-
righteous dealings and hypocrisy.
4. What new hope was extended to those Jews who accepted the
gospel call? What commendation did Paul give them? Rom.
1:6-8; Eph. 2:14.

5. What longing desire did Paul have for the believers in Rome
when he wrote this epistle? Rom. 1:9-11.

6. Besides his apostleship, what special gift was intrusted to

Panl? 2 Cor. 12:1-4.

7. What glorious hope for the future was presented by Paul to

bOtll the Jews and Gentiles? 1 Cor. 2:9,10.

8. Why was it the Jews failed to understand God's eternal pur-

pose for them? Heb. 4:1-4.
-5-
 9. What special reference did Peter make to the writings of
Paul? What misuse would be made of them? 2 Pet. 3:15,16.

10. What was Paul's burden in the light of the many revelations
God had given him? Rom. 1:14,15.

NOTE: The Lord had impressed it upon Paul to write this that the
believers might be strengthened against the false philosophy of
both the Jews and the Romans. The application of this epis,tle
was more than local, however, and it has brought rich blessings to
Christians in each succeeding age and is a book with a special
message for today. We are living in the last days when "every
wind of doctrine" is blowing and the false application and inter-
pretation of this book has led many Christians astray. The false
philosophy of the Jews led the whole nation to reject Christ as
the promised Messiah while holding rigidly to the letter of the
law. The Christian world today has also been led astray by false
and subtle reasoning to think they are honoring Christ while they
deny the binding claims of the moral taw. In order to sustain this
philosophy, they appeal to the writings of Paul; therefore, the
true understanding of the book of Romans becomes a key to the
understanding of all Paul's epistles.

Lesson No.3 - Sabbath, January 21, 1956

GOO'S POWER REVEALED IN THE GOSPEL
Questions

1. What did the gospel message mean to the apostle Paul?

Rom. 1:16.

2. What basic truth was therein revealed? Rom. 1:17.

3. Did the Jews have opportunity to know of the righteousness

of God? Rom. 1:19,20.

4. Pow had they treated the message of righteousness by faith?

Rom. 1:18.
NOTE: The word "hold" is better translated as "hold down" or
"hinder." The Jews had been entrusted with the sacred oracles
of God, they "knew the will of God and approved of the things
that were more excellent." They had a "form of knowledge and
of the truth in the' law," Rom. 2:18,20. But instead of seeking
-6-
 for the wisdom which comes from God, they turned to the friend-
'Ship of the world and the wisdom of the Greeks and nomans - a
wisdom which blinded their spiritual vision and caused them to
fall into the deepest apostasy. Thus it became true that the
"name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you,"
Rom. 2:24.

5. How is worldly wisdom compared with the true wisdom

founded in present truth? 1 Cor. 1 :18, 19.

6. From what class of society were the disciples of Jesus

chosen? What has been the divine plan in the choosing of
instrumentalities for every work of reformation?

NOTE: "In the choice of instrumentalities for the reforming of

the church, the same divine plan is seen as in that for the planting
of the church. The heavenly Teacher passed by the great men of
earth, the titled and wealthy, who were accustomed to receive
praise and homage as leaders of the people. They were so proud
and self-confident in their boasted superiority that they could not
be moulded to sympathize with their fellow-men, and to become
co-laborers with the humble Man of Nazareth. To the unlearned,
toiling fishermen of Galilee was the call addressed, 'Follow Me,
and I will make you fishers of men.' These disciples were humble
and teachable. The less they had been influenced by the false
teaching of their time, the more successfully could Christ instruct
and train them for His service. So in the days of the Great neforma-
tion. The leading neformers were men from humble life, - men
who were most free of any of their time from pride of rank, and
from the influence of bigotry and priestcraft. It is God's plan to
employ humble instruments to accomplish great results. Then the
glory will not be given to men, but to Him who works through them
to will and to do of His own good pleasure."- Great Controversy,
p. 170.

7. What great spiritual loss came to the Jewish church when they
rejected the gospel message? Luke 12:52; Matt. 15:14.

8. What opportunity was once more given to the Jews to recover

from their apostasY? Luke 19:37.38.

NOTE: "Christ was following the Jewish custom for a royal

entry. The animal on which He rode was that ridden by the kings
of Israel, and prophecy had foretold that thus the Messiah should
come to His kingdom. No sooner was He seated upon the colt
-7-
than a loud shout of triumph rent the air. The multitude hailed
Him as Messiah, their King. Jesus now accepted the homage
which He had never before permitted, and the disciples received
this as proof that their glad hopes were to be realized by seeing
Him established on the throne." - Desire of Ages, p. 570.

9. Who participated in the triumphal entry into Jerusalem? Luke

19:35,36.

NOTE: "Never before had the world seen such a triumphal pro-
cession. It was not like that of the earth's famous conquerors.
No train of mourning captives, as trophies of kingly valor, made a
feature of that scene. But about the Saviour were the glorious
trophies of His labors of love for sinful man. There were the
captive's whom He had rescued from Satan's power, praising God
for their deliverance. The blind whom he had restored to sight
were leading the way. The dumb whose tongues He had loosed
shouted the loudest hosannas. The cripples whom He had healed
bounded with joy, and were the most active in breaking the palm
branches and waving them before the Saviour. Widows and orphans
were exalting the name of Jesus for His works of mercy to them."
-ld., p. 572.

10. Who were responsible for the discordant note brought into
that scene of praise and rejoicing? Luke 19:39,40.

NOTE: "If Jerusalem had known what it was her privilege to

know, and had heeded the light which Heaven had sent her, she
might have stood forth in the pride of prosperity, the queen of
kingdoms, free in the strength of her God-given power. There
would have been no armed soldiers standing at her gates, no
Roman banners waving from her walls."-ld., p. 577.

Lesson No.4 - Sabbath, January 28, 1956

THE MESSAGE OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
Questions

1. What estimation did the Jews have of their own wisdom?

What was tlleir true condition, however? Rom. 1:22.

2. In their spiritual blindness, what were they unable to discern?

Rom. 1:17.
-8-
 3. What had been the testimony of all the prophets? Acts 10:43.

4. What· was responsible for the failure of the Jews to find the
righteousness of God? Rom. 9:30,31.

5. How does Ule sinner obtain salvation? Eph. 2:8.

NOTE: "What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in

laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which
it is not in his power to do for himself." - Testimonies to Min-
isters, p. 45G.

6. When Christ is accepted into the heart of the repentant sinner,

what development is seen in the life? 1 Cor. 1:30.

NOTE: a. The "wisdom" here referred to is nothing else but

the "mind of Christ" imparted to the sinner. Phil. 2:5.
b. The righteousness which is given the sinner through faith is
a gift and could not be obtained by any human effort. Phil. 2:8,9.
c. Sanctification is the transformation of the sinful nature.
This can be obtained only by overcoming sin at every step by
appropriating the promises made in the Word of God to ourselves.
This is what is meant by "eating the flesh and drinking the blood
of the Son of Man." John G:G3; 17:17.
d. "Redemption is that process by which the soul is trained
for heaven. This training means a knowledge of Christ; it means
emancipation from ideas, habits, and practices that have been
gained in the school of the prince of darkness. The soul must be
delivered from all that is opposed to loyalty to God." - Desire of
Ages, p. 330. Gal. 2:20.

7. Of what must the sinner be sensible before he can obtain the

wisdom of God? Ps. 111:10; 2 Cor. 5:10.

8. What is the standard of righteousness? What do we under-

stand by this word? Ps. 119:142.

NOTE: "Righteousness is right-doing, and it is by their deeds

that all will be judged. Our chara~ters are revealed by what we
do. The works show whether the faith is genuine.
"By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every
human being to obey God's commandments. Whe.n we submit our-
selves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is
-9-
merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the
thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This
is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteous-
ness." - Christ's Object Lessons, p. 312.

9. What is the meaning of true Bible sanctification? 1 Thess.

5:23.

NOTE: "Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour,

a day, but of a lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight of
feeling, but is the result of constantly dying to sin, and constantly
living for Christ. Wrongs cannot be righted nor reformations
wrought in the character by feeble, intermittent efforts. It is only
by long, persevering efforts, sore discipline, and stern conflict,
that we shall overcome. We know not one day how strong will be
our conflict the next. So long as Satan reigns, we shall have
self to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life shall
last, there will be no stopping place, no point which we can reach
and say, I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of
lifelong dbedience." - Acts of Apostles, p. SuO.

10. How should the believer relate himself to the present work of
preparation? Phil. 2:12.

NOTE: Lifetime is a time of probation - a period allowed man to

prepare for fellowship with God throughout eternity. Life is more
than living for the present; it is a brief stretch of probationary
time granted to man in order that he may prepare for the future
life of fellowship with God. When life ceases, probation ceases,
and the change to prepare for the future life ceases. Man is
I aunched into eternity in the condition in which death overtakes
him.

11. How did Paul describe the spiritual state of the Jews after
rejecting the message of righteousness through Christ? Rom.
1:20-25.

12. To what depths of iniquity did theY reach after the rejection
of the Messiah? Rom. 1:26-32.

NOTE: When those who have had great light yield themselves to
Satan, there is no telling how far they will go in transgression and
very often ordinary lustful practices become stale and the appetite
for ordinary sin sluggish, hence they stoop to most' abominable
transgressions, such as the apostle Paul declares in another place,
- 10-
"It is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of
them in secret," Eph.5:12.

Lesson No.5 - Sabbath. February 4. 1956

JUDGE NOT THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED
Questions

1. What charge does the apostle bring against the Jews as the
professed people of God? Rom. 2:1-3.

NOTE: We should understand that the division of the Bible into

chapters was not done by the inspired writers, and many times
this artificial division interrupts the theme of the writer. The
first nine verses of chapter 2 should be part of chapter I, and· when
we thus consider it, there is no doubt as to whom the last section
of chapter 1 is addressed.

2. What common practice of the Jews did Christ strongly con-

demn? .Why? Matt. 7 :1.2.
NOTE: "Thus those who condemn or criticize others, proclaim
themselves guilty; for they do the same things. In condemning
others, they are passing sentence upon themselves, and God
declares that this senteI1.ce is just. He accepts their own verdict
against themselves." - Mount of Blessing, p. 179.

3. What parable reveals the character of many professed people

of God in the days of Christ and also in our day? Luke
18:10-14.
NOTE: "Whoever trusts in himself that he is righteous, will
despise others. As the Pharisee judges himself by other men,
so he judges other men by himself. His righteousness is estim-
ated by theirs, and the worse they are, the more righteous by
contrast he appears. His self-righteousness leads to accusing.
'Other men' he condemns as transgressors of God's law. Thus
he is making manifest the very spirit of Satan, the accuser of
the brethren. With this spirit it is impossible for him to enter into
communion with God. He goes down to his house destitute of the
divine blessing." - Christ's Object Lessons, p. 151.

4. What advantage do sinners take of God's mercy and long-

suffering? Will the judgment of God upon them be just?
Eccl. 8:11-13; Rom. 2:4-6.
-11-
 NOTE: "He may have committed his evil deeds in the light of
day or in the darkness of night; but they were open and manifest
before Him with whom we have to do. Angels of God witnessed
each sin, and registered it in the unerring records. Sin may be con-
cealed, denied, covered up from father, mother, wife, children,
and associates; no one but the guilty actors may cherish the
least suspicion of the wrong; but it is laid bare before the in-
telligences of heaven. The darkness of the darkest night, the
secrecy of all deceptive arts, is not sufficient to veil one thought
from the knowledge of the Eternal. God has an exact record of
every unjust account and every unfair dealing, He is not deceived
by appearances of piety. He makes no mistakes in His estimation
of character. Men may be deceived by those who are corrupt in
heart, but God pierces all disguises, and reads the inner life." -
Great Controversy, p. 4UG.

5. What must be the experience of those who are at last vic-

torious? Rom. 2:7.
NOTE: Man cannot of himself win eternal life; it is only as God
works in him to will and to do of His own good pleasure. But the
important thought is that there must be a "patient endurance" in
God's way and a "patient endurance" in seeking thlj glory and
honor and incorruption of God.
6. What are the inevitable consequences of sin? Who were the
first to feel the wrath of God at the time of Jerusalem's down.
fall, and what repetition of this will take place in our day?
Rom. 2:8,9.

NOTE: "Here we see that the church - the Lord's sanctuary -

was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient
men, those to whom God had given great light, and who had stood
as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed
their trust." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 21.1.

7. What hope of future glory is held out to the faithful remnant?

Rom. 2:10,11.
NOTE: To those who do good the promise is given that they
"shall behold Him glorified in the midst of His saints" while
they themselves are also glorified. The faithful remnant who keep
God's law have many times been unjustly judged, despised and
persecuted, but the day is not far hence when God will judge them
with "righteous judgment" and reward them with eternal life.
The Jews persecuted the faithful remnant constituting the first
Christian church, but the gospel triumphed. We are called not
only to believe, but also to suffer for the truth's sake in these
- 12 -
last days. Persecution can be expected not only from the present-
day Gentiles, but also from the spiritual Jews of the present tirr,e.

8. On what basis will the whole human family be judged? Rom.

2:12, 14, 15.

NOTE: The law of God can only justify those who are in harmony
with it. The marginal reading for "justified" is "accounted
righteous." That is its meaning. Law declares of the absolute
doer that he is righteous. Dut some have not this written law,
yet in man's very being there are traces, convictions of the law
written by the Creator which condemn wrong and 'approve right.
Conscience appeals, condemns and approves. God will deal with
them wisely, justly and mercifully; we can leave them with Him,
knowing that it shall be well.

9. To whom only were the promises of God fulfilled in Paul's

day? Who only will be justified by God today? Rom. 2:13,16.
NOTE: In all his explanations, "It was Paul's intention to reveal
the two great pillars of the Christian faith - God's righteousness
revealed in the law of God, and just.ification by faith in Jesus
Christ, and that in the plan of redemption these must blend. The
Jews rejected the gospel of justi fication by faith and held to
their own works of righteousness, thus they could not attain to t.he
righteousness of Christ.

10. What popular error su-ilies boldlY at the very fonndation of

God's authority? Matt. 15:9.
NOTE: "No error accepted by the Christian world st.rikes more
boldly against the authority of n eaven, none is more directly
opposed to the dictates of reason, none is more pernicious in its
results, than the modern doctrine, so rapidly gaining ground, that
God's law is no longer binding UpOll men. Every nation has its
laws, which command respect and obedience; no government could
exist without them; and can it be conceived that the Creator of
the heavens and the earth has no law to :rovern the beings He has
made? Suppose that prominent ministers were publicly \.0 teach
that the statutes which govern their land and protect the rights of
its citizens were not obligatory,- that they restricted the liberties
of the people, and therefore ought not to be obeyed; how long would
such men be tolerated in the pulpit? But i 3 it a graver oHensf' La
disregard the laws of states and nations than to trample npon those
divine precepts which are the foundation of all government?" -
Great Controversy, p. 504.
13 -
Lesson No.6 - Sabbath, February 11, 1956
THE TRUE JEW
Questions

1. To whom was the epistle to the Romans primarily addressed?

Rom. 2: 17 (first part).

2. In the spiritual sense, whom did God recognize as a Jew?

Rom. 2:28,29.

3. In what did the Jews specially pride themselves? Rom.

2:17 (first part), 18.

NOTE: The Jewish leaders felt that they really had something
to boast of, as it was true the law of God had been given to this
people and they had been appointed the keepers of the sacred
oracles. Further to this, the temple which they looked upon with
much pride had indeed been built according to God's own directions,
and there for centuries, the shekinah glory had been manifested.
They claimed the sole right to represent the God of heaven.

4. As those who had been instructed in the law, what position

did the Jewish leaders assume? Rom. 2:19,20.

5. What estimate did Jesus give of their instruction? Matt.

15:13,14.

6. What striking parallel to this is revealed among the professed

people of God? Rev. 3:9.

NOTE: "What greater deception can come upon human minds than
a confidence that they are right, when they are all wrong! The
message of the True Witness finds the people of God. in a sad
deception, yet honest in that deception. They know not that their
condition is deplor\lble in the sight of God. While those addressed
are flattering themselves that they are in an exalted spiritual con-
dition, the message of the True Witness breaks their security by
the startling denunciation of their true condition of spiritual blind-
ness, poverty, and wretchedness. The testimony, so cutting and
severe, cannot be a mistake, for it is the True Witness who speaks,
and his testimony must be correct." - Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 252.

7. Is it sufficient to h ave a theoretical knowledge of the truth

and practice the form of religion? Rom. 2:20; 2 Tim. 3:5.
- 14-
NOTE: "They had the light of truth, they knew their·Master's
will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not
corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy
and the treasures of divine wisdom, should have acted their faith.
They should have commanded their households after them, that
by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the in-
fluence of the truth upon the human heart••••
"Some who had been dishonoring God, repented and humbled
their hearts before him. But the glory of the Lord had dep arted
from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion,
his power and presence were lacking." -ld., vol. 5, pp. 214,210.

8. Who are most accountable to God for transgression of His

law? Rom. 2:21-23.

NOTE: "Thus again was left upon the page of history a testimony
for all future ages, - that the iniquity of God's professed people
will not go unpunished. The greater the knowledge of God's will,
the greater the sin of those who disregard it••••
"It was not enough that the ark and the sanctuary were in the
midst of Israel. It was not enough that the priests offered sacri-
fices, and that the people were called the children of God. The
Lord does not regard the request of those who cherish iniquity in
the heart; it is written that 'he that turneth away his ear from
hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.''' - Patri-
archs and Prophets, p. 504.
9. What is the nature of the apostaSY which brought about separa-
tion in the Laodicean church?

NOTE: "His authority should be kept distinct and plain before

the world; and no laws are to be acknowledged that come in col-
lision with the laws of Jehovah. If in defiance of God's arrange-
ments the world be allowed to influence our decisions or our
actions, the purpose of God is defeated. However specious the
pretext, if the church waver here, there is written against her in
the· books of heaven a betrayal of the most sacred trusts, and
treachery to the kingdom of Christ." - Testimonies to Ministers,
p. HI.

10. When the vital power of godliness has given place to world-
liness and formalism, what influence will the church have
upon the world? Rom. 2:24; Micah 3:10,11.

11. What attitude did the apostle Paul take in meeting those Jews
- 15-
 who still claimed that circwncision was necessary for sal-
vation? Rom. 2:25-29.

Lesson No.7 - Sabbath, Febl1lary 18, 1956

MAN'S HOPELESSNESS IN HIMSELF
Questions

1. What advantage did the Jews have over the other nations?
Rom. 3:1,2.

NaTE: "God chose Israel to reveal His character to men. He

desired them to be as wells of salvation in the world. To them
were committed the oracles of heaven, the revelation of God's
will. • •• Christ was to be uplifted before all nations, and all
who would look to Him should live. Christ was the foundation of
the Jewish economy. The whole system of types and symbols
was a compacted prophecy of the gospel, a presentation in which
were bound up the promises of redemption." - A cts of Apostles,
p. H.
2. Was God responsible for the unfaithfulness and unbelief of
the Jews? Were the promises made to Abraham unconditional?
Rom. 3:3, 'I.

NOTE: "What God promises, He is able at any time to perform,

and the work which He gives His people to do He is able to accom-
plish by them. If they wil! live according to every word He has
spoken, every good word and promise will be fulfilled unto them.
But if they come short of perfect obedience, the great and precious
promises are afar off, and they cannot reach the fulfillment." -
Counsels on Health, p. 378. .
"A backsliding church closed their eyes to the signs of the
times. God did not forsake them, or suffer His faithfulness to
fail; but they departed from Him, and separated themselves from
His love. As they refused to comply with the conditions, His
promises were not fulfilled to them." - Great Controversy, p. 31G.

3. To what great event then still in the future did Paul direct
the ~ttentioll of both Jews and Gentiles? Rom. 3:'1-8.
N01T: The meaning of this verse is made clear from the rendering
given in the nevised Version: "That thou mightest be justified in
thy words and mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment."
-lll-
Paul was quoting from Psalm 51:4, and with this rendering, the two
verses harmonize. 'In all his writings, the great apostle sought to
convince both Jews and converted pagans of the deeper meaning
of the plan of salvation and the future judgment which all must
face. "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now
commandeth all men everywhere to repent because he hath appointed
a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man
whom he hath ordained." Acts 17:30,31. Even in his day, Paul
knew well that there was a judgment pending which must first
begin at the house of God. The message of justification was
incomplete without a knowledge of the investigative judgment.

4. Is it possible to finn any real justification for sin? Rom.

3:7,8.

NOT!':: If this were so, we could well say, "Let us do evil that
good may come." Such a principle God could not approve and
still be God. His infinite wisdom and love and power demand
glorious triumph over all evil, but God can never excuse evil.
"It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it, is to defend it.
Could an excuse for it be found, or cause be shown for its exist-
ence, it would cease to be sin." -ld., p. 493.

5. Apart from the grace of Gon, what is the natural state of all
mankind? Rom. 3:9-18,23.

NOTE: God is doing all we will let Him do to save us, but He
does not want us to be deceived regarding ourselves. In our-
selves we are sinners, utterly hopeless so far as ought that we
can do. Our family, our birth, our education, our privileges, our
knowledge, our -outwardly blameless deportment, - none or all of
these will save us or will reconcile us to God. These verses tell
us the actual condition of humanity. They are fearful pictures,
but they are outlined with pencil of truth and no man can deny
their accuracy. The great loving lesson from the infinitely loving
God is that we are of ourselves hopeless sinners.

6. What part does the law take in the problem of justification?

Rom. 3:19,20.

NOTE: The term "works of the law" refers to the efforts of hu-
manity to live the righteousness of God, that is, to live as God
would live, but apart from His life. This the righteousness of
God declares a complete failure. All the strivings of man to
- 17 -
present an outward conformity to morality is of no avail as God's
holy law stops every mouth and brings all the world under the
condemnation of God.
The phrase "under the law" in verse 1<) ought to be rendered
."within the law," subject to the law, demanding the obedience of
all; but such a standard of living, man has not attained, hence all
are condemned by the law as transgressors.

7. What intervention did God make to meet the terrible emergency

of sin? Isa. 59:16-21.

8. As the law cannot justify us, how only can we be righteous?

Rom. 3:21,22.

NOTE: "The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner

owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it.
"Man cannot possibly meet the demands of the law of God in
human strength alone. His offerings, his works, will all be tainted
with sin. A remedy has been provided in the Savior, who can give
to man the virtue of His merit, and make him colaborer in the
great work of salvation. Christ is righteousness, sanctification,
and redemption to those who believe in Him, and who follow in
His steps." - Christ Our Righteousness, p. 141.

9. Is the righteousness of God here introduced a different right-

eousness to that revealed in the Old Testament?

NOTE: God's righteousness is ever the same. His character is

unchangeable, "with whom can be no variation, neither shadow
that is cast by turning." He did not have one standard for one
age and another for a later time; one moral law for the Jew and
another for the Gentile. It is the same righteousness, but mani-
fested in a different way.
"Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God; and 'God is love.'
It is conformity to the law of God; for 'all Thy commandments are
righteousness;' and 'love is the fulfilling of the law.' Righteous-
ness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The
righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteous-
ness by receiving Him." - Mount of Blessing, p. 34.

10. Can any man or woman truthfully testifY that they have not
sinned? Rom. 3:23.

NOTE: Most advent believers, when asked to define sin, would

- 18-
say it is the "transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4; Matt. 7:23.
It is usual to think of sin as the overt act, the open transgression,
such as the worship of idols, killing, stealing, profaning God's
name, etc. But in this verse sin comes closer home than this.
The Greek word is "amartia" from the verb, "to miss the mark,"
a sinful propensity to turn from the path of duty. Whether it be
in thought, word or deed, any departure from God's pure and holy
law, even though it be in the very slightest degree, is "missing
the mark" - the mark of God's glory - and to miss this mark is
fatal. When the light of God's spiritual law shines into our
hearts, how hopeless is our condition apart from the mighty
miraculous power revealed in the gospel.

11. How is it possible to distinguish between the true child of

God and the one who has only a fonn of godliness? John 1:12.

NOTE: The promises of God are sure to those who truly believe
in Him. They will find as did Paul a power in the gospel to free
man from sin; to give him victory over every wrong habit and
practice. If this is not the experience of those who profess to
believe, it is because they have never made a full surrender to
God.

12. What is still the condition of discipleship? Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor.

10:5,6.

Lesson No.8 - SalJbatlJ, February 25, 1956

THE LAW ANO THE GOSPEL
Questions

1. Upon which two great pillars does the plan of salvation rest?
John 1:17.

NOTE: "Many who claim to believe and to teach the gospel are
in a similar error. They set aside the Old Testament Scriptures,
of which Christ declared, 'They are they which testify of me.'
In rejecting the Old, they v~rtually reject the New; for both are
parts of an inseparable whole. No man can rightly present the law
of God without the gospel, or the gospel without the law. The
law is the gospel embodied, and the gospel is the law unfolded.
The law is the root, the gospel is the fragrant blossom and fruit
which it bears." - Christ's Object Lessons, p. 120.
- 19-
 2. By what means was man justified, by his obedience ~ the
law or by the grace of Christ? Rom. 3:24.

3. What is the meaning of justification by faith repeated so

often by tile apostle Paul? Titus 3:5-7.

NOTE: "What is justification by faith? It is the work 0 f God in

I aying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which
it is not in his power to do for himself. When men see their own
nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteous-
ness of Christ.
"Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to promise
pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith whereby
salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold of the merits
of Christ, the remedy provided for sin." - Christ Our Righteous-
ness, p. 124. .

4. What was Christ's part in this intervention for guilty man?

Rom. 3:25 (first part), Psalm 32:1,2.

NOTE: In this verse Christ 'is set forth by the Father to be a

"propitiation." In Heb. 9:5, the only other place in the New
Testament where this word is used, it is rendered' "mercy seat."
The thought in the Old Testament is to cover or conceal, - God's
covering, cleansing or purging of sin. In the sanctuary service
the mercy seat directly 'covered the law of God. The law could
only condemn and offer no pardon for the sinner. The innocent
victim is slain and its blood which typified the blood of Christ
is sprinkled on the mercy seat and by its virtue the penitent sinner
finds pardon. Here "mercy and truth meet together, righteousness
and peace kiss each other."

5. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as a personal Saviour,

does this act make him secure for eternity? Rom. 3:25 (last
part).

6. In what way is the character of God vindicated by the plan

of redemption? Rom. 3:26.

NOTE: "While God can be just, and yet justify the sinner through
the merits of Christ, no man can cover his soul with the garments
of Christ's righteousness while practicing known sin or neglecting
known duties. God requires entire surrender of the hearts before
justification can take place; and in order for man to retain justi-
fication, there must be continual obedience, through active, living
- 20-
faith, that works by love and purifies the sou!." - Review and
Herald, November 4, llJ90, by Ellen G. White.

7. Is there any room for pride or boasting because of the

knowledge of troth which we possess? Rom. 3:27.

NOTE: "There are two errors against which the children of God
- particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace -
especially need to guard. The first, already dwelt upon, is that
of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do,
to bring themselves in to harmony with God. He' who is trying to
become holy by his own works in keeping the law, is attempting
an impossibility. All that man can do without Christ is polluted
with selfishness and sin. It is the grace of Christ alone, through
faith, that can make us holy." - Steps to Christ, p. 64.

8. What conclusion does the apostle now make? Rom. 3:28.

NOTE: "It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe

in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces
Him as a personal Savior; which appropriates His merits to our-
selves. Many hold faith as an opinio"n. But saving faith is a
transaction, by which those who receive Christ join themselves in
covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith
means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul
becomes a conquering power." - Gospel Workers, p. 261.

9. Does God have one condition of salvation for the Jews and
another for Christians? Rom. 3:29,30.

NOTE: Circumcision or profession of keeping the law did not

save the Jews nor will it save the world today or the church of
Laodicea. The light is shining as never before, hence to every
individual comes the responsibility of searching the Scriptures
for themselves. To depend on the leaders who are themselves
respons,ible for the present apostasy will prove fatal and will
leave you, unprotected to meet the last day deceptions of Satan.

10. Did the apostle intend that in the preaching of salvation by

faith, the moral law could he set aside? Rom. 3:31.

NOTE: In the new birth ,the heart is brought into harmony with
God, as it 'is brought into accord with His law. When this mighty
change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death
unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion
- 21-
to obedience and loyalty. The old life of alienation from God has
ended; the new life of reconciliation, of faith and love, has begun.
Then "the righteousness of the law" will "be fulfilled in us, who
walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit." And the language
of the soul will be, "0 how love I thy law." "It is my meditation
all the day."
"'The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.' Without
the law, men have no just conception of the purity and holiness of
God, or of their own guilt and uncleanness. They have no true
conviction of sin, and feel no need of repentance. Not seeing
their lost condition as violators of God's law, they do not realize
their need of the atoning blood of Christ. The hope of salvation
is accepted without a radical change of heart or reformation of
life. Thus superficial conversions abound, and multitudes are
joined to the church who have never been united to Christ." -
Great Controversy, p. 4G8.

Lesson No.9 - Sabbath, March 3, 1956

CHRIST AND THE LAW
Questions

1. What fatal choice did the Jews make at the trial of Christ?
Matt. 27:20,22.

NOTE: "Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their

decision was registered in the book which John saw in the hand
of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open.
In all its vindictiveness this decision will appear before them in
the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of
Judah." - Christ's Object Lessons, p. 294.

2. Although the whole nation became involved in this terrible

crime what gracious offer was still extended to the individual
Jew? Rom. 3:28,31.

NOTE: Paul directly presented the problem that every Jew had
to decide for himself. By what means would they seek to be
reconciled to God, by the deeds of the law or by the grace obtained
through belief in Christ? By refusing Christ as a Saviour from
sin, they thus refused the only provision made by God for their
salvation.
- 22-
 3. What powerful argument did Paul use to prove that the Jews
had made the wrong choice in rejecting Jesus while seeking
to justify themsel ves by their keeping of the law? Gal. 2:21.

NOTE: "The Jews perished as a nation because they were drawn

from the truth of the Bible by their rulers, priests, and elders.
Had they heeded the lessons of Jesus, and searched the Scriptures
for themselves, they would not have perished." - Testimonies to
Ministers, p. 109.

4. To what particular law is Paul making reference in Galatians?

Gal. 5:3,4.

NOTE: From these verses it is clearly stated that the law to

which Paul refers is the law which contains the ceremony of cir-
cumcision and this is none other than the ceremonial law. It is
this law he is alluding to when he said, "whosoever of you are
justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace."

5. In contrast to this, what attitude did the apostle take to the

moral law? What is revealed through the decalogue? Rom. 7:7.
NOTE: From this evidence we can see that both the moral and
ceremonial laws are under discussion in the writings of Paul, and
the reader must distinguish the nature of these laws or he will
only be led into confusion.

6. How did Paul prove that the ceremonial law was not intended
to justifY the sinner? What was its real purpose? Heb.
10:1,14.

7. Why was the ceremonial law given? To what purpose did it

serve throughout the old dispensation? Gal. ~:24-27.
NOTE: In Galatians 3, it is clearly established that there were
two laws. The moral law was the first which was transgressed,
hence the necessity of instituting another which was to be a
school master to lead the people to Christ. The ceremonial law
was a "shadow of things to come." The sacrificial service
pointed out the Lamb of God, sent to take away the sin of the
world, hence with the crucifixion of Christ on Calvary the cere-
monial law had fulfilled its purpose and came to an end, but the
moral law is for ever.

8. What grievous crime is chargable to the whole of modern

Christendom? Isa. 24:6.
- 23-
NOTE: "And now another scene passed before him. He had
been shown the work of Satan in leading the Jews to reject Christ,
while they professed to honor his Father's law. He now saw the
Christian worl d under a. similar deception in professing to accept
Christ while they rejected God's law." - Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 476-477.

9. What eternal purpose of God is revealed in the moral law?

Isa.42:21.

10. What lIniversal obligation have all to the ten commandments?

Eccl. 12:13,14.

Lesson No. 10 - Sabbath, March 10, 1956

ABRAHAM JUSTIFIED THROUGH FAITH
Questions

1. In further explaining this subject of justification by faith,

to what outstanding character did Paul refer? Rom. 4:1.

2. How was God's righteousness brought into Abraham's life?

Rom. 4:2-5.
NOTE: Abraham took the only way a fallen man can be justified, -
believing and accepting by faith God's promises. By believing
God, his faith was reckoned for righteousness. If Abraham could
in any way earn righteousness from a past accumulation of good
works, then it would be something due to him.

3. On what grounds only could David find pardon and peace with
God? Rom. 4:6-8.
NOTE: Our English word "impute" means "to ascribe," "to
credit," "to charge."

"This righteousness which God imputes to us is an act of divine

grace. God erases our rightfully deserved condemnation and
places us as believers before Him in the position of being right-
eous. Such an act was made possible through the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ." - Translated from F. Godet, Com-
mentaire sur la premiere epitre aux Corinthiens, vol. I, p. 109.

4. Did the rite of circumcision entitle Abraham to the righteous-

ness of God? Rom. 4:9,10.
- 24-
NOTE: At the time when the promise was given Abraham that
through him all nations of the earth would be blessed and his
seed would be multiplied greatly, he was still uncircumcised.
nighteousness was not imputed to him as a reward of some faithful
service or any good actions, but as a free gift from God.

5. For what purpose was circumcision introduced? Rom. 4:11.

NOTE: Circumcision was given to Abraham as a religious ordin-

ance, a sign of separation from the world, a cutting off of the sins
of the flesh. Unfortunately, the Jews lost sight of its true signific-
ance and it thus degenerated into a mere form which they con-
sidered entitled them to the favor of God. They believed that the
case o·f those not circumcised was practically hopeless. For-
giveness of sins was never dependent on circumcision but on
sincere repentance.

6. What startling truth did Paul reveal to those who boasted of

their national heritage through the seed of Abraham? Rom.
4:12; Gal. 5:6; 6:15.

NOTE: The very fact that Abraham was blessed while still in
uncircumcision is a pledge to all who will believe whether cir-
cumcised or not. The new creature, the making righteous, is
what justification is designed to do - not that we can do it, but
God has done it for us in Christ Jesus.

7. Was God's promise to Abraham dependent on the ceremonial

law? Rom. 4:13,14.
NOTE: The special point of contention so often raised by the
Jews or by Judaizing Christians was that without the keeping of
the ceremonial law, there could be no forgiveness of sins. This
was defeated by Paul's explanation of the life of Abraham. The
promise that he would be the "heir of the world" was given 400
years before the ceremonial law was introduced, hence the only
conclusion that it was the faith of Abraham, not his works, that
saved him.

8. What is the effect of the moral law when applied in its fuJI
meaning to the transgressor? If the moral law had been
abolished, wOldd there be any need of salvation from sin?
Rom. 4:15.

NOTE: "Many proclaim the law of God aholished, and surely

their lives are in keeping with their faith. 1£ there is no j a I'"~
- 25-
then there is no transgression, and therefore no sin; for sin is
the transgression of the law.
"The carnal mind is enmity against God, and it rebels against
his will. Let it once throw off the yoke of obedience, and it
slips unconsciously into the lawlessness of crime. Iniquity
abounds among those who talk grandly of pure and perfect religious
liberty. Their conduct is abhorrent to the Lord, and they are co-
workers with the adversary of souls. The light of revealed truth.
is turned from their sight, and the beauties of holiness are but as
shadows to them ••. ;
"I have been shown what man is without a knowledge of the
will of God. Crimes and iniquity fill up the measure of his life.
But when the Spirit of God reveals to him the full meaning of the
law, what a change takes place in his heart! Like Belshazzar,
he reads intelligently the hand-writing of the Almighty, and con-
viction takes possession of his soul. The thunders of God's word
startle him from his lethargy, and he calls for mercy in the name
of Jesus. And to that humble plea God always listens with a
willing ear. He never turns the penitent away comfortless." -
Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 13,14.
9. In what sense is Abraham the father of all believers? Rom.
4:16-18; 9:7,8.
NOTE: Certainly, from a human standpoint, Abraham is not the
father of all believers. But before God, Abraham stands as the
great type of implicit faith whose e~ample all are called to follow,
and through him came Jesus Christ, "the everlasting Father" of
all reborn men. Isaiah 9:G.

10. What seemingly impossible promise did God make to Abraham?

What was his response? Rom. 4:1~22.
NOTE: Abraham believed in God's promise before he saw it ful-
filled in the birth of his son Isaac. He was a stranger and pilgrim
among the heathen in the very land promised him for an inheritance,
but by faith he held on to God's promise, and it was this faith
that was accounted to him for righteousness.

11. What lesson should the believer today learn from the experi-
ence of Abraham? Rom. 4:23-25; Phil. 3:7-10 ..
NOTE: "How shall we know for ourselves God's goodness and
his love? The psalmist tells us - not hear and know, read and
know, or believe and know; but - 'Taste and see that the Lord is
good.' Instead of relying upon the word of another, taste for
yourself.
- 26-
 "Experience is knowledge derived from experiment. Experi-
mental religion is what is needed now. 'Taste and see that the
Lord is good.' Some - yes, a large number - have a theoretical
knowledge of religious truth, but have never felt the renewing
power of divine grace upon their own hearts. These persons are
ever slow to heed the testimonies of warning, reproof, and in-
struction indited by the Holy Spirit. They believe in the wrath
of God, but put forth no earnest efforts to escape it. They be-
lieve in Heaven, but make no sacrifice to obtain it. They believe
in the value of the soul, and that erelong its redemption ceaseth
forever. Yet they neglect the most precious opportunities to make
their peace with God." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 221.

Lesson No.ll- Sabbath, March 17, 1956

THE RIGHTeOUSNESS OF CHRIST IN OUR SALVATION
Questions

1. What new relationship is established between God and the

justified sinner? Rom. 5: 1.

NOTE: Sin puts man at enmity with God. Paul explains this in
the words, "when we were enemies we' were reconciled to God
by the death of his son ••• ." nom. 5:10. Thus through faith in
the blood of the atonement, the one-time enemy of God and right-
eousness now enjoys the blessing and privilege of being at peace
with God.
"The grace of Christ received into the heart, subdues enmity;
it allays strife, and fills the soul with love. He who is at peace
with God and his fellowmen can not be made miserable. Envy wlll
not be in his heart; evil surmisings will find no room there; hatred
can not exist. The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker
of the peace of heaven, and will diffuse its blessed influence on
all around.
"The spirit of peace is evidence of their connection with heaven.
The sweet savor of Christ surrounds them. The fragrance of the
life, the loveliness of the character, reveal to the world the fact
that they are children of God. Men take knowledge of them that
they have been with Jesus. 'Every one that loveth is born of
God.' 'If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of
His;' but 'as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God.''' - Mount of Blessing, pp. 4G,47.
- 27 -
 2. To what other great privilege does faith in Jesus Christ give
us access? Rom. 5:2.
NOTE: "Heavenly intelligences are waiting to co-operate with
human instrumentalities, that they may reveal to the world what
human beings may become, and what, through union with the Divine,
may be accomplishe.d for the saving of souls that are ready to
perish. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, putting
self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his
heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. All who con-
secrate body, soul, and spirit to his service will be constantly
receiving a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual
power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command.
Christ gives them the breath of His own Spirit, the life of His own
life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in
mind and heart. Through the grace given us we may achieve
victories that because of our own erroneous preconceived opinions,
our defects of character, our smallness of faith, have seemed
impossible." - Ministry of Healing, p. 159.

3. Why are trials and tribulations permitted to afflict God's

children? Rom. 5:3,4.
NOTE: "Trial is part of the education given in the school of
Christ, to purify God's children from the dross of earthliness.
It is because God is leading His children, that trying experiences
come to them. Trials and obstacles are His chosen methods of
discipline, and His appointed conditions of success. He who
reads the hearts of men knows their weakness better than they
themselves can know them. He sees that some have qualifications
which, if rightly directed, could be used in the advancement of
His work. In His providence He brings these souls into different
positions- and varied circumstances, that they may discover the
defects that are concealed from their own knowledge. He gives
them opportunity to overcome these defects, and to fit themselves
for service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to bum, that
they may be purified." - A cts of Apostles, p. 524.

4. How may the Christian rise above the darkness, disappointr

ments and trials he meets in life's way? Rom. 5:5.

5. How far reaching was God's plan to save man from his hope-
less condition? Rom. 5:6-8.
NOTE: "Herein His love commends itself in the most marvelous
manner to the rebellious race. What a sight for angels to behold!
What a hope for m an, 'that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
- 28-
died for us'! The just suffered for the unjust; He bore our sins in
His own body on the tree. 'He that spared not His own Son, but
delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely
give us all things?'
"As witnesses chosen of God, do we value Christ's purchased
possession? Are we ready to make any and every sacrifice within
our power, to place ourselves under Christ's yoke, to co-operate
with Him and to be laborers together with God? All who are
bearing the test of God, obeying His commandments, love the
perishing human race as Christ loved them. They follow the
example of Christ in most earnest, self-sacrificing labor, to seek
out in the highways and hedges the high and the low, the rich and
the poor, and to bear to all the message that they are the objects
of Christ's special love and guardian care." - Testimonies to
Ministers, p. 246.

6. What twofold aspect of the plan of salvation does Paul here

emphasize? Rom. 5:9,10.

NOTE: From nom. 3:25, we learned that ·faith in the shed blood
of Jesus gave "remission of sins that are past." .There is much
more to salvation than this, however. When we come to God con-
fessing all our sins, asking forgiveness in the name of Jesus
Christ, pardon is freely granted through His merits. Christ's
righteousness is then imputed to us. Sins, acts of disobedience;
transgressions of the divine law, God can forgive, but sin cannot
be forgiven. It is the nature with which we came into the world
and leads us to commit sin. When on earth, the Saviour expressed
it thus: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which
is born of the Spirit is spirit." Thus it is evident that the only
way to get rid of a bad nature is by death. The only way to re-
ceive a new nature is to be born again. "Christ died for our
sins." 1 Cor. 15:3. "He died unto sin." nom. 0:10.
"God requires the entire surrender of the heart, before justi-
fication can take place; and in order for man to retain justification,
there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith
that works by love and purifies the soul." - Christ Our Righteous-
ness, p. 130.

7. Through whom did sin and sinflP.lness come upon the whole
human race? Rom. 5:12.

NOTE: Through Adam as the first father of the human race all
became automatically partakers of the curse with which he was
- 29-
cursed. This curse of death was upon both the righteous and the
unrighteous even though they had not committed the sin of Adam.

8. Was sin in the world before the law of God was given from
Sinai? Rom. 5:13,14.

NOTE: That sin existed long before the law was given in its
written form is evident from the universal fact of death in the
world. Much of the sin committed was counted as sins of ignorance,
yet the curse of death reigned and still reigns over the human
race.

9. What comparison does Paul make between Adam and Christ

Jesus whom he refers to as the second Adam? Rom. 5:14-16.

NOTE: Just as sin came to all through one man and death fol-
lowed in its wake, so God in His great love offered the priceless
gift of justification through one man, Christ Jesus.

10. Was God's grace through Jesus Christ as broad as the con-
sequences of sin? Rom. 5:17-19.
NOTE: Just as through the unrighteousness of one man judgment
was pronounced upon all, so through the righteousness of one man
justification is offered to all. Through the disobedience of Adam,
all were counted as sinners, so through the humiliation and obedi-
ence of One, it is possible for all to be made righteous. God
does not compel men to serve Him. Obedience must be free,
willing, loya!. The choice rests with man, but the history of the
race and our own observation proves the sad fact that many do
not want God's way.

11. For what purpose was the law of God given to man officially
in written form? Rom. 5:20.

NOTE: 'It is not to be understood that the glvmg of the law

brought an increase of sin, but rather that sin, might be seen to
be "exceeding sinfu!." Rom. 7:13, and to bring to man's con-
science and understanding a clear view of sin and its awful
results, and a more exalted conception of the holiness of God.

12. In contrast to the abounding evil, what way of freedom is

offered from sin's slavery? Rom. 5:20,21.

NOTE: It is wisely ordered of God that wherever the gospel

goes, the law goes also, that men may despair of salvation on
- 30-
any other terms or in any other way than that revealed in the gospel
of Jesus Christ. When the sinner sees the curse of the law hanging
over his head he becomes a true penitent, glad that there is a way
of escape, a place of refuge, provided through the gospel. The
law revealed the true character of sin and the awfulness of its
transgressions. But in contrast to this a greater, more blessed
picture reveals the way of freedom from sin's bondage, the grace
of God which "abounded over and over." The abounding reign
of sin ends at death; but the grace which is super abounding
reigns "through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ
our Lord."

Lesson No. 12 - Sabbath, March 24, 1956

TRUE SIGNIFICANCe OF BAPTISM
THE New LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS
Questions

1. After beginning our new life in Christ, does grace make allow-
ance for a continuation in our past sins? Rom. 6:1,2.
NOTE: Our study deals with the progress of the individual in
justification and the first objection the apostle meets in this, that
if grace super abounds over sin, the soul can go on in its sin and
trust to God's grace. Such a thought was far from Paul, as it was
the teaching of the book of Romans as well as the rest of the Word
that the object of grace is not only to save us from sin, but also
from sinning. Jesus carne to save His people "from their sins,"
Matt. 1:21, and to "redeem us from all iniquity," Titus 2:14.

2. What is the true significance of baptism? What new name

does the believer receive at this time? Rom. 6:3-5; Jer. 23:6.

NOTE: God gave the ordinance of baptism as symbolical of a

living union with Jesus. We are baptized into His death, thus we
count His death as our death. Jesus died to sin, thus we, counting
ourselves as members of His body, died with Him. We were buried
with Him from the old life, and resurrected with Him to the new life,
to walk in the power and resurrection of Jesus. This new life that
is before us must be lived very differently from the old life which
we have renounced.

"The vows which we take upon ourselves in baptism embrace

much. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we
- 31-
are buried in the likeness of Christ's death, and raised in the
likeness of His resurrection, and we are to live a new life. Our
life is to be bound up with the life of Christ. Henceforth the
believer is to bear in mind that he is dedicated to God, to Christ,
and to the Holy Spirit. He is to make all worldly considerations
secondary to this new relation. Publicly he has declared that he
will no longer live in pride and self-indulgence. He is no longer
to live a careless, indifferent life. He has made a covenant with
God. He has died to the world. He is to live to the Lord, to use
for Him all his entrusted capabilities, never losing the realization
that he bears God's signature, that he is a subject of Christ's
kingdom, a partaker of the divine nature. He is to surrender to God
all that he is and all that he has, employing all his gifts to His
name's glory." - Testimonies, vol. G, pp. CJ(l, CJCJ.

3. With what figure does the apostle illustrate the contrast be-
tween the old and the new life? Rom. 6:6-10.

NOTE: With this chapter the apostle introduces a new figure of

speech, looking upon himself as two men, - the man who was
controlled by sin, "the old man," and the man walking with Christ,
released from sin, "the new man." Through Christ's victory over
death and the grave, death itself is dethroned. If we are His, the
power of death's dominion is broken in us.

4. When "the old man" seeks to assert itself in our nature. what
should we do? Rom. 6:11.

NOTE: Dear brother and sister, when you were buried in the
watery grave at baptism, did you really die to "the old man" of
sin? Was it indeed "the new man" that arose to live the victorious
life with Christ? If you can not answer "yes" with confidence,
then this admonition of the apostle applies to you. Therefore
reckon, calculate, set down, work out to a demonstration.
"You have repeatedly said, 'I can't keep my temper.' 'I have
to speak.' You lack a meek humble spirit. Self is all alive, and
you stand guard continually to preserve it from mortification or
insult. Says the apostle, 'For ye are dead, and your life is hid
with Christ in God.' Those who are dead to self will not feel so
readily. and will not be prepare,d to resist everything which may
irritate. Dead men cannot feel. You are not dead. If you were,
and your life were hid in Christ, a thousand things which you now
notice, and which afflict you, would be passed by as unworthy of
notice; you would then be grasping the eternal, and would be
above the petty trials of this life." -ld., vol. 2, p. 425.
- 32-
 5. What change of masters does the Christian make when he
accepts Jesus Christ'? Rom. 6:12,13.

NOTE: Sin is here represented as a king, ruler, or tyrant who has

the desires of the mind and the members of the body under his
control so that influencing the passions he governs the body.
Therefore, as we have chosen a new Master, Christ our nighteous-
ness, let not sin reign any more because our new Master who con-
quered sin died to save us from its power.

6. What new freedom is promised the Christian'? Does the term

"not under the law" mean that the Christian has no further
obligation to the decalogue'? Rom. 6:14,15.
NOTE: The term "under the law" has been grossly misrepre-
sented by religious teachers who interpret it to allow mankind to
continue offending against the decalogue. The phrase "under the
law" means to be under its condemnation because you have been a
transgressor. Never was it intended to mean that the man who is
under grace is not subject to law. When the law of the land is
broken, the guilty one comes "under the law" and if convicted,
has to pay a fine or imprisonment. If a man because of his crime
is given a long term of imprisonment and then after only serving a
part of his sentence is granted a pardon by the governor and is set
free, what will happen if he again commits the same crime? It is
only because of grace extended him th at he is free, yet any renewed
transgression of the law brings him back under its penalty once
more and thence "under the law."

7. What choice must each individual make for himself'? Rom. 7:16.
NOTE: "A profession of Christianity without corresponding faith
and works, will avail nothing. No man can serve two masters. The
children of the wicked one are their own master's servants to whom
they yield themselves servants to obey, his servants they are, and
they cannot be the servants of God until they renounce the devil
and all his works." - Id., vol. 1, p. 404.
"~lany, while professing to be servants of Christ, are obeying
another master, working daily against the Master whom they profess
to serve. 'No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate
the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and
despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.''' - Id.,
vol. 2, p. 442.

8. What evidence will there be in the lives of those who have

truly received Christ? Rom. 6:17,18.
- 33 -
N aTE: "By obedience the people were to give evidence of their
faith. So all who hope to be saved by the merits of the blood of
Christ should realize that they themselves have something to do
in securing their salvation. While it is Christ only that can redeem
us from the penalty of transgression, we are to turn from sin to
obedience. Man is to be saved by faith, not by works; yet his
faith must be shown by his works. God has given his Son to die
as a propitiation for sin, he has manifested the light of truth, the
way of life, he has given facilities, ordinances, and privileges;
and now man must co-operate with these saving agencies; he must
appreciate and use the helps that God has provided, - believe and
obey all the divine requirements." - Patriarchs and Prophets,
p.279.

9. What is the fatal progress of those who continue in sin? In

contrast to this, what progress is there in the blessed life?
Rom. 6:19,20.

10. How do the wise weigh life and character? Rom. 6:21-23.

NOTE: Worldly pleasure, enjoyment and sin cannot be measured

by appearance or by promise. Al ways the better side is shown and
they would have you only look to the present. Those who receive
that wisdo.'Tl which is from above will consider the fruitage. God
will anoint their eyes with His "eye salve" to see in every attrac-
tive and beautiful temptation the loathsome death at the end. Truth
will never deceive us. It holds out to us a narrow, rugged, stony
way, with many burdens and crosses to bear; there is pain and
weariness; there are foes in the way; but the end - if we go with
the Master - is life everlasting.

Lesson No. 13 - Sabbath, March 31, 1956

THE MARRIAGE LAW
Questions

1. In order to demonstrate the binding claims of God's law over

mankind, what illustration did apostle Paul introduce? Rom. 7:
1,2.

NOTE: It is quite evident that Pau! is here making reference to

the original law 'of marriage as given to mankind in the beginning.
Gen. 2:23,24. The Jews were well instructed concerning the two
- 34-
divine institutions introduced before the fall of mankind - marriage
and the Sabbath. Paul does not take for an example the subsequent
law of divorce ,as introduced by Moses which made the marriage
obligation only temporary and dependent only on circumstances.
He presented the law of marriage in its true light binding men and
women until their death. Only upon the death of one partner could
the other be considered free.

2. How did Paul regard a second marriage while the first partner
was still alive? When only can a second marriage be justi-
fiable and not considered a transgression of the law? Rom.
7:3.

NOTE: Although Paul was a Jew and familiar with the law of
Moses concerning the Bill of Divorce, yet in h'is statement on
this occasion it is evident he bases his teaching on Christ's ex-
planation of the law in Matthew 5. It seems that in all his study of
the gospel of Matthew, Paul did not find the exception "except
in case of fornication" which is taken as the Scriptural ground for
justifying a second marriage while the first partner is still alive.

3. Does Christ in the New Testament recognize the law of

divorce as introduced by Moses? In His interpretation of the
law, how did Christ regard a second marriage? Matt. 5:31, 32;
19:9.
NOTE: The sincere student of the Bible will clearly comprehend
what Christ was seeking to convey to His interpretation of the
seventh commandment. There can be no argument on the question
that Christ put an end to the divorce law of Moses. Could it be
possible that Christ would after this introduce ano'ther divorce law
that was not even allowed for in the Old Testament and make an
allowance for the so-called innocent party to re-marry while the
first partner was still alive? In the verses of Matthew, Christ
makes no reference whatsoever to the innocent party, neither does
he define his rights or privileges of remarriage. His concern was
for the woman who could legally be put away from a man for various
causes while the man himself was free to repeat his marriage ac-
cording to his own desires. He was free to marry a woman who had
been left by another man while the woman who had been put away
was left without any protection, thus she was forced to seek
another man. Christ in His explanation of the law placed the chief
condemnation on the man in such a transaction, as not only does
he make himself an adulterer by marrying another woman, but he
thus makes his wife an adulteress for life. In the light of the
explanation of the marriage law, we cannot help but come to the
- 35-
conclusion that this exception clause "except in case of fornica-
tion" appears to be inconsistent with Christ's whole interpretation
of this subject. Again as we have already stated, it seems that
such an exception clause did not exist in the text of Matthew in
the time of Paul, otherwise he would have no doubt made reference
to it.

4. What direct question concerning the divorce law of Moses did

the Pharisees put to Jesus? Matt. 19:3.

NOTE: It should be noted that the question thus put to Jesus re-
garding provision for divorce covered every likely cause.

5. Did Christ in His answer mention any exception that would

entitle a I1erson to separate and to take another marriage
partner? Matt. 19:4-6.

NOTE: The reader will notice that Christ gave a direct answer
to the question and made no provision whatsoever for any exception.
He declared clearly "What therefore God has joined together, let
not man put asunder." Those who have made a wrong choice in
marriage or have hurried into this relationship without having been
properly counselled, very often find to their dismay that they have
made a mistake, but according to the Scriptures they have been
joined into "one flesh" and as a result of this union many times
children have been brought into the world. They are bound, how-
ever, by the law of marriage until the death of one party. The
majority, however, pay no attention to the established law of God,
and when difficulties arise in the marriage relation, instead of
making every effort and sacrifice to maintain the integrity of the
marriage and the family, they take the way of least resistance,
break up the marriage and on this ruin seek to build up another
which they think will bring happiness. It is many times those who
are thus involved themselves who make a special study of the
Scriptures to try to find justification for their course of action.

6. After Christ's explicit answer, what further question were

the Pharisees provoked to ask Him? Matt. 19:7.

NOTE: By this question of the Pharisees, it is very clear that

they understood Christ condemn divorce and remarriage on any
grounds.

7. In His answer, what reason did Christ give for Moses' bill
of divorce? Matt. 19:8.
- 36 -
NOTE: Christ made it very clear that it was His purpose to re-
store marriage to its original purity, as He refers us back to the
time when the law of marriage was first given.
"Like every other one of God's good gifts intrusted to the
keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it
is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty."
- Mount of Blessing, p. 100.

8. Did the disciples nnderstand from Christ's statement in

verse 9 that He was making a new provISion for divorce or
that He was explaining the seriousness of the marriage law?
Matt. 19:10,11.

NOTE: Here we have the first-hand testimony of the disciples

themselves who were present when this subject was discussed.
If Christ had really introduced the popularly accepted provision
for divorce and remarriage it would not have called for the remark
here made by the disciples. They were undoubtedly referring to
the predicament in which a man would place himself by making the
wrong choice in marriage, seeing that the binding claims of the
seventh commandment would condemn any remarriage and in such
a case would classify him as an adulterer. If the studen ts will
read the words of the Master in Matt. 5:32 and in Matt. 19:9 without
the exception clause, they will then see perfect harmony in the
teaching of Christ. In Luther's translation of the Scriptures in
German, this exception clause is placed in parenthesis showing
that it was supplied. There is much evidence to prove that this
clause was introduced into the book of Matthew sometime in the
15th century.

9. What testimony did the contemporary writers of the Gospels,

Mark and Luke, bear of the words of Christ in regard to di-
vorce? Do we find in their report any exception clause?
Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18.

NOTE: From the testimony of these two witnesses as well as the

apostle Paul, we have sufficient evidence to believe that the
words "except for fornication" did not appear in the original text
in the book of Matthew. Paul wrote the Epistle to the Corinthians
about 57 A.D., while the book of Matthew was written about 30 A.D.
He quotes from Matthew 26:26 in 1 Cor. 11:24-26, which proves
that he was familiar with the Gospel of Matthew, yet with his many
references to the marriage relation, he found no inconsistency in
the teaching of the other apostles. Both Mark and Luke who wrote
their tospels in 50 A.D. and 63 A.D. respectively would undoubtedly
- 37-
have adjusted their writings to harmonize with Matthew if the text
was then as it appears today. If such a clause as we find in these
two verses in Matthew really existed it would have produced a
controversy in the early church as all the writers were contem-
porary. We could have expected another dispute as arose in
Antioch over the question of circumcision as here a fundamental
doctrine was involved, but we all know that there is no such
record in the New Testament.

10. Upon which exposition of the law of marriage is both the

civil and religious ceremony contracted? Eph. 5 :21-31.

·11. After giving a detailed exposition on the snbject of marriage

and the settlement of difficulties among those who are married,
what did Paul state was the foundation of the marriage ap-
proved by God? What only could dissolve a marriage? 1 Cor.
7:39.

NOTE: Although the law of marriage as expressed by Paul is

recognized universally not only by the Christian church, but also
by the civil authorities, it must be kept in mind that no where does
he give the slightest justification for a second marriage. He does
not mention any exception to this law which would give license for
remarriage in the case of adultery or fornication.

12. Under which condition only does the Lord allow for separation?
1 Cor. 7:10,11.

NOTE: Paul does make prOVISIOn for separation of those who can
find no possible way of settling their differences, but always on
the strict condition that they do not remarry while the other partner
is still alive.

13. How sacredly should the marriage vow be held? Heb. 13:4.

NOTE: In the Old Testament days the severest of penalities were

executed upon those who transgressed the seventh commandment.
For both adultery and fornication, the penalty was death. Deut. 22:
13-16,20.,21; 22:22. There were no divorce provisions in such a
case or any license to remarry. We serve the same God today;
only the death penalty has been abolished. But the sin is no less
grievous in the sight of God and will have to be answered for. Ac-
cording to the teaching of Christ in the New Testament neither
parties to a divorce are eligible for remarriage. They are under
the restriction of the law so long as the other partner lives.
- 38-
14. What attitude do we tal<e to those who before coming to a
knowledge of the truth have made a shipwreck of their marriage
and have entered into a second marriage, being \\<Tongly ad-
vised or ignorant of the claims of God? 1 Cor. 7:27; Acts
17:30.
NOTE: There are problems in the lives of people which it is
impossible for them to put right, yet they desire to be saved. A
man may have been a thief for the greatest part of his life. No
matter how sorry he is for his past life, he could not pay back
what he owed. Another may have been a murderer, yet nothing
he could do could possibly restore the dead man to life.
In the same way a man may have made a wrong choice in marri-
age and finally it has ended in the divorce court. Doth parties
remarry and have families, but later one of them comes to a knowl-
edge of the truth. What should the church do to prove that he has
really repented? Some may say the family should be broken up
before this party to the marriage can be accepted into church
fellowship, but experience itself proves that such a demand would
not improve the situation, but would only aggravate it further and
multiply the evil. Therefore, we can only accept such souls as
the message finds them. It is a different case altogether with the
members of our church should they fall to such a temptation. They
would have to be disfellowshipped, and the only way they could
prove their repentance and be accepted back into the church would
be to dissolve their second marriage.

15. What restriction does the gospel place upon believers in

relation to marriage? 2 Cor. 6:14-16; Deut. 7:3,4.

NOTE: "My sister, dare you disregard these plain and positive
directions? As a child of God, a subject of Christ's kingdom,
the purchase of his blood, how can you connect yourself with one
who does not acknowledge his claims, who is not controlled by
his Spirit? The commands I have quoted are not the word of man,
but of God. Though the companion of your choice were in all other
respects worthy (which he is not), yet he has not accepted the
truth for this time; he is an unbeliever, and you are forbid de n of
Heaven to unite yourself with him. You cannot, without peril to
your soul, disregard this divine injunction." - Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 3G4.

16. Why did Sister White adopt the popular view on divorce and
certain cases gave private instruction by letters approving of
remarriage? Did Sister White consider that the past attitude
towards th e law of God as the standard of the church was
- 39 -
 sufficient. Did she instruct the leaders and the people that
more truth was to be revealed and a higher standard must be
adopted? Matt. 19:8.
NaTE: Sister White did no more than Moses who approved of the
divorce law to satisfy the carnal mind of the people. She always
urged to higher standards and sanctification in the marriage life,
but the leadership always prevailed in maintaining the popular
views. Finally after years of controversy on this matter, it has
been sealed by General Conference decision to legalize divorce
and remarriage, and that at the very time when Christ is expected
to come.
"Upon us rests the solemn obligation of taking a more decided
stand for truth and righteousness than we have taken in the past.
The line of demarcation between those who keep the commandments
of God and those who do not is to be revealed with unmistakable
clearness." - Testimonies, vol. 7, p. lOG.
"We cannot hold that a position once taken, an idea once ad-
vocated, is not, under any circumstances, to be relinquished.
There is but One who is infallible - He who is the way, the truth,
and the life." - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 105.
"Great truths that have lain unheeded and unseen since the day
of Pentecost are to shine from God's word in their native purity.
To those who truly love God the Holy Spirit will reveal truths
that have faded from the mind, and will also reveal truths that are
entirely new." - Fundamentals of Education, p. 473.
"Great truths which have been neglected and unappreciated for
ages, will be revealed by the Spirit of God, and new meaning will
flash out of familiar texts." - Counsels on Sabbath School Work,
p.35.

Lesson No. 14 - Sabbath, Avril 7, 1956

CONDEMNAliON AND DELIVERANCE
Questions
1. Through what natural illustration does Paul seek to show
the binding claims of the law of God upon manldnd? Rom.
7:1,2.

2. When only does a party to a marriage have freedom to remarry?

How did Paul apply the marriage law to illustrate the covenant
made between God and His people? Rom. 7:3.
- 40-
NaTE: As the laws of marriage bound both parties togeth er in
sacred relationship, so the covenant made with the Jews at ~Iount
Sinai bound them to strict obedience during their whole existence
as a nation. They promised obedience, but completely failed in
fulfilling their part of the covenant because they trusted in their
own strength and wisdom rather than that of the promised Messiah.
By transgression they divorced themselves from God.

3. What spiritual lesson can be drawn from this? Rom. 7:4-6.

NOTE: As we have already determined from our study of Romans,

God's moral law, the decalogue, is eternal, unchangeable; there-
fore, to "be dead to the law and married to another" cannot mean
that we have no more obligation to the law when we accept Christ.
The two husbands introduced here represent two services, and is a
continuation of the thought of the dual nature of man. The first
is the "inward man" of verse 22, which delights in the law of
God; and the second is "the old man" of the fleshly lusts, and
passions bearing fruit to death, dominating the first, nom. G:20.
Left to itself, the first would be controlled by the second. As
long as "the old man" lives, the woman is under bondage to him,
but if this "husband" dies, she is free to marry again.
By Christ's death for us on Calvary, "He bore our sins in His
body on the tree"and there on the cross "our old man was crucified
with Him, that the body of sin might be done away, so we should
no longer be in bondage to sin, for he that hath died is justified
from sin." Rom. G:G,7, American Revised Version. The law held
us to the old husband, the old man condemned to death. The law
holds us to the new husband, Christ Jesus, who writes in our
hearts that all our service might be of love.

4. Does the acceptance of the new covenant promise make the

ten commandments out of date? Rom. 7:6; Eze. 20:11; Lev.
18:5; Jer. 31:33,34.
NOTE: "The same law that was engraved upon the tables of
stone, is written by the Holy Spirit upon the tables of the heart.
Instead of going about to establish our own righteousness, we
accept the righteousness 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.' 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, a my God; yea, thy law is within
- 41 -
my heart.' Ps. 40:8. And when among men he said, 'The Father
hath not left me alone; f.:>r I do always those things that please
him.' John 8:29." - Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 372.

5. In what way does the apostle vindicate the moral law?

Wherein does the weakness lie? Rom. 7:7-12.

NaTE: "One ray of the glory of God, one gleam of th e purity

of Christ, penetrating the soul, makes every spot of defilement
painfully distinct, and lays bare the deformity and defects of the
human character. It makes apparent the unhallowed desires, the
infidelity of the heart, the impurity of the lips. The sinner's acts
of disloyalty in making void the law of God, are exposed to his
sight, and his spirit is stricken and afflicted under the searching
influence of the Spirit of God. He loathes himself as he views the
pure, spotless character of Christ." - Steps to Christ, p. 33.

6. How can a good thing be an instrument of death? Rom. 7:13;

Prov. 12 :28.

NOTE: The evil is not the pointing out of our sin; it is the sin
itself. The law is like a mirror that reveals our spiritual unclean-
ness, like the microscope that reveals the death-dealing organisms
in our food or drink. We will be thankful for these and seek the
remedy. In the light of the law, sin is "exceeding sinful."
7. Why is it impossible for an unconverted man to keep the law
of God? Rom. 7:14.

NOTE: "Oh, how many flatter themselves that they have goodness
and righteousness, when the true light of God reveals that all
their lives they have only lived to please themselves! Their
whole conduct is abhorred of God. How many are alive without the
law! In their gross darkness, they view themselves with com-
placency; but let the law of God be revealed to their consciences,
as it was to Paul, and they would see that they were sold under
sin, and must die to the carnal mind. Self must be slain."-
Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 475.

8. How did Paul describe the soul struggle of the convicted

sinner before finding peace in Christ? Rom. 7:15-24.
NOTE: Some who contend for the doctrine of eternal security
maintain that "once in grace always in grace," and that means
sonship and salvation, whatever the subsequent life. We cannot
for a moment agree, in the face of the Bible evidence of what
- 42-
· regenerated souls are, that Paul was describing his own spiritual
experience at the time of writing the epistle, or that such a life
can be regarded as a victorious life in Christ Jesus.
"This power (to become the sons of God) is not in the human
agent. It is the power of God. When the soul receives Christ, he
receives power to live the life of Christ." - Christ's Object
Lessons, p. 314.

9. After vainly striving for peace of soul, what does the sinner
cry out in desperation? Rom. 7:24.

NOTE: "By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our
souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living
a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There
are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that
spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are
vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, '0 wretched man
that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?' Rom.
7:24. margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The
Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with
inexpressible tenderness and pity, 'Wilt thou be made whole?'
He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that
you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled.
Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in
acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be
the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence
binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver.
He will impart life to the soul that is 'dead in trespasses.' Eph ..
2: L He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and
misfortune and the chains of sin." - Desire of Ages, p. 203.

10. How only can deliverance be obtained? What was the ex-
perience of the Jews and is the experience of many who con-
sider themselves good Christians? Rom. 7:25.

NOTE: In this verse Paul summarizes what he has brought to view

in the preceding verses describing the experience of so many half
converted Christians who, instead of progressing spiritually, have
accepted a formality of religion justifying themselves in a life of
sin and yet flattering themselves that they are Christians

- 43-
Lesson No. 15 - Sabbath, April 14, 1956
A LIFE OF VICTORY AND PROGRESS
Questions

1. What is the blessed privilege of those who have been recon-

ciled to God? Rom. 8:1.

NOTE: nomans 8 opens with a proclamation of liberty. It presents-

a new chapter in the experience; the new man is entering into a
new life, new relationships, new outlook. The sinner with a strong
conviction of sin has known only condemnation. It has haunted
him at every step, declaring with accusing finger, "Thou art the
man. " Yet his hardened heart had been softened, his stupefied
conscience aroused and he had come to view himself as helpless.
He did what he hated; he could not do what he saw was right.
The sin and its condemnation cling to him as if it were bound to
him by an unbreakable chain, as a loathsome body of death. But
now the wonderful change has been wrought in his life. The
power of the gospel has come into his life reconciling him to God.
The condemnation is gone, - obliterated. Christ is his and he is
Christ's.

2. What difficulty presents Hself to many readers of Romans 7

and 8? What warning did the apostle Peter give in this regard?'
2 Peter 3:16.

3. By what means were the Galatian believers led away from the
true gospel? Gal. 1:7.
NOTE: There are many passages in the Scriptures which the
superficial reader could eaSily misinterpret to fit in with their
pre-conceived ideas. This Was the case with the rabbis in their
interpretation of the ceremonial law and its application. Christ
boldly stated to the professed teachers of Israel: "Ye do err,
not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God." Matt. 22:29.
Even in the reading of a certain passage of Scripture such an em-
phasis could be placed that an entirely wrong meaning is under-
stood by the listener. To the cavilling lawyer who sought to trap
Jesus in His speech, the Master effectively checked him with
these words: "What is written in the law? How readest thou?"
..
Luke IO:2G. It was such a perversion of the true meaning of the ~I
law by Judaizing teachers that led many Galatian believers astray.
In like manner today, we find modern teachers of the Bible mis-
applying and perverting the' writings of the apostle Paul to give
an entirely different meaning to what was intended. It should be
-44-
noted here that division of the books of the Bible into chapters and
verses is not an inspired work, but purely a mechanical means
of making the study of the Bible easier. Very often however these
chapter divisions cut off a theme before it is completed, thus
breaking the connection of thought. This is the case with chapters
7 and 0 of Romans. By reading only chapter 7, it is easy to come
to a wrong conclusion regarding the high standard required of a
Christian. Yet if the first five verses of chapter 0 are read along
with it, we can then understand the true meaning.

4. What has made the sinner free? Rom. 8:2.

NOTE: "Christ declares that even now the power which gives
life to the dead is among them, and they are to behold its mani-
festation. This same resurrection power is that which gives life
to the soul ,'dead in trespasses and sins.' Eph. 2:1. That spirit
of life in Christ Jesus, 'the power of His resurrection,' sets men
'free from the law of sin and death.' Phil. 3:10; Rom. 0:2. The
dominion of evil is broken, and through faith the soul is kept from
sin. He who opens his heart to the Spirit of Christ becomes a
partaker of that mighty power which shall bring forth his body from
the grave." - Desire of Ages, p. 209.

5. What is the relationship between faith and the law under the
new covenant? Rom. 8:3,4.

NOTE: The law had no power to free us from the hold sin had over
us and therefore without the sacrifice of Christ, our case was hope-
less. By His victory, however, He condemned sin in the flesh, and
as by the new birth the heart was brought into harmony with God,
it was also brought into accord with His law. When this mighty
change has taken place in the sinner, the old life of alienation has
ended and the new life or reconciliation of faith and love have
begun. Then the "righteousness of the law will be fulfilled in us
who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit."

6. Is it possible for those who "walk in the flesh" to please

G?d? Rom. 8:5-8.

NOTE: "By nature the heart is evil, and 'who can bring a clean
thing out of an unclean? not one.' Job 14:4. No human invention
can find a remedy for the sinning soul. 'The carnal mind is enmity
against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither
indeed can be.' 'Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders,
adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.'
- 45
nom. n:7; Matt. 15:19. The fountain of the heart must be puri-
fied before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to
reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting
an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a
legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian's life is not a
modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of
nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether.
This change can be brought about only by the effectual working
of the Holy Spirit." -Id., p. 172.

7. What evidence will be found in the life of every true Christian?

Rom. 8:9-11.

NOTE: "'Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is

·none of his.' This is close language. Who can stand the test?
The word of God is to us a daguerreotype of the mind of God and
of Christ, also of man fallen, and of man renewed after the image
of Christ, possessing the divine mind. We may compare our
thoughts, feelings, and intentions with the picture of Christ. We
h ave no relationship with him unless we are willing to work the
works of Christ." - Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 53n.

8. What is the inevitable end of living "after the flesh." Rom.

8:12,13.

NOTE: Now that our death sentence has been lifted by the grace
of God and a new element has entered into our lives, the power
and life of the Holy Spirit which promises us victory over the
power of sin in the flesh, shall we take heed to the promptings of
the carnal nature of our mortal bodies which we still inhabit and
go back to the old life? God forbid! In the new life the flesh is
still with us, but the Spirit reigns. Let us keep forever free in
Christ from its bonds of death.

"The children of God are those who are partakers of His nature.
It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious
privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God;
it is love, - a love that embraces all humanity. Even sinners whose
hearts are not utterly closed to God's Spirit, will respond to kind-
ness; while they may give hate for hate, they will also give love
for love. But it is only the Spirit of God that gives love for hatred.
To be kind to the unthankful and to the evil, to do good hoping
for nothing again, is the insignia of the royalty of heaven, the
sure token by which the children of the Highest reveal their high
estate." -Mount of Blessing, p. ll5.
- 46-
9. Who are truly the sons of God? "ow may we identify those
who are guided by the Holy Spirit? Rom. 8 :14.

NaTE: There are very definite identification marks in the life

and character of those who are guided by the Holy Spirit:
a. They are members of the church of God, the visible body of
Christ on earth.
b. They give due respect and love to those who have responsi-
bility in the church.
c. They are guided by "the law and the testimony" and submit
themselves to the legal decision of the general body, and do not
work independently.
d. They will strive to labor in harmony with their brethren, that
the church might attain to the unity of the faith.
No matter what may be the claims of those who fail to meet the
above qualifications, we can be certain that their claims are with-
out foundation and they come into the category of "disorderly ele-
ments" from whom we should separate ourselves.

10. What change of relationship must be made to be a child of

God? If we are to be joint heirs with Christ in glory, what
must we be willing to endure for His sake? Rom. 8:15-17.

NOTE: "Brethren, with the beloved John I call upon you to 'be-
hold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that
we should be called the sons of God.' What love, what matchless
love, that, sinners and aliens as we are, we may be brought back
to God, and adopted into his family! We may address him 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." - Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 739.

11. Pow ShOl'ld the Christian regard any suffering or reproach he

may endure for Christ's sake? For what time is the whole
tronbled and agonized creation waiting in expectancy? Rom.
8:18-25.

NOTF: This passage of Scripture reveals as no other the life

unity of the creation, the sympathetic cord which intertwines with
all the fibres of God's created works. All creation earnestly waits
for that revealing of the sons of God, when they shall from this
- 47 -
glorious earth, purged 0 [ its sin and disease, witness in the whole
universe of God the mi.ghty workings of the power which has
wrought redemption and regeneration in their own lives.

12. What prayer will always be acceptable to God? Rom. 8:26-28.

NOTE: "We must not only pray in Christ's name, but by the in-
spiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it
is said that the Spirit 'maketh intercession for us, with groanings
which can not be uttered.' Such prayer God delights to answer.
When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the
name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God
that He is about to answer our prayer 'exceeding abundantly above
all that we ask or think.''' - Christ's Object Lessons, p. 147.

13. What wonderful confidence and comfort supports the Christian

in time of trial and perplexity? Rom. 8:28.

N aTE: "The work of pruning and purifying to fit us for Heaven,

is a great work, and will cost us much suffering and trial, because
our wills are not subjected to the will of Christ. We must go
through the furnace till the fires have consumed the dross, and we
are purified, and reflect the divine image. Those who follow their
inclinations and are governed by appearances, are not good judges
of what God is doing. They are filled with discontent. They see
failure where there is indeed triumph, a great loss where there is
gain; and, like Jacob, they are ready to exclaim, 'All these things
are against me,' when the very things whereof they complain are
all working together for their good," - Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 67.

14. What is God's assurance of eternal victory to those who will

yield to His purpose? Rom. 8:29,30,31.

NOTE: This whole passage must be looked upon in the light of

the gospel of God. God foreordains none to be lost. All are in-
vited to come to the gospel feast. God's knowledge, however, is
not His appointment. All who yield to His purpose He will carry
through.

15. What is the greatest proof of God's infinite love for us? Rom.
8:32-34.

16. How strong is this bond of love? Rom. 8:35-39.

- 48-
Lesson No. 16 - Sabbath, April 21, 1956
THE ISRAEL OF GOD
Questions

1. How desperately earnest was Paul in his burden of heart for

his own people? Rom. 9:1-3.

2. Who took a similar attitude to that of Paul at a time of great

crisis in Israel? Ex. 32:31,32.

3. What special privileges were given Israel as a nation? Rom.

9:4,5.

NOTE: a. Israel was chosen above all other nations to represent

the religion and worship of the only true God, to exalt the Creator
of heaven and earth, and to be His ambassadors.
b. They were under a contract and covenant with God to be
wholly His forever, even as a wife is to her husband in marriage.
c. To them were given the Ten Commandments, written by God.
What other nation was so favored? They possessed the oracles of
God and were entrusted to be the keepers of the mandate of the
universe, to lead and instruct man in the way back to God.
d. Theirs was the priesthood, the high calling of entering the
service of the temple and rejoicing in the presence of the holy God.
Through the Urim and Thummim, worn on the breastplate of the
high priest, God directly revealed His will to the people of Israel.
e. Orderly lineage was maintained. The tribe of Judah was the
royal tribe and it was through this tribe the Messiah was to come.
The tribe of Levi was consecrated to the work of the sanctuary
service.
£. They were acquainted with the past, had the direct guidance
of God through the prophets and messengers and through the reve-
lations of the Spirit of prophecy, they had an insight into the future.
g. It was God's purpose that Israel should be a missionary
people, revealing the knowledge of the true God to every nation,
kindred, tongue and people. All that would have been necessary
on their part would be to submit themselves wholeheartedly to
God's plan and let Him work His will through them.
4. Did God fail in the promises He made to Abraham and to
Israel? Rom. 9:6-8.

NOTE: With God there is no unrighteousness, and He does not

change; but His people are continually leaving the straight road.
The everlasting promises of God, however, will be fulfilled to
- 49--
to those who fulfill the conditions demanded. It is not those who
make the outward profession of being Abraham's children that
count with God. Jesus said to the proud Pharisees who made this
boast: "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of
Abraham." The Israel of the flesh is not the true, but the Israel
of the sure promises of God of which Isaac is the example, is
counted for the seed.
5•. How did God reveal His own wise sovereignty in choosing the
channel of the Seed through whom Christ should come? Rom.
9:9-16.
6. How was God's pUlpose fulfilled in His dealings with Pharaoh?
Rom. 9:17,18.

NOTE: It was no arbitrary action on God's part to harden the

heart of Pharaoh. It was His desire to be glorified by Pharaoh's
acceptance of God's message. God would have dealt with the
king of Egypt as he did with Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon,
if he had learned the lesson as did Nebuchadnezzar. In Egypt,
God's glory was spread abroad by Pharaoh's humiliation, following
his opposition to God's will. In Babylon, He was glorified by
Nebuchadnezzar's publishing God's glory.

7. How was God's will fulfilled in all his dealings with Israel?
When nearly all the Jewish nation had apostatized, whom did
God regard as His true people? Rom. 9:19-26.

8. What prophecy was literally fulfilled by the Jews at the first

advent of Christ? Isa. 10:17·22.

9. What great loss came to the Jews as a result of their rejection

of the gospel of Christ? Matt. 21:43.

10. Who, then, became the representative bollY of Christ on earth?

Luke 12:32.

NOTE: Although a small and insignificant group in the sight of

the world, they were regarded by God as His church and His am-
bassadors on earth. Prophecy had clearly foretold that this drastic
purification would come, but the church had fallen into darkness
and was unconscious of its spiritual destitution. The straight
truth is the means by which God purifies His church, but in every
age it has meant a shaking, a separation.
"As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical
authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every
- 50-
succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ's
withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers
preached the word of God, they had no thought of separating them-
selves from the established church; but the religious leaders would
not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek
another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of
the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their
spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept
truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow
in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the
churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the
word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light are
by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers,
that they may render obedience." - Desire of Ages, p. 232.

Lesson No. 17 - Sabbath, April 28, 1956

LAODICEA REPEATS THE HISTORY OF
ANCIENT ISRAEL
Questions

1. Why was the history of ancient Israel so faithfully recorded?

1 Cor. 10:11,12.

NOTE: "You are following the same path as did ancient Israel.
There is the same falling away from your holy calling as God's
peculiar people••••
"Your neglect to follow the light will place you in a more un-
favorable position than the Jews upon whom Christ pronounced
a woe." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 75.

2. What lesson of warning should we learn from the failure of

Israel? Heb. 4:1-3.

3. What special work is to be accomplished in the last days?

Rom. 9:28.
NOTE: The term "cut short in righteousness" here introduced
refers to the closing work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.
Many will be surprised to find that their day of grace has ended
and probation has closed. "The harvest is past, the summer is
ended, and we are not saved" will be their mournful wail. They
have neglected the work of preparation thinking they had a much
- 51-
longer time and became numbered with those "servants" who said
"my Lord delayeth His coming" and were found "eating and
drinking with the drunken," hence the day "came on them un-
awares."

4. What privileges and advantages were given the Seventh-day

Adventist Church? Luke 12:45-48.

NOTE: a. As Israel was chosen to be God's peculiar people and

to represent Him among all nations, so to the Seventh-day Adventist
church a like commission was given for these last days.
b. To this church was revealed precious truth which no other
church possessed, particularly concerning the work of Christ in
the heavenly sanctuary and the investigative judgment.
c. The oracles of God were entrusted to this people in the
knowledge imparted concerning the ark of the covenant in the
heavenly sanctuary and the Ten Commandments contained therein
and the glorious light of the Sabbath truth. By willing acceptance
of this precious heritage of truth, this church was brought into
covenant relationship with God.
d. To them was entrusted the everlasting gospel to be preached
in all the world, - the Third Angel's message.
e. To them was restored the gift of prophecy through the instru-
mentality of Sister Ellen G. White.
f. To them was entrusted the great light of Health neform, in-
tended for the purification of the church and to be a light in the
world.

5. What parallel is made between the Laodicean church and

apostate Israel?
NOTE: "The sin of ancient Israel was in disregarding the ex-
pressed will of God and following their own way according to the
leadings of un sanctified hearts. Modern Israel are fast following
in their footsteps, and the displeasure of the Lord is as surely
resting upon them." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 94.

6. Has the church through its leaders preserved this sacred

trust? Isa. 9:16.

NOTE: "Here we see that the church - the Lord's sanctuary -

was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient
men, those to whom God had given great light, and who had stood
- 52-
as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed
their trust.•.•
"Ilut the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although
many still continued the forms of religion, his power and presence
were lacking." - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 211,210.

7. By what will this church be judged? Matt. 11:21-24.

NOTE: In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist

church is to be weighed. She will' be judged by the privileges and
advantages that she has had." - ld., vol. 0, p. 247.

8. What was the only remedy offered for ancient Israel? What is
the only hope for modem Israel to be again brought in God's
favor? Jer. 3:12,13.

NOTE: "Unless the church, which is now being leavened with

her own backsliding, shall repent and be converted, she will eat
of the fruit of her own doing, until she shall abhor herself. When
she resists the evil and chooses the good, when she seeks God
with all humility, and reaches her high calling in Christ, standing
on the platfonn of eternal truth, and by faith laying hal d upon the
attainments prepared for her, she will be healed. She will appear
in her God-given simplicity and purity, separate from earthly en-
tanglements, showing that the truth has made her free indeed.
Then her members will indeed be the chosen of God, His repre-
sentatives." -ld., vol. 0, pp. 250,251.

9. Can we rest secure in "the peace and safety" message that

the church as a whole will repent in the fact of the prophesied
apostasy? Rom. 9 :29.
NOTE: "Are we expecting to see the whole church revived? That
time will never come." - Christ Our Righteousness, p. 147, (1937
edition).
"It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day
of Judgment than for those who have had the privileges and the
great light which shines in our day, but who have neglected to
follow the light, and to give their hearts fully to God." - Testi-
monies, vol. 3, p. 300.

10. Over 700 years before the first advent of Christ, what pre-
diction was made concerning the fall of both houses of Israel-
Judah and the ten tribes represented as Samaria? Isa. 8:14;
Rom. 9:32.
- 53-
NOTE: The identity of the two houses of Israel in the Christian
dispensation is clearly revealed in Rev. 11:1,2. On the one hand
we have a mixed group 01 believers who prior to W44 were ob-
serving Sunday instead of the Sabbath with all sincerity. This
included all the reformers of the sixteenth century and the Protes-
tant church down through years until the Sabbath truth was brought
into open. Since that time we have a group of Sabbath keepers
who have been given the trust of upholding God's downtrodden
law. Both parties claim to be the people of God and can be sym-
bolized with the two houses of Israel. The Protestant churches
represent the ten tribes, or Samaria, while the Seventh-day Ad-
ventist church represent Judah - the keepers of the law. Both
parties can be brought under the general classification of modern
Israel. According to the prediction, both houses are found in an
apostatized state.

11. Whom did God recognize as His true people when both houses
of Israel rejected the Messiah? Rom. 9:33; Isa. 10:10,11,
17-22.

12. Who will constitute the remnant church of God when both
Christendom and Laodicea fulfil the prediction of apostasy?
Zech. 9:8,9; Isa. 11:12; Zeph. 3:12,13.

NOTE: Not a remnant, an indefinite number; it is God's known

remnant. It is the submissive, loyal ones that constitute in every
crisis God's remnant. The mass may be a million untrue. Upon
them God is not dependent. They go from God, not God from them.
The name is nothing. God's true church is His faithful, loyal
ones, whether few or many. His remnant people in every crisis
are indeed His own, yielding in everythin,g to His will; counting
it all joy if need be to suffer with Him, that they may glorify Him
and be glorified with Him. "It is the remnant that shall be saved,"
reads the Revised and other versions. And the remnant in the
great crises of the world is God's seed to perpetuate His saving
truth.

Lesson No. 18 - Sabbath, May 5, 1956

THE HOPELESS PLIGHT OF THE JEWISH NATION
Questions

1. What was Paul's greatest desire for his kinsmen after the
flesh? Rom. 10:1.
- 54-
 2. Wh~ credit did Paul give to the activity of the Jews in ed-
ucating the people in the knowledge of the true God? Rom. 10:2.

NOTE: The Jews as a nation had absorbed the wisdom of the

Egyptians, the Chaldeans, the Persians, and the philosophy of
Greece and Rome. On the other hand they had preserved the
knowledge of the true God as revealed through the Mosaic economy.
The material blessings that God had given this pe?ple were used
for self-exaltation and they became pre-eminent in the business
world.

3. What estimate did the aposUe Paul put upon all this so-called
wisdom? 1 Cor. 1:20-24.

4. What vital knowledge was omitted from all the religious

training of the Jews? What did they seek to SUbstitute for
the righteousness of God? Rom. 10:3.

5. How did Christ regard the many outward religious observances

of the scribes and Pharisees? Matt. 5:20.

6. By what conclusive evidence did Paul disprove the Jewish

conception of righteousness? Rom. 10:4,5.

7. In what way do we understand "that Christ was the end of

the law?" Does it refer to the Ten Commandments or to the
ceremonial law of sacrifices and offerings? Lev. 18:4,5.

NOTE: Many conclude that the "law" here mentioned referred

to the Ten Commandments and therefore that the death of Christ
Jesus put an end to this law, hence they are free from any obliga-
tion to the moral law. This allegation, however, will not bear the
test of investigation as nearly all the writers of the New Testament
recognize the moral law as binding on every soul. In verse 5,
Paul quotes from Leviticus 10, the whole chapter of which refers
to the ceremonial law and ordinances connected with it.
8. Who aimounced the fulfillment of the long awaited event fore-
told by the law and the prophets? Matt. 11:13-15.

NOTE: John the Baptist was the last prophet to prepare the way
for the coming Messiah. His mission had been faithfully described
700 years before by the prophet Isaiah in chapter 40. The Levitical
law of sacrifices pointed to the same event when Christ was to be
revealed as the "Lanib of God, which taketh away the sin of the
world."
- 55 -
 9. When could it be said that this law or "schoolmaster" had
served its purpose and thus was ended? Col. 2:14.

NOTE: "There are many who try to blend these two systems,
using the tests that speak of the ceremonial law to prove that the
moral law has been abolished; but this is a perversion of the
Scriptures. The distinction between the two systems is broad and
clear. The ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing
to Christ, to his sacrifice and his priesthood. This ritual law,
with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be performed by the
Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb
of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Then all the sacri-
ficial offerings were to cease. It is this law that Christ 'took
put of the way, nailing it to his cross.' Col. 2:14. But concerning
the law of ten commandments the psalmist declares, 'Forever, 0
Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.' Ps. 119:09." - Patriarchs
and Prophets, p. 3G5.

10. How can we identify the meaning of "the handwriting of the

ordinances that was against us"? How literally was this
prediction made by Moses fulfilled by the Jews? Deut.31:
26-29.
NOTE: This expression of Paul to the Colossians is a favorite
weapon used by Sunday keepers to bolster up the theory that the
ten commandments were abolished at the cross, therefore the
Sabbath day was also annulled. The law which was abolished
after its fulfillment was the ceremonial law, a law of types and
shadows written by the hand of Moses. This writing was a con-
tinual. testimony against the Jews as well as a prediction that
they would reject the Holy One to whom all these services pointed.

11. What other passage of ScriPture from the writings of Paul is

very often used to prove that the ten commandments were done
away at the cross? 2 Cor. 3:1·9.
NOTE: These verses are construed to mean that the law of ten
commandments which "were written and engraven in stones" was
done away with at the cross. In reading the full passage, however,
we find that the very opposite is true. Paul was bringing out the
argument that both Jews and Gentiles converted to Christ had
entered into the new covenant promise to have the "law written in
their minds and hearts." To the Jews who rejected the Messiah,
the law was still a dead letter written only on tables of stone.
The "giory" which "was to be done away" had no reference what-
soever to the tables of stone, but rather to the glory which shone
from the face of Moses when he descended from the presence of
- 56-
God on the mountain. The people could not stand the exceeding
brightness, hence Moses put a veil over his face. It became a
custom after this time to cover the face with a veil whenever the
law of the covenant was read. The glory accompanying the giving
of the law had long since vanished, but the custom remained, and
this covering of the face was a symbol of the veil which covered
the minds of the Jews and prevented them from seeing the glory of
the gospel and the predicted "new covenant." 2 Cor. 3: 13-1G;
Jer.31:31-33.

12. What wonderful victory over Satan was achieved at the cross?
What further evidence does Paul bring forward to prove which
law was abolished by the death of the Son of God? Col. 3:
15-17; Gen. 3:15; Isa. 61:1-3.

Lesson No. 19 - Sabbath, May 12, 1956

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS BY WHICH WE ARE JUSTIFIED
Questions

1. What lesson was the whole ceremonial system designed to

teach? How only may the sinner today find peace with God?
Isa. 64:6; Rom. 10:6 (first part).

NOTE: It is sin that separated us from God and there is nothing

man can do in himself to be reconciled again with Him. The cere-
monial law was the means in the hands of God to reveal Christ as
the only hope for the sinner. In this system, it was clearly revealed
how sin could be done away with, and how man could find his way
back to God.
2. When the /rne significance of the sacrifical system was lost
sight of, how did. God look upon the religious exercises of
the Jews? Isa. 1:10-15.

3. What wonderful invitation of grace was given to mankind 700

years before the first advent of Christ? I sa. 55:1-3.

4. What provision has the Lord made through the gospel to reach
the sinner? How only could sin be cleansed? Isa. 1:18;
1 Pet. 1:18, HI; Acts 4:12.

5. How does Paul explain the simplicity of approaching God and

finding righteousness? Rom. 10:6-8.
- 57-
NOTE: Satan would seek to make the sinner believe that to ob-
tain salvation is a complicated process. He rules the mind of the
sinner by introducing speculative ideas in regard to Christ and His
power to save. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit, Christ can
be everywhere represented and thus meet the necessity of each
soul. Salvation depends on yielding the will to God and with the
mouth confessing Christ.

6. What must the sinner do in order that righteousness be imputed

to him? Rom. 10:9,10.

7. What provision is made for the salvation of every soul born into
this world? Rom. 10:11-13; John 3:16.

N.OTE: For every soul born into this world there awaits him a
check of grace in the bank of heaven. From him is requested
nothing more than to endorse it with his signature. The sinner
must confess Christ Jesus with his mouth and accept Him by true
faith as his own personal Saviour. Heb.4:1G.

8. What is God's chosen means of bringing UIe good tidings of

salvation to the sinner? Rom. 10:14-16; 2 Cor. 5:18-20.

9. Ifow is saving faitJI obtained? To what extent had the gospel

been preached in Paul's day? Rom. 10:17,18.

10. What had Moses predicted would provoke the Jewish nation to
jealousy? Rom. 10:19-21.

NOTE: Nearly 2,000 years have passed since the Jews as a

nation were rejected by God, yet since that time this jealousy has
continued against those who confess belief in Christ.

Lesson No. 20 - Sabbath, May 19, 1956

THE ELECTION ACCORDING TO GRACe
Questions

1. What proof did the apostle give that God had not cast off His
people? Rom. 11:1.

2. What example did he cite from the experience of Elijab? Rom.

11:2-4.
- 58-
 3. what CriSIS brought about the final separation of Christ from
the Jewish church? John 1:11,12.

NOTE: "The Sanhedrim had rejected Christ's message and was

bent upon His death; therefore Jesus departed from Jerusalem,
from the priests, the temple, the religious leaders, the people
who had been instructed in the law, and turned to another class
to proclaim His message, and to gather out those who should carry
the gospel to all nations.
"As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical
authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every
succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ's
withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the TIeformers
preached the word of God, lhey had no thought of separating them-
selves from the established church; but the religious leaders would
not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek
another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of
the professed followers of the TIeformers are actuated by their
spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept
truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who
follow in the steps of the TIeformers are forced to turn away from
the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of
the word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light
are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their
fathers, that they may render obedience." - Desire of Ages,
p.232.

4. After His final appeal to the Jewish leaders, what solemn

words of denunciation were uttered by Christ? Matt. 23:37,38.

NOTE: "When Christ, near the close of His earthly ministry,

looked for the last time upon the interior of the temple, He said,
'Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.' Matt. 23:3U. Hither-
to He had called the temple His Father's house, but as the Son of
God passed out from those walls, God's presence was withdrawn
forever from the temple built to His glory." - Acts of the Apostles,
p. 145.

5. Who constituted the nucleus of the New Testament church?

Rom. 11:5.

NOTE: "Notwithstanding Israel's failure as a nation, there re-

mained among them a goodly remnant of such as should be saved.
At the time of the Saviour's advent, there were faithful men and
women who had received with gladness the message of John the
- 59-
Baptist, and had thus been led to study anew the prophecies con-
cerning the Messiah. When the early Christian church was founded,
it was composed of these faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of
Nazareth as the one for whose advent they had been longing. It
is to this remnant that Paul refers when he writes, 'If the first-
fruit be holy, the lump is also holy:' and if the root be holy, so are
the branches.'" -Acts of the Apostles, p. 37G-377.

6. How had the Jews misinterpreted God's promise of eternal

favor to Israel? Jer. 31:35-37.

NOTE: "The Jews regarded their natural descent from Abraham

as giving them a claim to this promise. But they overlooked the
conditions which God had specified. Before giving the promise,
He had said, 'I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it
in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people.
• • • For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their
sin no more.' Jer. 3J.:33, 34." - The Desire of Ages, p. lOG.

7. Against what grave danger did tJle prophet Jeremiah warn tlJe
people? Jer. 17:5; 7:4-7.

NOTE: The Jewish leaders had captured the confidence of the

people by failing to rebuke their sins, they blindly trusted in the
temple and institutions and were prepared rather to forsake the
truth and favor of God than to separate from these institutions.
Everywhere today we find this danger of putting confidence in
men and in institutions and organizations irrespective of the truth.
"The Jewish people cherished the idea that they were the fa-
vorites of heaven, and that they were always to be exalted as the
church of God. They were the children of Abraham, they declared,
and so finn did the foundation of their prosperity seem to them that
they defied earth and heaven to dispossess them of their rights.
But by lives of unfaithfulness they were preparing for the condemna-
tion of heaven and for separation from God." - Christ's Object
Lessons, p. 294.

8. By what means alone couId Ismel receive the attairunents

promised to tJlem? Rom. 11:6,7.

NOTE: "Christ would have averted the doom of the Jewish nation
if the people had received Him. But envy and jealousy made them
implacable. They determined that they would not receive Jesus of
Nazareth as the Messiah. They rejected the Light of the world,
and thenceforth their lives were surrounded with darkness as the
- 60-
darkness of midnight. The doom foretold carne upon the Jewish
nation." - Christ's Object Lessons, p. 295.

9. When the Jews as a nation rejected the gospel of grace, what

did God permit to come upon them? Rom. 11:8-10.

10. ~y what crime did the Jews fill up their CliP of iniqnity and
cease to be recognized as the chosen nation? Acts 7 :51-59.

Lesson No. 21 - Sabbath, May 26, 1956

THE GOSPEL OF GRACE TO THE GENTILES
Questions

1. U!hat good thing came through the stumbling of the Jews?

What effect was this meant to have upon Israel? Rom. 11:11.

NOTE: "The leaders in the Jewish nation had signally failed of

fulfilling God's purpose for His chosen people. Those whom the
Lord had made the depositaries of truth had proved unfaithful to
their trust, and God chose others to do His work." - A cts of the
Apostles, p. 78-79.

2. What determined resistance did Paul meet everywhere as he

sought to bring the gospel message to the Jews? What final
announcement did be make? Acts 13:46.
3. What prejudice still remained in the minds of the apostles
after the ascension of Christ? Throngh what divine revelation
was this barrier broken down? Acts 11:1-18.

4. What blessing came to the Gentiles who received the truth of

the gospel? Rom. 11:12; Eph. 3:5-8.

5. What blJI"den did Paul have to break down the wall of separation
between Jews and Gentiles? At the same pme, what were his
feelings toward "his brethren after the flesh"? Rom. 11:13-16.

6. By what figure did Paul illustrate how Gentiles in the flesh

could become spiritual Jews? Rom. 11:17,18.

7. What tree was used as a symbol of the Jews as the chosen

nation? Jer.11:16.
- 61-
NOTE: A number of symbols
nation. They were called the
that came out of Egypt," and
cerning this tree, the prophet
broken off.
were used to represent the Jewish
"vineyard of the Lord," the "vine
now "the green olive tree." Con-
foretold that its branches would be

8. Why was it the "natural branches" of the olive tree had to be

bro!<en off? Rom. 11:19,20; Jer. 11:17.

9. What warning did the apostle give to the converted Gentiles?

Rom. 11:21-24.

NOTE: The Gentiles were symbolized by the wild olive tree,

whose roots represented Satan himself. The trunk of the tree is a
symbol of the same power represented in other places as the
"dragon," "beast," and "false prophet." After the trunk come
the branches, a symbol of those who are without hope and without
God in the world. The roots of the good olive tree represent
Christ; the trunk, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; while the branches
represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Dy the breaking off of the
branches of the good olive tree is symbolized the rejection of the
Jews as a nation and church. Dy the grafting in of the branches
from the wild olive tree is represented the Gentiles coming into
the covenant of promise given to Israel, and hence they become
partakers of the same nature as the good olive tree.

10. What prediction did the apostle make concerning both Jews
and Gentiles at the close of the gospel age? What do we
understand by the statement, "all Israel shall be saved"?
Rom. 11 :25,26.
NOTE: These verses have great significance for the church of
God at the present time. Unfortunately many modern preachers
and Dible commentators misuse these words of Paul in an endeavor
to prove th at there will be a literal restoration of the Jews as
God's people and Christ will come to Palestine to restore the
throne of David and the Jews will lead out in the proclamation
of the Kingdom Message. This is merely a resurrection of the old
Zionist philosophy with many variations, but it is Satan's purpose
in this to not only deceive the present-day Jews, but also the
m asses of Christendom, thus leading them to final deception.
According to the New Testament, Jews and Gentiles are on an
equal basis as far as :;;alvation is concerned. The true Jews in
God's sight are those who are "circumcised in the heart" and
not in the flesh. The statement "all Israel shall be saved" refers
to the sealed company, the 144,000 which John saw in vision.
- 62-
They are the spiritual Israel of God fathered by the prod amatiori
of the Third Angel's l\'lessage from every nation, kindred, tongue
and people. The "taking away of sin" points out the very time in
which we are living, the time of the investigative judgment when
sin is to be "blotted out."

11. With what prophecy does tJle prophet John tJuow further light
on this prediction of Paul? Rev. 11:1, 2.

NOTE: The court here referred to which was 'to be "left out"
and "not. measured with the rod" and was to be given to the Gen-
tiles for 42 months or 1,21)0 years, represents the church during
the dark ages. Those who are subjected to the measuring rod are
those who have accepted the ten commandments and the Sabbath
during the investigative judgment. These are the spiritual Israel
which will be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

12. Does the Lord have any concern for the literal Jews of today?
ROfTl. 11:28-32.

NaTE: "When this gospel shall be presented in its fulness to the

Jews, many will accept Christ as the I\lessiah •••
" . • • As the Old Testament Scriptures are blended with the
New in an explanation of Jehovah's eternal purpose, this will be
to many of the Jews as the dawn of a new creation, the resurrection
of the soul. ••• I\lany will by faith receive Christ as their TIe-
deemer. To them will be fulfilled the words, •As many as received
Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to
them that believe on His name.' John 1:12." - Acts of Apostles,
pp. 380-381.

13. After revealing the fulness of God's grace to both Jew and
Gentile and settling the great dispute over the two laws and
God's way of finfling righteousness. what exclamation did
Paul make? Rom. 11:33-36.

NOTE: After going at length to settle the conflicting ideologies

that prevailed among Jewish ideologians concerning the right-
eousness of God. he concluded his discourse by magnifying the
the wisdom and knowledge of God. With 'overwhelming evidence,
he proved that there was no foundation to the Jewish conception
of righteousness, which would shut out the Gentiles from the love
and mercy of God. He lifted up Christ as the TIedeemer of the
world for both Jews and Gentiles.
There is much evidence to prove that the apostle Paul was a
- 63-
diligent student of the book of Isaiah, and in the writings of this
prophet he found a clear exposition of the plan of salvation, mis-
understood and misrepresented by the teachers of Israel.
We trust that this study of the I300k of TIomans will help solve
the present-day disputes between modern Israel and the Gentiles.
It is by seeking to mix the wisdom of the world with the wisdom
of God that so much confusion results. We thank God that again
His remnant is being called out from both Jews and Gentiles,
through whom the eternal purpose of God will be fulfilled.

Lesson No. 22 - Sabbath, June 2, 1956

MODERN ISRAEL AND THE
MESSAGE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Questions

1. What was the secret of the power which accompanied the

early chl!rch and gave them so much success? Rev. 2:2,3.

NOTE: "The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people.

Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual
reproof that disturbed the sinner's peace. Though few in numbers,
without wealth, position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to
evil-doers wherever their character and doctrines were known." -
Great Controversy, p. 4G.

2. What spirit of self-denial prevailed alJ10ng the early Christians?

Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35.
NOTE: "This liberality on the part of the believers was the re-
sult of the outpouring of the Spirit. The converts to the gospel
were 'of one heart and of one soul.' One common interest con-
trolled them, - the success of the mission entrusted to them; and
and' covetousness had no place in their lives. Their love for
their brethren and the cause they had espoused, was greater than
th eir love of money and possessions. Their works testified that
they accounted the souls of men of higher value than earthly
wealth.
"Thus it will ever be when the Spirit of God takes possession
of the life. Those whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ,
will follow the example of Him who for our sake became poor,
that through His poverty we might be made rich. Money, time,
influence, - all the gifts they have received from God's hand,
- 64-
they will value only as a means of advancing the work of the gos-
pel. Thus it was in the early church; and when in the church of
to-day it is seen that by the power of the Spirit the members have
taken their affections from the things of the world, and that they
are willing to make sacrifices in order that their fellow-men may
hear the gospel, the truths proclaimed will have a powerful in-
fluence upon the hearers." - Acts of Apostles, p. 70-71.

3. What irresistable evidence was presented to the Jews of the

power of the gospel? 1 Cor. 1:26,27.

NOTE: "It is the absence of the Holy Spirit and of the grace of
God that makes the gospel ministry so powerless to convict and
convert. After the ascension of Jesus, doctors, lawyers, priests,
rulers, scribes, and theologians listened with astonishment to
words of wisdom and power from unlearned and humble men. These
wise men marveled at the success of the lowly disciples, and
finally accounted for it to their own satisfaction from the fact that
they had been with Jesus and learned of him. Their character and
the simplicity of their teachings were similar to the character and
teachings of Christ." - Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 378.

4. How long was the purity of the church preserved? 2 Thess.

2:5-7.
NOTE: "But after a time the zeal of the believers began to wane,
and their love for God and for one another grew less. Coldness
crept into the church. Some forgot the wonderful manner in which
they had received the truth. One by one the old standard-bearers
fell at their post. Some of the younger workers, who might have
shared the burdens of these pioneers, and thus have been prepared
for wise leadership, had become weary of oft-repeated truths. In
their desire for something novel and startling, they attempted to
introduce new phases of doctrine, more pleasing to many minds,
but not in harmony with the fundamental principles of the gospel.
In their self-confidence and spiritual blindness they failed to dis-
cern that these sophistries would cause marty to question the ex-
periences of the past, and would thus lead to confusion and un-
belief." - Acts of Apostles, p. 580.

5. What cause brought about the loss of power in the first Chris-
tian church? Rev. 2:4,5.

NOTE: "Satan therefore laid his plans to war more successfully

against the government of God, by planting his banner in the
Christian church. If the followers of Christ could be deceived,
- 65-
and led to displease God, then their strength, fortitude, and firm-
ness would fail, and they would fall an easy prey." - Great Con-
troversy, p. 42.
" ••• As he prevailed on the chur(;h to receive favors and honors
from the world, under the pretense of receiving benefits, she be-
gan to lose favor with God. Shunning to declare the straight
truths which shut out the lovers of pleasure and friends of the
world, she gradually lost her power." - Early Writings, p. 227.

6. What is stated concerning the church of God during the dark

ages? Rev. 2:24.

NOTE: During the dark ages, the simplicity and power of the
gosp-el was largely lost to view. To the church of Thyatira it was
declared, "I will put upon you no other burden." To her, however,
was promised the "morning star" which heralded the approaching
day.

7. When did the law and gospel again become an open maUer of
discussion as in the early church? Rev. 11:19.

NOTE: "After Jesus opened the door of the most holy, the light
of the Sabbath was seen, and the people of God were tested, as
the children of Israel were tested anciently, to see if they would
keep God's law••••
"It was represented to me that the remnant followed Jesus into
the most holy place and beheld the ark and the mercy seat, and
were captivated with their glory••••
"I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, glvmg no
countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of
the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown
three steps - the first, second, and third angels' messages. Said
my accompanying angel, 'Woe to him who shall move a block or
stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these
messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon
the manner in which they are received.'" - Early Writings, pp.
254,255,258.

8. When Christ began the closing work of the heavenly sanctuary.

what was Pis pl'lPOse for the Seventh-day Adventists? What
solemn obligation rested upon them? Titus 2:13.14.

NOTE: "The message that we have to bear is not one that we

need cringe to declare. Its advocates are not to seek to cover it,
- 66-
to conceal its origin and purpose. As those who have made solemn
vows to God, and who have been commissioned as the messengers
of Christ, as stewards of the mysteries of grace, we are under
obligation to declare faithfully the whole counsel of God." -
Gospel Workers, p. 2DD.

9. What warning was given in order that tJle fundamental prin-

ciples which had made Seventh-day Adventists a peculiar
people SI:Ollld be preserved in their purity? What was shown
would tal,e place? Provo 22:28.

NOTE: "There is to be no change in the general features of our

work. It is to stand as clear and distinct as prophecy has made
it. We are to enter into no confederacy with the world, supposing
that by so doing we could accomplish more. If any stand in the
way, to hinder the advancement of the work in the lines that God
has appointed, they will displease God. No line of truth that
has made the Seventh-day Adventist people what they are, is to
be weakened. We have the old landmarks of truth, experience,
and duty, and we are to stand firmly in defense of our principles,
in full view of the world." - Testimonies, vol. G, p. 17.
"Men will employ every means to make less prominent the differ-
ence between Seventh-day Adventists and observers of the first
day of the week. A company was presented before me under the
name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner,
or sign, which makes us a distinct people, should not be held out
so strikingly; for they claimed that this was not the best policy
in order to secure success to our institutions. But this is not a
time to haul down our colors, to be ashamed of our faith." - Id., p.
144.
10. What was God's purpose in revealing the ten commandments so
pointedly to the Seventh-day Adventist church? What message
was to accompany the preaching of the law? Isa. 42:21.
NOTE: "The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world
His judgments for disobedience and ~ransgression, until He has
sent His watchmen to give the warning. He will not close up the
period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly
proclaimed. The law of God is to be magnified; its claims must
be presented in their true, sacred character, that the people may
be brought to decide for or against the truth. Yet the work will be
cut short in righteousness. The message of Christ's righteousness
is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the
way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work
of the third angel." - Id., p. 19.
- 67-
11. What regrettable CriSIS was provoked among the leadership
of the Seventh-day Adventist church by the preaching of the
message of righteousness in 1888? What similar dispute to
that which Paul dealt with ambng the Jews again arose over
the question of law and righteousness? John 3:19-21.
NOTE: "The message of Righteousness by Faith came clearly
and fully into the open at the General Conference held at Minneapo-
lis, Minn., in November, Ul8n. It was made the one great subject
of study in the devotional part of the Conference. It would seem
that the presentation of the subject had been anticipated, and that
there was an understanding that it would receive a thorough dis-
cussion in the Conference. • • • The message was not received
alike by all who attended the Conference; in fact, there was serious
difference of opinion concerning it among the leaders ••••
"The division and conflict which arose among the leaders because
of the opposition to the message of righteousness in Christ, pro-
duced a very unfavorable reaction. The rank and file of the people
were confused and did not know what to do••••
"Because of these fears, they felt in duty bound to safeguard
both cause and people by decided opposition. This difference of
views among the leaders led to serious results. It created contro-
versy and a degree of estrangement which was most unfortunate••••
"It would be far more agreeable to eliminate some of the state-
m ents given by the spirit of prophecy regarding the attitude of
some of the leaders toward the message and the messengers. But
this cannot be done without giving only a partial presentation of
the situation which developed at the Conference, thus leaving the
question in more or less of mystery." - Christ Our Righteousness,
pp. 5u, 58, uu, 59.

12. What was the final result of this controversy? What have many
hoped down through the intervening years?
NOTE: "In ID8n in the General Conference held at Minneapolis,
Minn., the angel of Revelation ID came down to do his work, and
was ridiculed, criticized and rejected, and when the message he
brings again will swell into a loud cry, it will again be ridiculed
and spoken against, and rejected by the majority." -"Taking up
a Repro ach," by E. G. Whi teo

"Dut through the intervening years there has been' steadily

developing the desire and hope - yes, the belief - that some day
the message of Righteousness "by Faith would shine forth in" all
its inherent worth, glory, and power, and receive full recognition."
- Christ Our Righteousness, p. 58.
- 68-
13. H as the apostasy th at began in 1888 ever been healed? In
what direction has the church been drifting since that time?
Reb. 3:12-14.

NOTE: "The prejudices and opinions that prevailed at Minneapolis

are not dead by any means; the seeds sown there in some hearts
are ready to spring into life and bear a like harvest. The tops
have been cut down, but the roots have never been eradicated, and
they still bear their unholy fruit to poison the judgment, pervert
the perceptions, and blind the understanding of those with whom
you connect, in regard to the message and messengers." - Testi-
monies to Ministers, p. 4G7.
"The facts concerning the real condition of the professed
people of God, speak more loudly than their profession, and make
it evident that some power has cut the cable that anchored them to
the Eternal TIock, and that they are drifting away to sea, without
chart or compass." - Christ Our Righteousness, p. 50.

14. What history has the church (or years been repeating?

NOTE: "Satan's snares are laid for us as verily as they were

1aid for the children of Israel just prior to their entrance into the
land of Canaan. We are repeating the history of that people." -
Testimonies, vol. 5, p. IGO.
"Man cannot possibly stretch over the gulf that has been made
by the workers who have not been following the divine leader. We
may have to remain here in this world, because of insubordination
many more years, as did the children of Israel; but for Christ's
sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with
the consequence of their wrong course of action." - Message to
P. T. Magan, December 7, 1901.
15. By what simple means will the work o( the Lord "be cut short
in righteousness"? What is the only hope (or those who will
endure the test and be prepared (or transll,ltion? Zech. 4:6.

NOTE: "It is not numerous institutions, large buildings, or great

display that God requires, but the harmonious action of a peculiar
people, a people chosen by God and precious. Every man is to
stand in his lot and place, thinking, speaking, and acting in har-
mony with the Spirit of God. Then, and not till then, will the work
be a complete, symmetrical whole." - Testimonies, vol. G, p. 293.
"God will use ways and means by which it ~ill be seen that He
is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprise"d
- 69-
by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect
His work of righteousness." - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300.
"God's people will not endure the test unless there is a revival
and a reformation." - Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 2lJ5.

16. J!ow only can the people of God today demonstrate to the
world the power of the gospel? Psalm 50:5.

NOTE: "The world needs to-day what it needed nineteen hundred'

years ago, - a revelation of Christ. A great work of reform is
demanded, and it is only through the grace of Christ that the work
of restoration, physical, mental, and spiritual, can be accom-
plished." - Ministry of P. eating, p. 143.
"Thus it was in the early church; and when in the church of
today it is seen that by the power of the Spirit the members have
taken their affections from the things of the world, and that they
are willing to make sacrifices in order that their fellow-men may
hear the gospel, the truths proclaimed will have a powerful in-
fluence l1pon the hearers." - Acts of Apostles, p. 71.
"Notwithstanding the wide-spread declension of faith and piety,
there are true followers of Christ in these churches. Before the
final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth, there will be,
among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness
as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and
power of God will be poured out upon His children." - Great Con-
troversy, p. 4G4.

Lesson No. 23 - Sabbath, June 9, 1956

TRUE CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION
Questions

1. At the very opening of this chapter, what call to devotion

and consecration does the apostle make? Rom. 12:1.
N aTE: "In that ancient ritual which was the gospel in symbol,
no blemished offering could be brought to God's altar. The sacri-
fice that was to represent Christ must be spotless. The word of
God points to this as an illustration of what His children are to
be, - 'a living sacrifice,' 'holy and without blemish,' 'well pleasing
to God,'''. - Ministry of Heating, p. 130.
2. What danger continually confronts the Christian? By what
- 70-
 means only can our seIvice be acceptable to God? Rom. 12:2.

NOTE: "Then I was pointed back to the years 1843 and 1844.
There was a spirit of consecration then that there is not now. What
h as come over the professed peculiar people of God? I saw the
conformity to the world, the unwillingness to suffer for the truth's
sake. I saw a great lack of submission to the will of God." -
Testimonies, vol. I, p. 128.

3. What warning did the apostle give against pride and seifish-
ness?

NOTE; "Self will ever cherish a high estimate of self. As men

lose their first love, they do not keep the commandments of God,
and then they begin to criticize one another. This spirit will con-
stantly be striving for the mastery to the close of time. Satan is
seeking to foster it in order that brethren. in their ignorance may
seek to devour one another. God is not glorified but greatly dis-
honored; the Spirit of God is grieved. Satan exults, because he
knows that if he can set brother to watch brother in the church and
in the ministry some will be so disheartened and discouraged as to
leave their posts of duty." - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 189.

4. What simple illustration was given to show the relationship of

all members to the mystical bodY of Christ? Rom. 12:4,5.

NOTE:, "Every soul that has made a profession of Christ has

pledged himself to be all that it is possible for him to be as a
spiritual worker, to be active, zealous, and efficient in his Master's
service. Christ expects every man to do his duty; let this be the
watchword throughout the ranks of his followers." - Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 4GO.

5. What earnest exhortation does Paul make to all who have re-
sponsibility in the church of God? Rom. 12:6-8.
NOTE: "There are many departments of labor; let everyone act
a part as best he can. The man with one talent is not to bury that
in the earth. God has given to every man his work, according to
his ability. Those to whom larger trusts and capabilities have
been committed, should not endeavor to silence others who are less.
able or experienced. Men wi.th one talent may reach a class that
those with two or five talents cannot approach. Great and small
alike are chosen vessels to bear the. water' of life to thirsting
souls. Let not those who preach the word lay their hands upon the
humblest worker, and say, 'You must labor in this channel, or not
-71-
work at all.' Hands off, brethren. Let everyone work in his own
sphere, with his own armcr on, doing whatever he can do in his
humble way. Strengthen his hands in the work. This is no time
for Phariseeism to control. Let God' work through whom he will.
The message must go." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 4G2.

6. What quality of love should rule among the people of God?

Rom. 12:9; James 2:8, 9.

7. When only will true fellowship be found among believers?

Rom. 12:10; 1 John 3:17-19.

8. What zeal will be seen in the activity of a true Christian

both in temporal and religious duties? Rom. 12:11,12.

9. What duty has God enjoined upon the believer that will help
in overcoming seHishness? What should the Christian do when
tempted to retaliate? Rom. 12:13,14.

NOTE: "So long as we are in the world, we must have to do with

the things of the world. There will ever be a necessity for the
transaction of temporal, secular business; but this should never
become all-absorbing. The apostle Paul has given a safe rule:
'Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.'
The humble, common duties of life are all to be performed with
fidelity; 'heartily" says the apostle, 'as unto the Lord.' Whatever
our department of labor, be it housework, or fieldwork, or intel-
lectual pursuits, we may perform it to the glory of God so long as
we make Christ first and last and best in everything. But aside
from these woridly employments, there is· given to every follower
of Christ a special work for the upbuilding of his kingdom, - a
work which requires personal effort for the salvation of men. It
is not a work to be performed once a week merely, at the place of
worship, but at all times and in all places." - Testimonies, vol. 5,
p.459.

10. What unselfish interest should we take in the joys and sorrows
of others? What must we be prepared to do in order to pre-
serve unity among the believers? Rom. 12:15,16.

11. What should be our attitude when we are wrongfully treated?

What spirit should motivate us in all our dealings with our
fellow men? Rom. 12:17-19.

12. What position should we take towards our enemy when we

- 72-
 find him in need? What is Ule best way of gaining the victory
over him? Rom. 12:20,21.

Lesson No. 24 - Sabbath, June 16, 1956

THE CHRISTIAN AND CIVIL GOVERNMENTS
questions
1. What instruction did ?aul give the Christian as to his relation-
ship wHh civil government? What reason does he put forward
for this? Rom. 13:1.

NOTE: "We are to recognize human government as an ordinance

of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty,
within its legitimate sphere." - Acts of Apostles, p. G<).

2. What is said concerning those who disrespect and defy. the

rightful authority of the civil power? Rom. 13:2.

NOTE: Of all the apostles, it was Paul who felt the burden to
define clearly the obligation of the Christian to earthly governments.
The apostle understood very well how that Christ had separatpd
His church from the state in contrast to the old dispensation when
the civil government was in the hands of the church. He knew
also that the Lord is the real ruler over the nations and it is He
who allows a man or a nation to come to power if it is for the ful-
filling of His purpose. He can promote and pull down according to
His will. The Lord called Nebuchadnezzar "His servant" and
permitted him to punish disobedient Israel. Later He selected
"His servant Cyrus" to deliver His people once more. We serve
the same God today who rules over the nations and whatever power
may be ruling, it can only do so with His permission.

3. Whom should the Christian remember in his prayers? Why?

1 Tim. 2:1,2; Jer. 29:7.

4. What is the rightf'll sphere of civil anthority? What attitude

should the al.thorities take to those who stand for right? Rom.
13:3.

NOTE: "Government is never the gainer in the execution of a

Jaw that is manifestly unjust• . • • Conscientious men are not the
enemies, hut the friends, of any government but a tyranny. They
are its strength, and not its weakness. Daniel, in Babylon, praying,
.- 73 -
contrary to the law, was the true friend and supporter of the govern-
ment; while those who, in their pretended zeal for the law and the
constitution, would strike down the good man, were its real enemies.
It is only when government transcends its sphere that it comes in
conflict with the consciences of men." - Seventh-day Adventists
In Time of War, p. 33.
"Every secular government that attempts to regulate or enforce
religious observances by civil authority, is sacrificing the very
principle for which the evangelical Christians so nobly struggled."
- Great Controversy, p. 201.

5. How should the followers of Christ regard the authority of

the secular government within its legitimate sphere? Only
when should there be any need of fearing these powers? Rom.
13:4.

NOTE: "David's power had been given him by God, but to be

exercised only in harmony with the divine law. When he commanded
that which was contrary to God's law, it became sin to obey. 'The
powers that be are ordained of God,' but we are not to obey them
contrary to God's law. The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians,
sets forth the principle by which we should be governed. He says,
'Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.''' - Patriarchs
and Prophets, p. 719.

6. Should our subjection to civil authority be from fear of punish-

ment or from conscientious duty? Rom. 13:5,6.

7. What further obligation is the Christian required to fulfil?

Rom. 13:7.

NOTE: "Jesus bade His disciples, instead of resisting the de-

mand of those in authority, to do even more than was required of
them. And, so far as possible, they should discharge every obliga-
tion, even if it were beyond what the law of the land required."
- Mount of Blessing, p. 1l0.

8. How did Christ clearly define our duty to God and our duty
to civil authority? Matt. 22:21.

NOTE: This is the only place in the Scriptures where Christ

made a clear line of distinction between the church and state.
It was upon this fundamental truth that the republican form of the
government of United States of America was founded. According
- 74-
to the Scriptures the civil authorities are called "servants of God."
They are called to maintain order, peace and justice and to protect
those who worship God according to their conscientious convictions.
The duties of government authorities are restricted to the realm
of temporal affairs. For a Christian the law of God is supreme.

9. How far should God's people go in obeying the laws of the

land? Acts 4:19.
NOTE: "The people of God will recognize human government as
an ordinance of divine appointment, and will teach obedience to it
as a sacred duty within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims
conflict with the claims of God, the word of God must be ree ognized
as above all human legislation. 'Thus saith the Lord' is not to be
set aside for Thus saith the church or the state. The crown of
Christ is to be uplifted above the diadems of earthly potentates." -
Testimonies, vol. (i, p. 402.

10. What example is given in the Scriptures of those who were

approved of God when they disobeyed the law of the earthly
ruler? Dan. 3:16-18.
NOTE: "By the deliverance of His faithful servants, the Lord
declared th at He takes His stand with the oppressed, and rebukes
all ~arthly powers that rebel against the authority of Heaven. Th~
three Hebrews declared to the whole nation of Babylon their faith
in Him whom they worshipped." - Prophets and Kings, p. SU.

11. What God-given right of individuals or groups of people should

be recognized by every government in the wodd? How was
this princiPle incorporated in the Constitution of the United
States Republic?

NOTE: "Their views found place in the Declaration of Independ-

ence, which sets forth the great truth that 'all men are created
equal,' and endowed with the inalienable right to 'life,. liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness.' And the Constitution guarantees to
the people the right of self-government, providing that representa-
tives elected by the popular vote shall enact and administer the
laws. Freedom of religious faith was also gr,anted, every man being
perm itted to worship God according to the dictate s of his con-
science. nepublicanism and Protestantism became the fundamental
principles of the nation. These principles are the secret of its
power and prosperity." - Great Controversy, p. 441.
"American Parliamentary Law is built upon the principle that
rights must be respected: rights of the majority, of the minority,
- 75-
of individuals, of absentees and rights of all these together." -
Robert's Rules of Order.

12. In 1865. what attitude did the .Seventh-day Adventist church

take to civil al!thority?

NOTE: "n ESOL YEO, Th at we recognize civil government as

ordained of God, that order, justice, and quiet may be maintained
in the land; and that the people of God may lead quiet and peace-
able lives in all godliness and honesty. In accordance with this
fact we acknowledge the justice of rendering tribute, custom, honor,
and reverence to the civil power, as enjoined in the New Test ament.
While we thus cheerfully render to Caesar the things whic h the
Scriptures show to be his, we are compelled to decline all parti-
cipation in acts of war and bloodshed as being inconsistent with
the duties enjoined upon us by our divine Master toward our enemies
and toward all mankind." - Seventh-day Adventists In Time of War,
p.24.
13. In maintaining this original stand of the church, on what
grounds do we decline all participation in war and blood-
shed? Matt. 26:51,52; John 18:36; Ex. 20:13.

NOTE: "I was shown that God's people, who are his peculiar
treasure, cannot engage in this perplexing war, for it is opposed
to every principle of their faith. In the army they cannot obey the
truth and at the same time obey the requirements of their officers.
There would be a continual violation of conscience. Worldly men
are governed by worldly principles. They can appreciate no other.
Worldly policy and public opinion comprise the principle of action
that governs them and leads them to practice the form of right-
doing." - Testimonies, vol. I, p. 3uI.

14. What solemn message is given to God's people at -the present

time? 2 Cor. 6:17.

NOTE: "The question may be asked, Are we to have no union

whatever with the world? The word of the Lord is to be our guide.
Any connection with infidels and unbelievers that would identify
us with them, is forbidden by the Word. We are to come out from
among them, and be separate. In no case are we to link ourselves
with them in their plans of work. But we are not to live reclusive
lives. We are'to do worldlings all the good we possibly can." -
Gospel Workers, p. 394.

- 76-
Lesson No. 25 - Sabbath, June 23, 1956
OUR DUTY TO OUR FELLOW MEN
PERILOUS TIMES
Questions

1. What should be the guiding rule of every Christian in his

dealings with his fellow men? Rom. 13:8.

NOTE: "The world has a right to expect strict integrity in those

who profess to be Bible Christians. By one man's indifference in
regard to paying his just dues, all our people are in danger of
being regarded as unreliable." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 179.

2. Into what two divisions did Christ divide the Moral Law?
Matt. 26:36-40.

NOTE: In order to make clear the duty of man to God and to his
fellowmen, Christ divided the law into its two component parts. The
first four commandments deal wholly with man's duty to God, while
the last six express his duty to his fellowmen. Many misuse the
words of Christ and make it appear that all the other commandments
have been done away and that there now remain oilly two. Our
study will prove beyond doubt that every one of the ten command-
ments is embodied in the New Testament.

3. How did Paul explain the meaning of Christ's words, "Thou

shalt love thy neighbour as thyself"? Rom. 13:9.

NOTE: The commandments listed here by the apostle were those

which were most transgressed by the Jews. He included, "if there
be any other commandment," to show that it was the complete moral
law he was referring to. In the first part of this chapter we have
been dealing with man's duty to obey those in authority. The
legitimate rights of any authority to rule, whether in the family,
the church or state, is based upon the fifth commandment, therefore
Paul has in this chapter dealt with the full six commandments
which were contained in the second table of the law. By the state-
ment, "if there be any other commandment,." it is evident that he
was referring to the first table of the law.

4. How does Paul sum up the whole ten commandments with one
word? Rom. 13:10.

5. What is the greatest proof that we love God? 1 John 4:20.

-77-
6. What urgent call for preparation did Paul make to the believers
in his day? Rom. 13~11.

7. What was the key-note of the apl'lstle's teaching? Rom. 13: 12.
NOTE: "The end of all things is at hand. The Lord is soon
coming. Already His judgments are abroad in every land. We are not
only to talk of Christ's coming, but in every action, we are to re-
veal the fact that He is soon to be manifested in the clouds of
heaven with power and great glory. Have we the wedding garment
on? Have we personal piety? Have we co-operated with divine
agencies in a wholehearted, unreserved manner, in weaving into
our life's practices the divine principles of God's holy law? It is
one thing to talk the law, and it is another thing entirely to practice
it. It is the doers of the law that shall be justified before God;
for those who do the law represent the character of God, and lie
not against the truth." - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 187.

8. What personal appeal does the apostle make to every believer

today? Roll'. 13:13.

9. How only is it possible to live a holy life and gain the victory
over every besetment? Rom. 13:14.

NOTE: "It is our own character and experience that determine our
influence upon others. In order to convince others of the power of
Christ's grace, we must know its power in our own hearts and
lives. The gospel we present for the saving of souls must be the
gospel by which our own souls are saved. Only through a living
faith in Christ as a personal Saviour is it possible to make our
influence felt in a skeptical world. If we would draw sinners out
of the swift-running current, our own feet must be firmly set upon
the nock, Christ Jesus," - Counsels on Sabbath School Work,
pp. 99-100.

10. What message of arousement is especially needed \ today?

Eph. 4:14 -17.

NOTE: "We are living in the most solemn period of this world's
history. The destiny of earth's teeming multitudes is about to be
decided. Our own future well-being, and also the salvation of
other souls, depend upon the course which we now pursue. We
need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ
should earnestly inquire, 'Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?'
We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and
prayer, and to meditate much upon His word, especially upon the
- 78-
scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a deep and living
experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose.
Events of vital importance are taking place around us; we are on
Satan's enchanted ground. Sleep not, sentinels of God; the foe is
I urking near, ready at any moment, should you become lax and
drowsy, to spring upon you and makc you his prey." - Great Con-
troversy, p. GOl.

Lesson No. 26 - Sabbath, June 30, 1956

THE CHURCH AS GOD'S TRAINING SCHOOL
Questions

1. How should every newly converted soul reganl the church of

God? Psalm 84:10,11.

N GTE: "God's church is the court of holy life, filled with varied
gifts, and endowed with the Holy Spirit. The members are to find
their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and
bless." - A cts of Apostles, p. 12.

2. What consideration was to be given to those newly come to

the faith? What solemn bunlen rests upon the church officers?
Rom. 14:1-3.

N GTE: At the close of chapter 11 of the book of Romans, there

is a new theme introduced. From then onward Paul was particu-
larly addressing the church members. It is not enough to bring
souls' to conversion and to accept them into church fellowship.
The work for them has only begun. Paul realized that there was a
great need of educating the believers in the Word of God and in
the plan of salvation, therefore a great proportion of his writings
had to do with specific instruction to the believers. The great
concern of the apostle was how the members could be preserved in
the faith and protected from the "many winds of doctrine" which
were abroad then and are today. Those who composed the Christian
church came from every walk of life, and had been under the in-
fluence of different ideas and customs. Some had maintained
fanatical ideas while others were inclined to be too liberal in
their views. All these had to be harmonized and it required much
patient effort for them to be brought to the unity of the faith.
Some hearts and minds respond more promptly and quickly than
others. They grasp the central thought at once, and act upon it.
- 79-
Others move slowly, deliberately, cautiously, some doubtingly.
This should be the. burden of our ministers and workers and those
who have any office in the church.

3. Because of various ideas held by believers newly accepting

the faith of Christ, what evil had to be continually checked?
Rom. 14:4.

NOTE: As history tells us the Jews had for centuries been scat-
tered abroad and had accepted the nationality of the nations where
they were found. Many in Paul's day were noman citizens by
birth, yet they still clung to the Jewish traditions and customs.
Many pious Jews took a very strict stand in regard to their habits
of life and there were many who lived exclusively on a vegetable
diet. Such scruples in regard to diet were also observed among
the Corinthian Jews and it must not be forgotten that this was not
a doctrine enforced upon the believers by the apostle. Even among
the Greeks and nomans there were to be found sects who upheld
the vegetarian regime. The spirit of criticism and condemnation
which came as a result of these various ideas hindered the spiritual
progress of the church. Paul enjoined tolerance from the part of
both sides when it concerned matters which were not definite
principles of the church. Although Paul was not in harmony with
the spirit manifested by the vegetarians, he evidently shows more
sympathy for them.

4. What similar dispute arose among the believers at C(I'inth

regarding meat eating? 1 Cor. 8:8-13.

N aTE: The conscientious scruples here brought to view was not

over a matter of definite principle adopted by the church such as
the eating of meat with blood in it which was condemned by the
law. Neither was it from any conviction against eating meat. It
was purely a question of eating meat that had heen dedicated to
idols and even if this had been done, it had no significance to a
Christian. The real purpose of Paul's argument is summarized in
verses !l and 13.

5. What other question arose in the church which disturbed its

peace and unity? Rom. 14:5-9.

NOTE: The real point of contention was not over the weekly
rest day as some would contend, as there was no question in the
church at that time about Sunday sacredness. This esteeming of
one day above another had to do with days set aside for fasting
- 80-
and according to the laws of the Jews certain days, such as the
new moon and the day of atonement, were considered as more
important than other days. All these special days were connected
with the ceremonial law and therefore had no binding power upon
the Christians. If they chose to fast, they had perfect liberty
to do so on any day and were not to judge others who might prefer
another.
Those who would try to prove that whatever day of the week we
should choose as a rest day is the same, are perverting the Scrip-
tures. We should ever bear in mind that these fast days brought
to view here were not ordinances of the Christian church, but were
brought in by newly converted Jews.

6. How did Satan tal{e advantage of these differences which

found entrance into the Christian church? Rom. 14:10-13.

NOTE: Many see no harm in holding tenaciously to th eir own

opwlOns irrespective of the belief of the united body, but this
proves to be an open avenue by which Satan enters in to disturb
the peace of the church. However, what is the purpose of the
gospel? Is it not to bring us to the unity of the faith that all
should be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the
s arne judgment"? The spirit of judging and condemning destroys
the love that should exist among the believers. It is the duty of
the leaders of the church to shut every avenue by which Satan
can enter and distract.
"God would have his people disciplined and brought into har-
mony of action, that they may see eye to eye, and be of the same
mind and of the same judgment. In order to bring about this state
of things, there is much to be done. The carnal heart mus t be
subdued and transformed. God designs that there shall ever be a
living testimony in the church." - Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 3GO.

7. What was Paul's objective in dwelling on this question of

food? What was the important point to be kept before the
believers? Rom. 14:14-16.

NOTE: Although Paul had already explained that the offering of

food before idols as was the noman custom did not make it un-
clean, he gave definite freedom to those who considered it un-
clean to refrain from it as it would to them be sin. He definitely
condemned those, however, who deliberately continued to eat such
food knowing that by so doing they were offending others. "De-
stroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ died."
- 81-
 8. To what kingdom does Paul make reference? Should eating
and drinking be the main object of a Christian? What are the
important subjects the Christian should dwell upon? Rom.
14:17-19; Luke 22:29.30.
NOTE: The apostle is not here referring to the future state
of the saints in the heavenly kingdom, as it would be contrary to
every promise of the Bible to declare that no one would there eat
and drink. Although in the new earth "ye shall hunger no more,
neither shall ye thirst any more," still the promise is also made
that "ye shall build houses and inhabit them and plant vineyards
and eat the fruits of them." The Bible should never be used to
uphold a preconceived idea, because if we give it the chance, it
will explain itself. The kingdom here referred to is the kingdom of
grace into which every one enters at baptism. Eating and drinking
are necessary to maintain our life, but we should "eat to live" and
not "live to eat," Paul knew that such ones could never properly
understand spiritual matters. Righteousness and peace and joy
in the Holy Ghost are signs of true conversion. Here may be dis-
tinguishetl those who are carnally minded and those who are spiritu-
ally minded.

9. What conclusion did Paul come to in verse 20? What does he

earnestly recommend? Rom. 14:20.21.

NOTE: In understanding the meaning of this chapter, we should

note that the word "meat" in every case comes from the Greek
word "broma," meaning food of any kind. When "flesh" is men-
tioned, it definitely does mean the flesh of animals. By the state-
ment "For meat destroy not the work of God," we can understand
that again the apostle is referring to the contention over this
question, and that he warned against making any stumbling block
to destroy the faith of any member. By the statement "all things
are pure" we must understand it as referring to those foodstuffs
which are permitted by the law.
For the first time Paul expresses an opllllOn on the question of
flesh eating and drinking of wine. He does not try and urge the
abstainers to join the more liberal group and follow their example,
but rather he urges abstinance as being desirable and good. Provo
23:20. Surely Paul was basing his recommendation on these words
of the wise man which condemned the drinking of fermented wine.
We must understand that although Paul recommends discarding of
flesh foods, the time had not come to introduce health refonn as we
know it today. It was never the intention of God that flesh foods
and strong drink should be included in the diet of mankind. He
- 82-
nevertheless permitted the use of flesh under special conditions.
We have many examples throughout the Old Testament which show
clearly that God intended to bring His people back to the original
diet given in the garden of Eden. The apostle Peter gives us clear
testimony that the disciples of Christ maintained the distinction
given in the law of Moses concerning clean and unclean animals.
Acts 10: 10-14.

10. What position does Paul recommend should be taken when a

debatable question arises on which there is no fixed law?
Rom. 14:22,23.

NOTE: In these closing verses of the chapter, Paul explains to

the believers their privileges and rights and makes it clear that
there is a sphere in which the individual must be led by his own
"good conscience." If he has certain convictions over matters
in which there is no rule of the church, he is duty bound to be true
to himself. Those, however, who have doubts as to the rightness
of their course and. yet go against their conscience commit sin.
James 4:17.

Lesson No. 27 - Sabbath, July 7, 1956

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE SAINTS
Questions

1. What is the duty and privilege of those who are strong in the
faith? Rom. 15:1-3.

2. What lesson should be learned from sacred history? For what

kind of union does the apostle plead? Rom. 15:4-7; Phil. 2:5.

NOTE: The gospel of Jesus Christ does not call for a confederacy,
or any other kind of union, but "life union." The Spirit of Christ
will work to unite the believers heart to heart. Those who are not
actuated by the same spirit are soon identified as being "uncircum -
cised in the heart" and are still "aliens from the commonweal th
of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise." They not
only strive to reach the unity of faith in Christ Jesus, but they
love one another so much that they are ready to die for another.
This is the real power of the gospel manifested in action. They
find their greatest happiness in the happiness of others.
- 83-
 3. What twofold assurance did Paul give to a mixed church of
both Jews and Gentiles? Rom. 15:8-12.

NOTE: Paul found it again necessary to bring forward evidence

that Christ as the Messiah did not come exclusively for the Jews,
although he did fulfil the promises made unto the fathers. He is a
minister for both Jews and Gentiles and this was long ago predicted
by the prophet Isaiah, and also by the Psalmist. The Christian
thus enjoyed the fellowship of a mixed church.

4. What words of confidence did Paul address to the saints in

Rome who had accepted Christ? Rom. 15:13-16.

NOTE: In this chapter the apostle is drawing near to the close

of his letter to the nomans and in these verses, he commended
the believers who had accepted Christ as the promised Messiah
and showed his confidence in them. The gospel had evidently
made a great change in their lives and Paul felt that they could
be trusted to carry the burden alone. There is a vast difference
between sincere appreciation and flattery, and we find in Paul's
experience that many times he strongly rebuked, yet was always
ready to comfort and encourage them in the Christian walk. Now
Paul acknowledges the sacrifice of the Gentiles as acceptable to
God, as they also had become partners in the gospel of Christ.

5. To what did Paul attribute the success of his labors in his

mission to the Gentiles? Rom. 15:17-24.

N aTE: The life of Paul remains as a noble example to every worker

for Christ. He was ready to do any service or endure any suffering
if only the name of God could be glorified. God wrought with him
in signs and wonders, in the power of the Holy Spirit, wherever he
went. Varied experiences came to the apostle, but all of the same
character. He fully preached the gospel in all his journeys, making
it his aim to enter the great needy fields where the gospel was
not known, so that those might see to whom no tidings of Christ
had come, and that they might understand who had not heard. It
h ad long been Paul's aim to visit nome that he might impart unto
them some spiritual gifts, and have fruit in them even as elsewhere
and there at the great metropolis of the world to establish a strong
missionary center. We trust that this same missionary spirit will
will be felt by many who accept the neform message today, that
they may have the burden to carry the good ti dings of present
truth to places where it has not yet been proclaimed.
"Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As
- 84-
the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord
will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those
who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be
qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training
of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained
to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives
them." - Great Controversy, p. GOG.

6. How were the Gentiles able to practicallY demonstrate their

appreciation of the gospel? Rom. 15:25-29.
NOTE: Selfishness is the great sin of thi s age and it has its
blighting influence in every church and home. True Christianity
is built upon sacrifice, therefore without self-denial it is impossible
to please God. Those who only live for th em selves are dead
spiritually and cannot appreciate the sacrifice of Christ.
"If its members follow Christ, they will deny the inclination
for display, the love of dress, the love of elegant houses and
costly furniture. There must be far greater humility, a much
greater distinction from the world, among Seventh-day Adventists,
else God will not accept us, whatever our position or the character
of the work in which we are engaged." - Testimonies, vol. 7,
p.2%.

7. With a premonition of danger facing him in JerusaleJlJ, what

appeal did Palll make to the Christians in Rome? Rom.
15:30-33; Acts 20:24.

NOTE: In closing this section of the book of Romans, Paul feels

a great depression upon him as he contemplated the journey he was
obliged to make to Judea and Jerusalem. He knew something of
the opposition awaiting him, yet undaunted he pressed forward.
On his journey, the prophet Agabus demonstrated what the Lord
had shown him that Paul would be made a prisoner. Even this
could not dissuade him from his mission. When clouds of uncer-
tainty pressed in upon him, he appealed to the believers in Rome
to uphold him earnestly in prayer.

8. In the closing chapter of dIe book of Romans, who does Paul

specially commend to the church, and why? Rom. 16:1,2.

NOTE: It seems that to this sister had been entrusted the important
responsibility of conveying the manuscript of Paul's epistle to the
church at Rome. As much as Paul himself had desired to go to
Rome personally, this joy had been denied him; therefore a mes-
- 85-
senger had to be chosen who could find entrance to the imperial
city and at the same time could be trusted to faithfully discharge
this errand.

9. In his salutation to the church, to whom does he first send

greetings? Rom. 16:3,4.

NOTE: Paul had previously met this devoted couple at Corinth

to which place they had fled from nome to escape persecution.
The apostle labored with Priscilla and Aquilla for l!J months at
the craft of tent-making in order to support the other laborers
during a great financial crisis. Apparently the way later opened
up for them to return to nome as this letter shows. Acts 10: 1-3.

10. How did Paul recognize the labors of those whom he had
previously been acquainted with? What heartfelt greetings
did he send them? Rom. 16:5-16.

NOTE: It is evident that personalities brought to view in this

list were brothers and sisters with whom Paul had labored in the
various places of his ministry. It may be that like Priscilla and
Aquilla, others of them had also been expelled from nome during
the reign of Claudius and after his death and the persecution
had ceased, they were able to again return. From the great
interest Paul shows in them, it would seem that their chief pur-
pose in· nome was to uphold the message of salvation in that
great heathen metropolis and spread the gospel among the Gentiles.

11. Through what means did Satan seek to bring disunion into
the church of Rome? What warning did Paul give to preserve
the church from these disturbing elements? Rom. 16:17-20.

NOTE: These words of warning given by the apostle against

disturbing elements in the church of God has had its application
throughout all the ages, but it has even greater meaning in these
closing days when Satan comes with great power to "deceive if
possible the very elect."

"Satan hopes to involve the remnant peopl,e of God in the general

ruin that is coming upon the earth. As the coming of Christ draws
nigh, he will be more determined and decisive in his efforts to
overthrow them. Men and women will arise professing to have
some new light or some new revelation whose tendency is to un-
settle faith in the old landmarks. Their doctrines will not bear
the test of God's word, yet souls will be deceived. False reports
- 86-
will be circulated, and some will be taken in this snare. They
will believe these rumors, and in their turn will repeat them, and
thus a link will be formed connecting them with the arch-deceiver."
- T estimonie s, vol. 5, p. 295.

12. What other co-laborers of Paul joined with him in sending

greetings to the church at Rome? Who was the scribe that
wrote this letter? Rom. 16:20-24.

13. In closing the epistle, with what words does Paul set forth
his trust and dependence upon the power of God? Rom. 16:
24-27.

NOTE: As we come to the close of this study on the book of

nomans, we can thank God for a better understanding of these
importan t truths which were a mystery to the Jews, and have re-
mained a mystery to the majority of Christians, and even to the
professed people of God. This book will have a part to play in
these closing days. Through this book the law of God is to be
magnified and put in its proper place, while the message of Justi-
fication by Faith, Christ our nighteoltsness, is to appear in un-
paralleled beauty.
We recommend this booklet to the true remnant of God, that
they may be rooted and grounded in the present truth, and that
it may serve as a valuable textbook for our workers in these closing
days of the gospel dispensation.

S.D.A.Rh~.