LESSON 3: Are the Dead Really Dead?

Death just might be one of the most misunderstood subjects today. For many, death is shrouded in mystery and evokes
dread, uncertainty, and hopelessness. Others believe that their deceased loved ones are not dead at all, but instead live
with them or in other realms. Millions are confused about the relationship between the body, spirit, and soul. But does
it really matter what you believe? Yes—absolutely! What you believe about the dead will have a profound impact on
what happens to you in the near future. There’s no room for guessing! This Study Guide will give you exactly what God
says on this subject. Get ready for a real eye-opener!

1. How did humans get here in the first place?

“The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became
a living being” (Genesis 2:7).

Answer: God made us from dust in the beginning.

2. What happens when a person dies?

“Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

Answer: The body turns to dust again, and the spirit goes back to God, who gave it. The spirit of every person who
dies—whether saved or unsaved—returns to God at death.

3. What is the “spirit” that returns to God at death?

“The body without the spirit is dead” (James 2:26).

“The spirit of God is in my nostrils” (Job 27:3 KJV).

Answer: The spirit that returns to God at death is the breath of life. Nowhere in all of God’s book does the “spirit” have
any life, wisdom, or feeling after a person dies. It is the “breath of life” and nothing more.

4. What is a "soul"?

“The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became
a living soul” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

Answer: A soul is a living being. A soul is always a combination of two things: body plus breath. A soul cannot exist
unless body and breath are combined. God’s Word teaches that we are souls—not that we have souls.

 Body(Dust) + Breath(Spirit) = Living soul

 Body(Dust) - Breath(Spirit) = Death (No Soul)

5. Do souls die?

“The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20 KJV).

“Every living soul died in the sea” (Revelation 16:3 KJV).

Answer: According to God’s Word, souls do die! We are souls, and souls die. Man is mortal (Job 4:17).

Only God is immortal (1 Timothy 6:15, 16). The concept of an undying, immortal soul is not found in the Bible, which
teaches that souls are subject to death.

The Bible suggests that King David will be in God’s kingdom, but that he is in his grave now, where he awaits the
resurrection.

The Bible suggests that King David will be in God’s kingdom, but that he is in his grave now, where he awaits the
resurrection.
6. Do good people go to heaven when they die?

“All who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth” (John 5:28, 29).

“David … is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. … For David did not ascend into the heavens” (Acts
2:29, 34).

“If I wait, the grave is mine house” (Job 17:13 KJV).

Answer: No. People do not go to heaven or to hell at death. They don’t go anywhere—but they wait in their graves for
the resurrection.

7. How much does one know or comprehend after death?

“The living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them
is forgotten. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; nevermore will they have a share in
anything done under the sun. … There is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going”
(Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10).

“The dead do not praise the Lord” (Psalm 115:17).

Answer: God says that the dead know absolutely nothing!

 Though millions think it is possible, the dead cannot communicate with the living.

8. But can’t the dead communicate with the living, and aren’t they aware of what the living are doing?

“Man lies down and does not rise. Till the heavens are no more, they will not awake nor be roused from their sleep. …
His sons come to honor, and he does not know it; they are brought low, and he does not perceive it” (Job 14:12, 21).

“Nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 9:6).

Answer: No. The dead cannot contact the living, nor do they know what the living are doing. They are dead. Their
thoughts have perished (Psalm 146:4 KJV).

9. Jesus called the unconscious state of the dead “sleep” in John 11:11–14. How long will they sleep?

“Man lies down and does not rise. Till the heavens are no more” (Job 14:12).

“The day of the Lord will come … in which the heavens will pass away” (2 Peter 3:10).

Answer: The dead will sleep until the great day of the Lord at the end of the world. In death humans are totally
unconscious with no activity or knowledge of any kind.

10. What happens to the righteous dead at the second coming of Christ?

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

“The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout. … And the dead in Christ will rise. … And thus we shall always
be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

“We shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye … and the dead will be raised incorruptible. … For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51–53).

Answer: They will be rewarded. They will be raised, given immortal bodies, and caught up to meet the Lord in the air.
There would be no purpose in a resurrection if people were taken to heaven at death.

11. What was the devil’s first lie on Earth?

“The serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die’ ” (Genesis 3:4).

“That serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan” (Revelation 12:9).

Answer: You will not die.

12. Why did the devil lie to Eve about death? Could this subject be more important than we think?

Answer: The devil’s lie that we will not die is one of the pillars of his teachings. For thousands of years, he has worked
powerful, deceptive miracles to trick people into thinking they are receiving messages from the spirits of the dead.
(Examples: Magicians of Egypt—Exodus 7:11; Woman of Endor—1 Samuel 28:3–25; Sorcerers—Daniel 2:2; A slave girl—
Acts 16:16–18.)

A Solemn Warning

In the near future, Satan will again use sorcery—as he did in the prophet Daniel’s day—to deceive the world (Revelation
18:23). Sorcery is a supernatural agency that claims to receive its power and wisdom from the spirits of the dead.

Posing as Jesus' Disciples

Posing as godly loved ones who have died, saintly clergymen who are now dead, Bible prophets, or even the apostles of
Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13), Satan and his angels will deceive billions. Those who believe the dead are alive, in any form,
will likely be deceived.

 All miracle working is not from God, because devils also work miracles.

13. Do devils really work miracles?

“For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles” (Revelation 16:14, KJV).

“False christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect”
(Matthew 24:24).

Answer: Yes indeed! Devils work incredibly convincing miracles (Revelation 13:13, 14). Satan will appear as an angel of
light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and, even more shocking, as Christ Himself (Matthew 24:23, 24). The universal feeling will be
that Christ and His angels are leading out in a fantastic worldwide revival. The entire emphasis will seem so spiritual and
be so supernatural that only God’s elect will not be deceived.

14. Why will God's people not be deceived?

“They received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so”
(Acts 17:11).

“If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20).

Answer: God’s people will know from their study of His book that the dead are dead, not alive. They will know that a
“spirit” claiming to be a deceased loved one is really a devil! God’s people will reject all teachers and miracle workers
who claim to receive special “light” or work miracles by contacting the spirits of the dead. And God’s people will likewise
reject as dangerous and false all teachings that claim the dead are alive in any form, anywhere.

15. Back in Moses’ day, what did God command should be done to people who taught that the dead were alive?

“A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them
with stones” (Leviticus 20:27).
Answer: God insisted that mediums and others with “familiar spirits” (who claimed to be able to contact the dead)
should be stoned to death. This shows how God regards the false teaching that the dead are alive.

16. Will the righteous people who are raised in the resurrection ever die again?

“Those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead … nor can they die anymore”
(Luke 20:35, 36).

“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no
more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Answer: No! Death, sorrow, crying, and tragedy will never enter into God’s new kingdom. “When this corruptible has
put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written:
‘Death is swallowed up in victory’ ” (1 Corinthians 15:54).

17. Belief in reincarnation is expanding rapidly today. Is this teaching biblical?

“The living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing. … Nevermore will they have a share in anything done
under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6).

Answer: Almost half the people on earth believe in reincarnation, a teaching that the soul never dies but is instead
continually reborn in a different kind of body with each succeeding generation. This teaching, however, is contrary to
Scripture.

The Bible Says

After death a person: returns to dust (Psalms 104:29), knows nothing (Ecclesiastes 9:5), possesses no mental powers
(Psalms 146:4), has nothing to do with anything on earth (Ecclesiastes 9:6), does not live (2 Kings 20:1), waits in the
grave (Job 17:13), and continues not (Job 14:1, 2).

Satan's Invention

We learned in questions 11 and 12 that Satan invented the teaching that the dead are alive. Reincarnation, channeling,
communication with spirits, spirit worship, and the "undying soul" are all inventions of Satan, with one aim to convince
people that when you die you are not really dead. When people believe that the dead are alive, "spirits of devils,
working miracles" (Revelation 16:14) and posing as spirits of the dead will be able to deceive and lead them astray
virtually 100 percent of the time (Matthew 24:24).
LESSON 1: Did God Create the Devil?

Who is Satan? Many believe he’s merely a mythical figure, but the Bible says that he is very real and that he is
determined to deceive you and destroy your life. Indeed, this brilliant but cruel mastermind is so much more than what
you have been told. He’s entrapping individuals, families, churches, and even entire nations to increase sorrow and pain
in this world. Here are the Bible’s amazing facts about this dark prince and how you can overcome him!

1. With whom did sin originate?

“The devil has sinned from the beginning” (1 John 3:8).

“That serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan” (Revelation 12:9)

Answer: Satan, who is also called the devil, is the originator of sin. Without the Bible, the origin of evil would remain
unexplained.

 Satan was living in heaven when he sinned. His name was Lucifer, which means "Day Star."

2. What was Satan's name before he sinned? Where was he living?

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” (Isaiah 14:12).

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven’ ” (Luke 10:18).

“You were on the holy mountain of God” (Ezekiel 28:14).

Answer: Satan’s name was Lucifer, and he was living in heaven. Lucifer is also symbolized by the “king of Babylon” in
Isaiah 14 and as the “prince of Tyre” in Ezekiel 28.

 Lucifer was a heavenly angel created by God. He was perfect in wisdom and beauty and stood next to God's
throne.

3. What was Lucifer’s origin? How does the Bible describe him?

“You were created” (Ezekiel 28:15).

“You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. … Every precious stone was your covering. … The
workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. … You were perfect in your
ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:12, 13, 15).

“You were the anointed cherub who covers … you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the
midst of fiery stones” (Ezekiel 28:14).

Answer: Lucifer was created by God, as were all the other angels (Ephesians 3:9). Lucifer was a “covering” cherub, or
angel. One covering angel stands on the left side of God’s throne and another on the right (Psalm 99:1). Lucifer was one
of these highly exalted angels and was a leader. Lucifer’s beauty was flawless and breathtaking. His wisdom was perfect.
His brightness was awe-inspiring. Ezekiel 28:13 seems to indicate that he was specially created to be an outstanding
musician. Some scholars believe he led the angelic choir.

4. What happened in Lucifer's life that led him to sin? What sin did he commit?

“Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor” (Ezekiel
28:17).

“You have said in your heart: … ‘I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; … I will be like the Most High’ ” (Isaiah
14:13, 14).
Answer: Pride, jealousy, and discontent arose in Lucifer’s heart. He soon began to desire to unseat God and to demand
that everyone worship him instead.

Note: Why is worship such an important thing? It is the key factor in the ongoing conflict between God and Satan.
People were created to be happy and fulfilled when we worship only God. Not even the angels of heaven are to be
worshiped (Revelation 22:8, 9). Satan selfishly sought this worship due only to God. Centuries later, when he tempted
Jesus in the wilderness, worship was still his central desire and a key test (Matthew 4:8–11). Now, in these last days, as
God calls upon all people to worship Him (Revelation 14:6, 7), this so infuriates Satan that he will try to force people to
worship himself or else be killed (Revelation 13:15). Everybody worships someone or something: power, prestige, food,
pleasure, possessions, etc. But God says, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Like Lucifer, we have a
choice about whom we worship. If we choose to worship anyone or anything other than the Creator, He will honor our
choice, but we will be counted against Him (Matthew 12:30). If anything or anyone other than God receives first place in
our lives, we will end up following in Satan’s footsteps. Does God have first place in your life—or are you serving Satan?
It is a sobering question, isn’t it?

5. What happened in heaven as a consequence of Lucifer’s sin?

“War broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but
they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that
serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were
cast out with him” (Revelation 12:7–9).

Answer: Lucifer deceived a third of the angels (Revelation 12:3, 4) and caused a rebellion in heaven. God had no choice
but to cast out Lucifer and the other fallen angels, because Lucifer’s aim was to usurp God’s throne even if it meant
murder (John 8:44). After his expulsion from heaven, Lucifer was called Satan, meaning “adversary,” and the devil,
meaning “slanderer.” The angels who followed Satan were called demons.

 Satan's headquarters is the earth. He hates human beings and aims to hurt God by destroying you.

6. Where is Satan’s present headquarters? How does he feel about people?

“The Lord said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From going to and fro on the
earth, and from walking back and forth on it’ ” (Job 2:2).

“Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he
knows that he has a short time” (Revelation 12:12).

“Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Answer: Contrary to widespread belief, Satan’s headquarters is the earth, not hell. God gave Adam and Eve dominion
over the earth (Genesis 1:26). When they sinned, they lost this dominion to Satan (Romans 6:16), who then became
ruler, or prince, of the earth (John 12:31). Satan despises humans, who were created in God’s image. Since he can’t
harm God directly, he directs his anger against God’s children on the earth. He’s a hateful murderer whose aim is to
destroy you and, thus, hurt God.

7. When God created Adam and Eve, what did He ask them not to do? What did He say would be the result of
disobedience?

“Of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die”
(Genesis 2:17).

Answer: Adam and Eve were told not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The penalty for eating the
fruit from this tree was to be death.

Note: Remember that God created Adam and Eve with His own hands and placed them in a beautiful garden where
they could enjoy eating from every kind of tree (Genesis 2:7–9)—except just one. It was God’s gracious way of giving
them a fair choice. By trusting God and not eating of the forbidden tree, they would live forever in paradise. By choosing
to listen to Satan, they chose to run away from the Source of all life—God—and, naturally, experienced death.

8. How did Satan deceive Eve? What lies did he tell her?

“The serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman,
‘Has God indeed said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” ’ … Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will
not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing
good and evil’ ” (Genesis 3:1, 4, 5, emphasis added).

Answer: Satan used a serpent—one of the wisest and most beautiful animals God had made—to deceive Eve. Some
scholars believe the serpent originally had wings and flew (Isaiah 14:29; 30:6). Remember, it did not crawl until God
cursed it (Genesis 3:14). Satan’s lies were: (1) you won’t die, and (2) eating the fruit will make you wise. Satan, who
invented lying (John 8:44), mixed truth with the lies he told Eve. Lies that include some truth are the most effective
deceptions. It was true they would “know evil” after sinning. In love, God had withheld from them the knowledge of evil,
which includes heartache, grief, suffering, pain, and death. Satan made the knowledge of evil appear attractive, telling
lies to misrepresent God’s character because he knows that people will be more likely to turn away from a loving God if
they misunderstand His character.

9. Why was eating a piece of fruit such a bad thing that Adam and Eve were removed from the garden?

“To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).

“Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out
his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever’ … He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at
the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life”
(Genesis 3:22, 24).

Answer: Eating the forbidden fruit was a sin because it was a rejection of one of God’s few requirements. It was open
rebellion against God’s law and His authority. By rejecting God’s command, Adam and Eve chose to follow Satan and,
therefore, brought separation between themselves and God (Isaiah 59:2). Satan likely hoped the couple would continue
eating from the tree of life after their sin, and thus become immortal sinners, but God removed them from the garden
to prevent this.

10. What does the Bible reveal about Satan’s methods to hurt, deceive, discourage, and destroy people?

Answer: The Bible reveals that Satan uses every conceivable approach to deceive and destroy people. His demons can
pose as righteous people. And Satan will one day appear as a glorious angel of light with power to call fire down from
heaven. He will even impersonate Jesus. But you have been warned, so don’t fall for it. When Jesus comes, every eye
will see Him (Revelation 1:7). He will remain in the clouds and will not touch the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

The Bible Says Satan:

Deceives / persecutes (Revelation 12:9, 13) Quotes/misquotes Bible (Matthew 4:5, 6)

Falsely accuses / murders (Revelation 12:10; John 8:44) Traps / devours (2 Timothy 2:26; 1 Peter 5:8)

Makes war against God's people (Revelation 12:17) Binds / prompts betrayal (Luke 13:16; John 13:2, 21)

Imprisons (Revelation 2:10) Possesses / hinders (Luke 22:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 2:18)

Works miracles / lies (Revelation 16:13, 14; John 8:44) Appears as angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

Brings disease / afflicts (Job 2:7) Has demons who impersonate pastors (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

Slanders ("Devil" means "slanderer") Calls fire from heaven (Revelation 13:13)
11. How effective are Satan’s temptations and strategies?

Satan convinced: one third of the angels (Revelation 12:3–9); Adam and Eve (Genesis 3); all but eight people in Noah’s
day (1 Peter 3:20). Almost the entire world follows him instead of Jesus (Revelation 13:3). Many will be forever lost
because of his lies (Matthew 7:14; 22:14).

Answer: Satan’s success rate is so astoundingly high that it is almost unbelievable. He deceived a third of God’s angels.
In Noah’s day, all but eight people on the earth were deceived. Before Jesus comes the second time, Satan will appear as
an angelic being, posing as Christ. His deceptive power will be so great that our only safety will be in refusing to go see
him (Matthew 24:23–26). If you refuse to listen to him, Jesus will protect you from Satan’s deceptions (John 10:29). (For
more on Jesus’ second coming, see Study Guide 8.)

12. When and where will the devil receive his punishment? What will that punishment be?

“So it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all
things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire” (Matthew 13:40–42).

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone” (Revelation 20:10).

“Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).

“I brought fire from your midst; it devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw
you. … You … shall be no more forever” (Ezekiel 28:18, 19).

At the end of the world, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire, which will turn him into ashes and end his existence.

At the end of the world, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire, which will turn him into ashes and end his existence.

Answer: The devil will be cast into sin-destroying fire on this very earth at the end of the world. God will deal with the
devil for his sin, for tempting others to sin, and for hurting and destroying the people God loves.

Note: It is not possible to adequately describe the anguish God will feel when Satan, His own creation, is cast into this
fire. How painful this will be not only for those cast into the fire, but for the One who created them in love to begin with.
(For more on hell, see Study Guide 11.)

13. What finally settles the horrible problem of sin? Will it ever rise up again?

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11; see also
Philippians 2:10, 11; Isaiah 45:23).

“Affliction will not rise up a second time” (Nahum 1:9).

Answer: Two crucial happenings will settle the sin problem:

First, all beings in heaven and earth, including the devil and his demons, will of their own free choice kneel before God
and openly confess that He is truthful, fair, and righteous. No questions will remain unanswered. All sinners will admit
that they are lost because of their refusal to accept God’s love and salvation. They will all confess that they deserve
eternal death.

Second, sin will be purged from the universe by the permanent destruction of all those who choose it: the devil, the
demons, and people who have followed them. God’s Word is clear on this point; sin will never again arise to harm His
creation or His people.

 Jesus made the destruction of sin possible.

14. Who makes the final, complete eradication of sin from the universe a certainty?

“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through
death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14).

Answer: Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made the eradication of sin a certainty.

15. How does God really feel about people?

“The Father Himself loves you” (John 16:27; see also John 3:16; 17:22, 23).

Answer: God the Father loves people as much as Jesus does. Jesus’ key aim in life was to demonstrate His Father’s
character so that people would know how loving, warm, and caring the Father really is (John 5:19).

Satan Misrepresents the Father

Satan misrepresents God as unfeeling, aloof, exacting, stern, and unapproachable. The devil even labels his own ugly,
calamitous violence as “acts of God.” Jesus came to wipe off this slander from His Father’s name and to demonstrate
that the heavenly Father loves us even more than a mother loves her child (Isaiah 49:15). Jesus’ favorite theme was
God’s patience, tenderness, and abundant mercy.

The Father Can Hardly Wait

For the sole purpose of making you happy, our heavenly Father has prepared a fabulous eternal home for you. Your
wildest dreams here on earth are no match for what He has waiting for you! He can hardly wait to welcome you. Let’s
get the word out! And let’s be ready, because it won’t be long now!
LESSON 2: God's Free Health Plan

Good medical care is priceless—but wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t need doctors anymore? Well, did you know there is
a proven way to put a lot of doctors out of work? … Take care of your body! Scientists have sounded the alarm about
cholesterol, tobacco, stress, obesity, and alcohol, so why press your luck? God truly cares how you treat your body, and
He’s given you a free health plan to go by—the Bible! For amazing facts about how you can have abundant health and
longer life, look over this Study Guide—but be sure to read it all before jumping to conclusion!

1. Are health principles really a part of true Bible religion?

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2).

Answer: Yes. The Bible rates health right near the top of the list in importance. A person’s mind, spiritual nature, and
body are all interrelated and interdependent. What affects one affects the others. If the body is misused, the mind and
the spiritual nature cannot become what God planned they should be—and you won’t be able to live an abundant life.
(See John 10:10.)

2. Why did God give health principles to His people?

"The Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might
preserve us alive” (Deuteronomy 6:24).

“You shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the
midst of you” (Exodus 23:25).

Answer: God gave health principles because He knows what is best for the human body. Automobile manufacturers
place an operation manual in the glove compartment of each new car because they know what is best for their creation.
God, who made our bodies, also has an “operations manual.” It is the Bible. Ignoring God’s “operations manual” often
results in disease, twisted thinking, and burned-out lives, just as abusing a car can result in serious car trouble. Following
God’s principles results in “saving health” (Psalm 67:2 KJV) and more abundant life (John 10:10). With our cooperation,
God can use these great health laws to significantly reduce and eliminate the effects of the diseases of Satan (Psalm
103:2, 3).

3. Do God’s health principles have anything to do with eating and drinking?

“Eat what is good” (Isaiah 55:2).

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Answer: Yes. A Christian will even eat and drink differently—all to the glory of God—choosing only “what is good.” If
God says a thing is not fit to eat, He must have a good reason. He is not a harsh dictator, but a loving Father. All His
counsel is for our good always. The Bible promises, “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly”
(Psalm 84:11). So if God withholds a thing from us, it is because it is not good for us.

Note: No person can eat his or her way into heaven. Only acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior can do that.
Ignoring God’s health laws, however, might cause a person to lose his good judgment and fall into sin, even to the point
of losing salvation.

4. What did God give people to eat when He created them in a perfect environment?

“God said, ‘See, I have given you every herb that yields seed … every tree whose fruit yields seed. … Of every tree of the
garden you may freely eat’ ” (Genesis 1:29; 2:16).

Answer: The diet God gave people in the beginning was fruit, grains, and nuts. Vegetables were added a little later
(Genesis 3:18).

5. What items are specifically mentioned by God as being unclean and forbidden?
Answer: In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, God points out the following food groups as being unclean. Read both
chapters in full.

A. All animals that do not both chew the cud and have a split hoof (Deuteronomy 14:6).

B. All fish and water creatures that do not have both fins and scales (Deuteronomy 14:9). Nearly all fish are clean.

C. All birds of prey, carrion eaters, and fish eaters (Leviticus 11:13–19).

D. Most “creeping things” (or invertebrates) (Leviticus 11:21–44).

Note: These chapters make it clear that most animals, birds, and water creatures people ordinarily eat are clean. There
are, however, some notable exceptions. According to God’s rules, the following animals are unclean and are not to be
eaten: cats, dogs, horses, camels, eagles, vultures, hogs, squirrels, rabbits, catfish, eels, lobsters, clams, crabs, shrimp,
oysters, frogs, and others.

6. If a person likes pork and eats it, will he really be destroyed at the second coming?

“Behold, the Lord will come with fire … and by His sword the Lord will judge all flesh; and the slain of the Lord shall be
many. Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves … eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse,
shall be consumed together” (Isaiah 66:15–17).

Answer: This may be shocking, but it is true and must be told. The Bible says that anyone who eats “swine’s flesh” and
other unclean things that are an “abomination” will be destroyed at the coming of the Lord. When God says to leave
something alone and not eat it, we should by all means obey Him. After all, the eating of forbidden fruit by Adam and
Eve brought sin and death to this world in the first place. Can anyone say it doesn’t matter? God says people will be
destroyed because they “chose that in which I do not delight” (Isaiah 66:4).

7. But didn’t this law of clean and unclean animals originate with Moses? Wasn’t it for the Jews only, and didn’t it end at
the cross?

“The Lord said to Noah, … ‘take with you seven each of every clean animal … two each of animals that are unclean’ ”
(Genesis 7:1, 2).

Answer: No on all points. Noah lived long before any Jews existed, but he knew of the clean and unclean animals,
because he took into the ark the clean ones by sevens and the unclean ones by twos. Revelation 18:2 refers to some
birds as being unclean just before the second coming of Christ. The death of Christ did not in any way affect or change
these health laws, since the Bible says that all who break them will be destroyed when Jesus returns (Isaiah 66:15–17).
The Jew’s digestive system in no way differs from the Gentile’s digestive system. These health laws are for all people for
all time.

 But didn’t Jesus cleanse all animals in Peter’s vision, as recorded in Acts 10?
No. The subject of this vision is not animals, but people. God gave Peter this vision to show him that the
Gentiles were not unclean, as the Jews believed. God had instructed Cornelius, a Gentile, to send men to visit
Peter. But Peter would have refused to see them if God had not given him this vision, because Jewish law
forbade entertaining Gentiles (verse 28). But when the men finally did arrive, Peter welcomed them; explaining
that ordinarily he would not have done so, and saying, “God has shown me that I should not call any man
common or unclean” (verse 28). In the next chapter (Acts 11), the church members criticized Peter for speaking
with these Gentiles. So Peter told them the whole story of his vision and its meaning. And Acts 11:18 says,
“When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, ‘Then God has also granted to
the Gentiles repentance to life.’ ”

8. Does the Bible say anything about the use of alcoholic beverages?

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
“Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites
like a serpent, and stings like a viper” (Proverbs 23:31, 32).

“Neither fornicators … nor drunkards … will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10).

Answer: Yes. The Bible strongly warns against the use of alcoholic beverages.

9. Does the Bible warn against the use of other harmful substances, such as tobacco?

Answer: Yes. The Bible gives six reasons why the use of harmful substances, such as tobacco, are displeasing to God:

A. The use of harmful substances injures health and defiles the body. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God
and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of
God is holy, which temple you are”

(1 Corinthians 3:16, 17).

B. Nicotine is an addictive substance that enslaves people. Romans 6:16 says that we become servants to whomever (or
whatever) we yield ourselves. Tobacco users are slaves to nicotine. Jesus said, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and
Him only you shall serve” (Matthew 4:10).

C. The tobacco habit is unclean. “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is
unclean, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Isn’t it preposterous to think of Christ using tobacco in any form?

D. The use of harmful substances wastes money. “Why do you spend money for what is not bread?” (Isaiah 55:2). We
are God’s stewards of the money given us, and “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

E. The use of harmful substances weakens our ability to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit. “Abstain from fleshly
lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). The use of harmful substances is a fleshly lust.

F. The use of harmful substances shortens life. Science has confirmed that the use of tobacco can dramatically shorten
life spans. This breaks God’s command against killing (Exodus 20:13). Even though it is slow murder, it is still murder.
One of the best ways to postpone your funeral is to quit using tobacco.

10. What are some of the simple yet important health laws found in the Bible?

Answer: Here are 11 Bible health principles:

A. Eat your meals at regular intervals, and do not use animal fat or blood. “Feast [eat] at the proper time” (Ecclesiastes
10:17). “This shall be a perpetual statute … you shall eat neither fat nor blood” (Leviticus 3:17).

Note: Science has confirmed that most heart attacks result from high cholesterol—and that the use of fats is largely
responsible for high levels of cholesterol. It looks like the Lord knows what He is talking about after all, doesn’t it?

B. Don’t overeat. “Put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite” (Proverbs 23:2). In Luke 21:34, Christ
specifically warned against “carousing” (intemperance) in the last days. Overeating, a form of intemperance, is
responsible for many degenerative diseases.

Lady holding a lap, the sun turned dark

C. Don't harbor envy or hold grudges. These kinds of sinful feelings actually disrupt body processes. The Bible says that
envy is “rottenness to the bones” (Proverbs 14:30). Christ even commanded us to clear up grudges that others might
hold against us (Matthew 5:23, 24).

D. Maintain a cheerful, happy disposition.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

“As he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

Many diseases from which people suffer are a result of depression. A cheerful, happy disposition imparts health and
prolongs life!

Lady holding a lap, the sun turned dark

E.Put full trust in the Lord. “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction” (Proverbs
19:23). Trust in the Lord strengthens health and life. “My son, give attention to my words … for they are life to those
who find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:20, 22). Health comes from obedience to God’s commands and
from putting full trust in Him.

Men sleeping and exercising

F. Balance work and exercise with sleep and rest. “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is
the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work” (Exodus 20:9, 10).

“The sleep of a laboring man is sweet” (Ecclesiastes 5:12).

“In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread” (Genesis 3:19).

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late” (Psalm 127:2). “For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of
his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? Even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity”
(Ecclesiastes 2:22, 23).

G. Keep your body clean. “Be clean” (Isaiah 52:11).

Lady holding a lap, the sun turned dark

H. Be temperate in all things.

“Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

“Let your gentleness be known to all men” (Philippians 4:5). A Christian should completely avoid things that are harmful
and be moderate in the use of things that are good. Habits that injure health break the command “You shall not murder”
by degrees. They are suicide on the installment plan.

Lady holding a lap, the sun turned dark

I. Avoid anything harmful to the body (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17). This might surprise you, but medical science confirms that
tea, coffee, and soft drinks that contain the drug caffeine and other harmful ingredients are damaging to the human
body. None of these contains food value except through the sugar or cream added, and most of us already use too much
sugar. Stimulants give a damaging, artificial boost to the body and are like trying to carry a ton in a wheelbarrow. The
popularity of these drinks is due not to flavor or advertising, but to the doses of caffeine and sugar they contain. Many
Americans are sickly because of their addiction to coffee, tea, and soft drinks. This delights the devil and damages
human lives.

J. Make mealtime a happy time.

“Every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God”

(Ecclesiastes 3:13). Unhappy scenes at mealtime hinder digestion. Avoid them.

K. Help those who are in need.

“Loose the bonds of wickedness … undo the heavy burdens … share your bread with the hungry, and … bring to your
house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked … cover him, and … your healing shall spring forth speedily”
(Isaiah 58:6–8). This is too plain to misunderstand: When we help the poor and needy, we improve our own health.
11. What solemn reminder is given to those who ignore God’s principles?

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Answer: Those who ignore God’s health principles will more likely reap broken bodies and burned-out lives, just as one
who abuses his automobile will likely have serious car trouble. And those who continue to break God’s laws of health
will ultimately be destroyed (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17). God’s health laws are not arbitrary—they are natural, established
laws of the universe, such as the law of gravity. Ignoring these laws can bring disastrous results! The Bible says, “A curse
without cause shall not [come]” (Proverbs 26:2). Trouble comes when we ignore the laws of health. God, in mercy, tells
us what these laws are so we may avoid the tragedies that result from breaking them.

12. What shocking truth about health involves our children and grandchildren?

“You shall not eat it, that it may go well with you and your children after you” (Deuteronomy 12:25).

“I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth
generations of those who hate Me” (Exodus 20:5).

Answer: God makes it plain that children and grandchildren (to the fourth generation) pay for the folly of parents who
ignore God’s health principles. The children and grandchildren inherit weakened, sickly bodies when their mothers and
fathers defy God’s rules for their lives. Wouldn’t you avoid anything else that might harm your precious children and
grandchildren?

13. What other sobering fact does God’s Word reveal?

“There shall by no means enter it [God’s kingdom of glory] anything that defiles” (Revelation 21:27).

“ ‘As for those whose hearts follow the desire for their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their
deeds on their own heads,’ says the Lord God” (Ezekiel 11:21).

Answer: Nothing defiling or unclean will be permitted in God’s kingdom. All filthy habits defile a person. Use of
improper food defiles a person (Daniel 1:8). It is sobering but true. Choosing their own ways and those things in which
God does not delight will end up costing people their eternal salvation (Isaiah 66:3, 4, 15–17).

14. What should every sincere Christian endeavor to do at once?

“Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

“Everyone who has this hope in Him [Christ] purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).

“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Answer: Sincere Christians will bring their lives into harmony with God’s health principles immediately because they
love Him. They know that His rules only add to their happiness and protect them from the devil’s diseases (Acts 10:38).
God’s counsel and rules are always for our good, just as good parents’ rules and counsel are best for their children. And
once we know better, God holds us accountable. “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin”
(James 4:17).

15. Some evil habits bind people so tightly. What can they do?

“As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Answer: You can take all of these habits to Christ and lay them at His feet. He will joyfully give you a new heart and the
power you need to break any sinful habit and become a son or daughter of God (Ezekiel 11:18, 19). How thrilling and
heartwarming it is to know that “with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). And Jesus said, “The one who comes to
Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). Jesus is ready to break the shackles that bind us. He longs to set us free and
He will, but only we will permit it. Our worries, bad habits, nervous tensions, and fears will be gone when we do His
bidding. “These things I have spoken to you … that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). The devil argues that freedom is
found in disobedience, but this is false! (John 8:44).

16. What thrilling promises are given about God’s new kingdom?

“The inhabitant will not say, ‘I am sick’ ” (Isaiah 33:24).

“There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain” (Revelation 21:4).

“They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah
40:31).

Answer: The citizens of God’s new kingdom will gladly follow His health principles, and there will be no sickness or
disease. They will be blessed with eternal vigor and youth and will live with God in supreme joy and happiness
throughout all eternity.

17. Isn’t it enough to just love the Lord and not concern ourselves with God’s laws of health?

But if you truly love the Lord, you will be eager to obey His health laws because that’s the way He has designed for you
to achieve optimal health, happiness, and purity. “He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him”
(Hebrews 5:9). Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). When we truly love the Lord, we
won’t try to dodge His health laws (or any other commandments) or make excuses. This attitude actually reveals the
true heart in the other things of God. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven,
but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
LESSON 4: The Lost Day of History

Did you know there is a very important day in the Bible that almost everyone has forgotten about? It’s astounding that
only a few people are aware of it, because it’s one of the most significant days in all of human history! It’s not only a day
in the past, but it also has meaning for us now and in the future. Furthermore, what happens on this neglected day can
have a positive effect on your life. Want to know more amazing facts about this lost day of history? Then read over this
Study Guide carefully.

 When Jesus was here on earth, He worshiped on the Sabbath.

1. On what day did Jesus customarily worship?

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the
sabbath day, and stood up for to read." Luke 4:16.

Answer: Jesus’ custom was to worship on the Sabbath.

2. But which day of history has been lost?

“The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:10).

“When the Sabbath was past … very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the
sun had risen” (Mark 16:1, 2).

Answer: A little detective work is necessary to answer this question. Many believe that the Sabbath is the first day of
the week, Sunday, but the Bible actually says that the Sabbath is the day that comes just before the first day of the week.
According to Scripture, the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week—that is, Saturday.

3. Where did the Sabbath come from?

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. … And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had
done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and
sanctified it” (Genesis 1:1; 2:2, 3).

Answer: God made the Sabbath at the time of Creation, when He made the world. He rested on the Sabbath and
blessed and sanctified it—that is, He set it apart for a holy use.

4. What does God say about the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments?

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the
Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant,
nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the
heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the
Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8–11).

“Then the Lord delivered to me two tablets of stone written with the finger of God” (Deuteronomy 9:10).

Answer: In the fourth of the Ten Commandments, God says we are to observe the seventh-day Sabbath as His holy day.
It seems God knew that people would be prone to forget His Sabbath, so He began this commandment with the word “

5. But haven’t the Ten Commandments been changed?

Exodus 20:1 says, “God spoke all these words, saying … [the Ten Commandments follow in verses 2–17].” God said, “My
covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips” (Psalm 89:34). Jesus said, “It is easier for
heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail” (Luke 16:17).

Answer: No, indeed! It is impossible for any of God’s moral law to change. All Ten Commandments are still binding
today. Just as the other nine commandments haven’t changed, neither has the fourth commandment.

6. Did the apostles keep the Sabbath on the seventh day?

“Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (Acts
17:2).

“Paul and his party … went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down” (Acts 13:13, 14).

“On the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and
spoke to the women who met there” (Acts 16:13).

“[Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4).

Answer: Yes. The book of Acts makes it clear that Paul and the early church kept the Sabbath.

7. Did the Gentiles also worship on the seventh-day Sabbath?

God said, “Blessed is the man … who keeps from defiling the Sabbath. … Also the sons of the foreigner who join
themselves to the Lord … everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and holds fast My covenant—even them I will
bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer … for My house shall be called a house of
prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:2, 6, 7, emphasis added).

The apostles taught it: “When the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be
preached to them the next Sabbath. … On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of
God” (Acts 13:42, 44, emphasis added).

“He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4, emphasis added)

Answer: The apostles in the early church not only obeyed God’s Sabbath command, but they also taught the converted
Gentiles to worship on Sabbath.

8. But wasn’t the Sabbath changed to Sunday?

Answer: No. There is no suggestion anywhere in the Scriptures that Jesus, His Father, or the apostles ever—at any time,
under any circumstance—changed the holy seventh-day Sabbath to any other day. Indeed, the Bible teaches the
opposite. Consider the evidence for yourself:

A. God blessed the Sabbath.

“The Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:11).

“God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it” (Genesis 2:3).

B. Christ expected His people to be still keeping the Sabbath in A.D. 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed.
Knowing full well that Jerusalem would be destroyed by Rome in A.D. 70, Jesus warned His followers of that time, saying,
"But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day." (Matthew 24:20, emphasis added). Jesus
made it clear that His people would be keeping the Sabbath even 40 years after His resurrection.

C. The women who came to anoint Christ’s dead body kept the Sabbath. " (Mark 15:37, 42), which is now called Good
Friday.

Jesus died on “the day before the Sabbath” (Mark 15:37, 42), which is often called “Good Friday.” The women prepared
spices and ointments to anoint His body, then “rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56).
Only “when the Sabbath was past” (Mark 16:1) did the women come “on the first day of the week” (Mark 16:2) to
continue their sad work. They then found Jesus “rose early on the first day of the week” (verse 9), commonly called
“Easter Sunday.” Please note that the Sabbath “according to the commandment” was the day preceding Easter Sunday,
which we now call Saturday.

D. Luke, the author of Acts, doesn’t refer to any change of the day of worship.

There’s no biblical record of a change. In the book of Acts, Luke says that he wrote his Gospel (the book of Luke) about
“all” of Jesus’ teachings (Acts 1:1–3). But he never wrote about a change of the Sabbath.

 Everybody in God's eternal kingdom will keep the Sabbath holy.

9. Some people say the Sabbath will be kept in God’s new earth. Is this correct?

“ ‘For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me,’ says the Lord, ‘So shall your
descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one
Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 66:22, 23).

Answer: Yes. The Bible says the saved people of all ages will keep the Sabbath in the new earth.

10. But isn’t Sunday the Lord’s Day?

“Call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord” (Isaiah 58:13).

“The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8).

Answer: The Bible speaks of the “Lord’s Day” in Revelation 1:10, so the Lord does have a special day. But no verse of
Scripture refers to Sunday as the Lord’s Day. Rather, the Bible plainly identifies the seventh-day Sabbath as the Lord’s
Day. The only day the Lord has ever blessed and claimed as His own is the seventh-day Sabbath.

 Jesus instituted baptism--not Sunday keeping--in honor of His resurrection.

11. Shouldn’t we keep Sunday holy in honor of Christ’s resurrection?

“Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we
were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly
we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body
of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (Romans 6:3–6).

Answer: No! The Bible never suggests keeping Sunday holy in honor of the resurrection or for any other reason. We
honor Christ by obeying His direct commandments (John 14:15)—not by substituting man-made traditions in place of His
eternal law.
12. Well, if Sunday-keeping isn’t in the Bible, whose idea was it?

“He … shall intend to change times and law” (Daniel 7:25). “You have made the commandment of God of no effect by
your tradition. … And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:6, 9).
“Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things. … Her prophets plastered them with untempered
mortar … saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken” (Ezekiel 22:26, 28).

Answer: About 300 years after Jesus’ resurrection, partly because of hatred against the Jews, misguided men suggested
that God’s holy day of worship be changed from Saturday to Sunday. God predicted it would happen, and it did. This
error was passed on to our unsuspecting generation as fact. However, Sunday-keeping is a tradition of mere men and
breaks God’s law, which commands Sabbath-keeping. Only God can make a day holy. God blessed the Sabbath, and
when God blesses, no man can “reverse it” (Numbers 23:20).

13. But isn’t it dangerous to tamper with God’s law?

“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the
Lord your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2). “Every word of God is pure. … Do not add to His words, lest
He rebuke you, and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:5, 6).

Answer: God has forbidden people to change His law, either by deletions or additions. Tampering with God’s law is one
of the most dangerous things a person can do, because God’s law is perfect and is designed to protect us from evil.

14. Why did God make the Sabbath anyway

A. Sign of Creation.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. … For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all
that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8,
11).

B. Sign of redemption and sanctification.

“I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that

I am the Lord who sanctifies them” (Ezekiel 20:12).

Answer: God gave the Sabbath as a twofold sign: (1) It is a sign that He created the world in six literal days, and (2) it is
also a sign of God’s mighty power to redeem and sanctify people. It is a natural response for the Christian to love the
seventh-day Sabbath as God’s precious sign of Creation and redemption (Exodus 31:13, 16, 17; Ezekiel 20:20). It is very
disrespectful to trample upon God’s Sabbath. In Isaiah 58:13, 14, God says all who would be blessed must get their feet
off His holy day

15. How important is keeping the Sabbath holy?

“Sin is lawlessness [transgression of the law]” (1 John 3:4).

“The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

“Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10).

“Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

“He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).
Answer: It is a matter of life and death. The Sabbath is protected and upheld by the fourth commandment of God’s law.
The deliberate breaking of any one of the Ten Commandments is sin. Christians will gladly follow Christ’s example of
Sabbath keeping.

16. How does God feel about religious leaders ignoring the Sabbath?

“Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and
unholy … and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. … Therefore I have
poured out My indignation on them” (Ezekiel 22:26, 31).

Answer: While there are some religious leaders who keep Sunday sacred because they don’t know any better, those
who deliberately do so profane what God has called holy. In hiding their eyes from God’s true Sabbath, many religious
leaders have caused others to profane it. Millions have been misled on this matter. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for
pretending to love God while making void one of the Ten Commandments by their tradition (Mark 7:7–13).

17. Does Sabbath keeping really affect people personally?

“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

“To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through
the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

“He [Jesus] said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath’ ” (Mark 2:27).

Answer: Yes! The Sabbath is a gift from God, who made it for you as a respite from the world! It’s natural that the
people who love Him would want to keep His Sabbath commandment. Indeed, love without commandment-keeping is
really not love at all (1 John 2:4). It’s a decision we all must make, and we cannot avoid it. The good news is that
choosing to keep the Sabbath will bless you profoundly!

On the Sabbath, you can feel free to cease—guilt-free!—your regular daily activities, such as work and shopping, and,
instead, spend time with the Creator of the universe. Worshiping God with other believers, spending time with family,
walking in nature, reading spiritually uplifting materials, and even visiting and encouraging the sick are all good ways to
keep the Sabbath holy. After the stress of six days of work, God has given you the gift of the Sabbath to rest from your
labors and to feed your soul. You can trust that He knows what’s best for you!
LESSON 5: Angel Messages from Space

Angels are real! Sometimes called cherubim or seraphim, these powerful ministering spirits appear all through Bible
history. Often they are seen protecting and guiding God’s people, and sometimes they are punishing evil. But one of
their most important missions is to reveal and explain prophecy. Did you know God has said something special through
His angels to the stressed-out people of our hectic world? In Revelation 14, He reveals awesome messages for these last
days, messages coded in the symbolism of three flying angels. So significant are these messages, Jesus won’t return until
they are all fulfilled! This Study Guide will give you an eye-opening overview, and the following eight Study Guides will
present the incredible details. Get ready—God’s personal message to you is about to be explained!

1. Why are we studying Revelation? Isn’t it sealed?

Answer: There are six crucial reasons to study Revelation:

A. It never has been sealed (Revelation 22:10). The age-long controversy between Christ and Satan, as well as the devil’s
last-day strategies, is exposed in Revelation. Satan cannot easily trap people who are aware of his deceptions in advance,
so he hopes people will believe that Revelation is sealed.

B. The very name “Revelation” means “unveiling,” “opening,” or “revealing”—the opposite of being sealed. It always has
been wide open.

C. Revelation is Jesus’ book in a unique way. It begins, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1). It even gives a
word picture of Him in Revelation 1:13–16. No other Bible book reveals Jesus and His last-day instructions and plans for
His work and His people as does Revelation.

D. Revelation is written primarily for and geared to the people of our day—just before Jesus’ return (Revelation 1:1–3;
3:11; 22:6, 7, 12, 20).

E. A special blessing is pronounced upon those who read Revelation and heed its counsel (Revelation 1:3; 22:7).

F. Revelation describes God’s end-time people (His church) with startling clarity. It makes the Bible come to life when
you see the last-day events depicted in Revelation taking place. It also tells precisely what God’s church should be
preaching in the last days (Revelation 14:6–14). This Guide gives an overview of that preaching so you can recognize it
when you hear it.

2. God commissioned His church to take the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). How does He symbolize this sacred work in Revelation?
“I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach. ... And another angel
followed, saying. ... Then a third angel followed them, saying ...” (Revelation 14:6, 8, 9).
Answer: The word “angel” literally means “messenger,” so it is fitting that God uses three angels to symbolize the
preaching of His three-point gospel message for the last days. God uses the symbolism of angels to remind us that
supernatural power will accompany the messages.

3. What two crucial points does Revelation14:6 reveal about God’s message for the last days?
“I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the
earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6).
Answer: The two crucial points are: (1) that it is the “everlasting gospel,” and (2) that it must be preached to every
person on earth. The three angels’ messages stress the gospel, which makes it plain that people are saved by faith in—
and acceptance of—Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:10–12; John 14:6). Since no other way to salvation exists, it is evil to claim
that there is some other way.

Satan's Counterfeits
Satan’s counterfeits, while many, include two very effective ones: (1) salvation by works, and (2) salvation in sin. These
two counterfeits are uncovered and revealed in the three angels’ messages. Many, without realizing it, have embraced
one of these two errors and are trying to build their salvation upon it—an impossible feat. We also must stress that no
one is truly preaching the gospel of Jesus for the end time who does not include the three angels’ messages.

4. What four distinctive points does the first angel’s message cover?
“Saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who
made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water’ ” (Revelation 14:7).
Answer: A. Fear God. This means we should revere God and look upon Him with love, trust, and respect—eager to do
His bidding. This keeps us from evil. “By the fear of the Lord one departs from evil” (Proverbs 16:6). Solomon, the wise
man, also said, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all [whole duty]” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

B. Give glory to God. We fulfill this command when we praise, thank, and obey God for His goodness to us. One of the
major sins of the last days is unthankfulness (2 Timothy 3:1, 2).

C. The hour of His judgment is come. This indicates that everyone is accountable to God, and it is a clear statement that
the judgment is now in session. A number of translations say “has” come instead of “is” come. (Full details of this
judgment are given in Study Guides 18 and 19.)

D. Worship the Creator. This command rejects idolatry of all kinds—including self-worship—and repudiates the theory of
evolution, which denies that God is Creator and Redeemer. (Many books and talk shows stress self-esteem, which can
lead to self-worship. Christians find their value in Christ, who makes us sons and daughters of God.)

The gospel includes the creation and redemption of the world by the Lord God. Worshiping the Creator includes
worshiping Him on the day He set aside as a memorial of Creation (the seventh-day Sabbath). That Revelation 14:7
refers to the seventh-day Sabbath is made clear by the fact that the words “made heaven and earth, the sea” were lifted
right out of the Sabbath commandment (Exodus 20:11 KJV) and used here. (See Study Guide 7 for more information on
the Sabbath.) Our roots are found in God alone, who made us in His image in the beginning. Those who do not worship
God as Creator—no matter what else they might worship—will never discover their roots.

5. What solemn statement does the second angel make about Babylon? What does the angel of Revelation 18 urge God’s people to do?
“Another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen’ ” (Revelation 14:8).
“I saw another angel coming down from heaven. ... And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is
fallen.’ ... And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people’ ” (Revelation 18:1, 2, 4).
Answer: The second angel states that “Babylon is fallen,” and the voice from heaven urges all of God’s people to come
out of Babylon at once so they will not be destroyed along with it. Unless you know what Babylon is, you could easily
end up staying in it. Think about it—you could be in Babylon now! (Study Guide 20 gives a clear presentation of Babylon.)

6. Against what does the third angel’s message solemnly warn?

“A third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his
mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God’ ” (Revelation 14:9, 10).
Answer: The third angel’s message warns people against worshiping the beast and his image and receiving the mark of
the beast in their forehead or hand. The first angel commands true worship. The third angel tells of the tragic
consequences connected with false worship. Do you know for certain who the beast is? And what his mark is? Unless
you know, you could end up worshiping the beast without realizing it. (Study Guide 20 provides full details regarding the
beast and his mark. Study Guide 21 explains his image.)

7. What four-point description does God give in Revelation 14:12 of His people who accept and follow the three angels’ messages?
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus”
(Revelation 14:12).

Answer:
A. They are patient, persevering, and faithful to the end. God’s people reveal Him by their patient, loving conduct and by
their faithfulness to holiness in their lives.
B. They are saints, or “holy ones,” because they are fully on God’s side.

C. They keep the commandments of God. These faithful people happily obey His Ten Commandments and all other
commandments He has given. Their first aim is to please Him, whom they love (1 John 3:22). (Study Guide 6 gives more
information on the Ten Commandments.)

D. They have the faith of Jesus. This also can be translated “faith in Jesus.” In either case, God’s people fully follow Jesus
and fully trust Him.

When all have heard Jesus' end-time message, He will return to earth to take His people with Him to heaven.

8. What happens immediately following the teaching of the three angels’ messages to all people?
“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden
crown” (Revelation 14:14).
Answer: Immediately after the teaching of the three angels’ messages to every person, Jesus will return in the clouds to
take His people to their heavenly home. At His appearing, the great 1,000-year blackout of Revelation chapter 20 will
begin. (Study Guide 12 tells about these 1,000 years. Study Guide 8 gives the details of Jesus’ second coming.)

9. In 2 Peter 1:12, the apostle speaks of “present truth.” What does he mean?

The special emphasis of Noah’s “present truth” was a coming flood

Answer: Present truth is an aspect of the everlasting gospel that has particular urgency for a certain time. Examples are:

A. Noah’s message of the Flood (Genesis 6 and 7; 2 Peter 2:5). Noah was a preacher of righteousness. He taught God’s
love as he warned of a coming flood that would destroy the world. The Flood message was “present truth” for that time.
Its urgent cry was “get into the boat.” And it was so important that it would have been irresponsible not to preach it.

B. Jonah’s message to Nineveh (Jonah 3:4) Jonah’s “present truth” was that Nineveh would be destroyed in 40 days.
Jonah also uplifted the Savior, and the city repented. To omit the 40-day warning would have been unfaithful. It was
present truth. It fitted that time in a special way.

C. John the Baptist’s message (Matthew 3:1–3; Luke 1:17). John’s “present truth” was that Jesus, the Messiah, was
about to appear. His work was to present the gospel and prepare people for Jesus’ first coming. To have omitted that
first coming element of the gospel for his day would have been unthinkable.

D. The three angels’ messages (Revelation 14:6–14). God’s “present truth” for today is contained in the three angels’
messages. Of course, salvation through Jesus Christ alone is central to these messages. However, the “present truth” of
the three angels also has been given to prepare
people for Jesus’ second coming and to open their eyes to Satan’s highly convincing deceptions.
Unless people understand these messages, Satan could capture and destroy them. Jesus knew we
needed these three special messages, so in lovingkindness He has given them. They must not be
omitted. Please pray earnestly as you examine them point by point in the next eight Study Guides.

Some of your discoveries might be shocking. But all will be satisfying. Your heart will be tremendously stirred. You will
sense Jesus speaking to you! After all, they are His messages.

10. Who does the Bible say will come to give a “present truth” message before the great day of the Lord?
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5).
Answer: Elijah the prophet. There is something significant about Elijah and his message, as we shall see in the next few
questions.

11. What did Elijah do that caused the Lord to focus on him?
Note: Please read 1 Kings 18:17–40.
Answer: Elijah urged the people to make up their minds about whom they would serve (verse 21). The nation was
almost wholly idolatrous. Most had forsaken the true God and His commandments. There was one prophet of God,
Elijah, and 450 heathen prophets of Baal (verse 22). Elijah suggested that both he and the idolaters build altars and place
wood and a bull on them. He then suggested they ask the true God to reveal Himself by setting fire to His altar. The
heathen god did not answer, but the true God of Elijah sent fire from heaven and burned up Elijah’s sacrifice.

The Message Demanded a Decision

Elijah’s message came at a time of deep spiritual crisis and national apostasy. It came with such power from heaven that
it stopped “business as usual” and drew national attention. Elijah then insisted that people decide whom they would
serve, God or Baal. Deeply moved and fully convinced, the people chose God (verse 39).

John the Baptist presented the “Elijah” message of his day. Those who preach Revelation 14:6–14 have the Elijah
message for today.

12. The Elijah message has a twofold application. It was a “present truth” message to prepare people for Jesus’ first advent and a “present truth”
message to prepare people for His second coming. Who did Jesus say preached the Elijah message to prepare people for His first advent?
“There has not risen one greater than John the Baptist. ... And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come”
(Matthew 11:11, 14).
Answer: Jesus called John’s preaching to prepare people for His first advent “Elijah,” or the Elijah message. John’s
message, as in Elijah’s day, made truth very clear and then insisted on a decision. The Bible says of John the Baptist, “He
will ... go ... in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).

13. How do we know the prophecy has a second application to our time–just before the second advent?
“I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5).
“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of
the Lord” (Joel 2:31).
Answer: Please take note that two events will occur before the coming of “the great and awesome day of the Lord”
mentioned in Joel 2:31—one, the coming of the Elijah message, and two, the tremendous signs in the heavens. This
helps us locate both events. The dark day occurred May 19, 1780. That same night, the moon appeared as blood.
Matthew 24:29 includes one more sign—the falling of the stars, which took place November 13, 1833. From this, we
know the end-time Elijah message must begin near or after 1833—before the coming of the great day of the Lord.

Second Elijah Message After Sky Signs

It is clear that John’s “Elijah message” does not apply to the second “Elijah message” because God’s great sky signs
appeared more than 1,700 years after John preached his message. The Elijah message of Joel 2:31 had to begin after
those sky signs in 1833 and must prepare people for Jesus’ second coming. The threefold “present truth” message of
Revelation 14:6–14 fits perfectly. It began around 1844 and is preparing people worldwide for Jesus’ second advent
(verse 14), which will take place after the threefold message has reached every person on earth. (Details on the 1844
date are given in Study Guides 18 and 19.)

The Message Demands a Decision

Elijah insisted evil be met head-on and that all decide whom they would serve. So it is also with God’s threefold message
for us today. A decision must be made. God’s threefold message unmasks Satan and his plans. It reveals God’s love and
His requirements. God is calling people today back to true worship—worship of God alone. To knowingly serve anyone
or anything else in this crucial day amounts to disloyalty and will result in eternal death. God miraculously reached
hearts in Elijah’s day (1 Kings 18:37, 39) and in the days of John the Baptist. He will do the same in these last days as
people respond to the three angels’ messages (Revelation 18:1–4).

God’s final Elijah message will bring families together in joy, love, and happiness.
14. What wonderful blessing will the preaching of the Elijah message (the three angels’ messages) bring?
“Elijah ... will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:5,
6).
Answer: Praise God! The Elijah message—or three angels’ messages—will bring family members together in a loving,
close, joyous, heavenly relationship. What a blessed promise!

15. The word “gospel” means good news. Do the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 provide good news?
Answer: Yes! Let’s review the good news we have discovered in this overview of the three angels’ messages:

A. Every person will have an opportunity to hear and understand the last-day gospel. Not one will be passed by.

B. The devil’s powerful plans to trap and destroy people will be revealed to us, so we need not be ensnared.

C. Heaven’s power will accompany the spreading of God’s message in these last days.

D. God’s people will be patient. He calls them “saints.”

E. God’s people will have the faith of Jesus.

F. God’s people will, out of love, obey His commandments

G. God loves us so much that He has sent special messages to prepare us for Jesus’ second coming.

H. God’s messages for these last days will bring family members together in love and unity.

I. The major emphasis of the three angels’ messages is that salvation has been provided for everyone through Jesus
Christ. He gives His righteousness to cover our past and miraculously imparts His righteousness to us daily so we will
grow in grace and become like Him. With Him, we cannot fail. Without Him, we cannot succeed.

A Further Word
Points of the three angels’ messages that will be explained in upcoming Study Guides are:

A. God’s judgment hour has arrived!

B. Come out of fallen Babylon.

C. Don’t receive the mark of the beast.

Much more good news will be revealed as you prayerfully study these subjects in future Study Guides. You will be
surprised and gladdened at some things, shocked and saddened at others. Some points might be hard to accept. But
since Jesus sent special messages from heaven to help and guide each one of us in these last days, surely nothing could
be more important than to hear each message, to understand each one fully, and follow each one fully.