Chapter 104.
The Powers that be
1. WHO should be subject to civil government?
"Let ______________ be subject unto the higher powers. For
there is no power but of God." Rom. 13:1.
2. By whom are the powers that be ordained?
"The powers that be are ordained of ___________." Same verse.
3. What does one resist, who resists civil authority?
"Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth _________________: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." Verse 2.
NOTE.-"That is, they who rise up against government itself, who seek anarchy and confusion, who oppose the regular execution of the laws. It is implied, however, that those laws shall not be such as violate the rights of conscience or oppose the law of God."- Dr. Albert Barnes, on Rom. 13:2.
4. What do the Scriptures indicate as the proper sphere and legitimate work of civil authority?
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the ________. . . . If thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a ______________________________." Verses 3, 4.
5. For whom is law made?
"Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but ________________." 1 Tim. 1:9.
6. How are Christians admonished to respect civil authority?
"Put them in mind to be _________________________________________." Titus 3:1. " Submit yourselves to _______________________ for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. . . . Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." 1 Peter 2:13-17. "For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. ________________________________________________." Rom. 13:6,7.
7. In what words does Christ show that there is another realm outside of Caesar's, or civil government?
"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; _________________." Matt. 22:21.
8. To whom alone did He say worship is to be rendered?
"Thou shalt worship ___________________________________." Matt. 4:10.
9. What decree did King Nebuchadnezzar once make respecting worship?
"To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ____________________________ that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up. And whoso falleth not down and worshipeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace."' Dan. 3:4-6.
NOTE.-This decree was in direct conflict with the second commandment of God's law, which forbids making, bowing down to, and serving images. It was religious, idolatrous, and persecuting in character.
10. What answer did the three Hebrew captives, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, return when asked by the king why they had not fallen down and worshiped the golden image, as he had commanded?
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar , we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that ___________________________________________________." Verses 16-18.
11. What did Nebuchadnezzar then do?
"Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: . . . and he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army; to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and _______________________________________." Verses 19, 20.
12. After their miraculous deliverance, what did Nebuchadnezzar say?
"Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, ________________________________." Verse 28.
NOTE.-By preserving these men in the fire, and thus changing the king's word, God was demonstrating before all the world, through this greatest of then-existing earthly kingdoms, that with the question of religion civil governments can of right have nothing whatsoever to do; that religion is a realm outside the legitimate sphere of civil authority; and that every individual should be left free to worship, or not to worship, according: to the dictates of his own conscience. The lesson to be learned from this is that, although ordained of God, civil governments are not ordained to direct or oppress men in religious matters.
13. How only did the envious princes and rulers under King Darius conclude that they could effect the downfall of Daniel?
"Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him ________________________." Dan. 6:5.
14. To this end, what decree did they prevail upon the king to make and sign?
"That whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, _____________________, he shall be cast into the den of lions." Verse 7.
NOTE.-Unlike the decree of Nebuchadnezzar, this decree forbade the worship of the true God, and was therefore in direct conflict with the first commandment, which forbids the worship of any other than the true God. Like it, however, it was religious and persecuting in character.
15. How did Daniel regard this decree?
"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, ______________________." Verse 10.
16. What was finally done with Daniel?
"Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and _________________." Verse 16.
17. What did Darius say to Daniel the next morning when he came to the lions' den?
"The king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, _____________________________________?" Verse 20.
18. What was Daniel's reply?
"Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. ___________________ ______________________________." Verses 21, 22.
NOTE.-Here again was demonstrated by a most remarkable miracle, wrought in the face of the greatest nation then in existence, that with the directing, prescribing, proscribing, or interfering with religion or its free exercise, civil governments can of right have nothing whatever to do; that religion is an individual matter, and should be left to the dictates of each one s own conscience.
19. Before leaving His disciples, what command did Christ give them?
"________________________________________________________." Mark 16:15.
20. What counter-command did the Jewish Sanhedrin soon afterward give them?
"And they called them, and ____________________________________." Acts 4:18.
21. What reply did Peter and John make?
"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, ___________________________. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." Verses 19, 20.
22. For continuing to preach Jesus, what did the Jewish rulers do to the apostles?
"Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, and __________________________." Acts 5:17,18.
23. What did an angel of God then do?
"But the angel of the Lord by night _________________________________, and said, ________________________________________________." Verses 19, 20.
NOTE.-Here once again is demonstrated the fact that men have no right to interfere with the free exercise of religion, and that when the laws of men conflict with the law and Word of God, we are to obey the latter, whatever the consequences may be. God Himself has set the seal of His approval to such a course. John Bunyan was imprisoned for twelve years for daring to preach the gospel contrary to law.
24. Upon the apostles being called before the council again, what question did the high priest ask them?
"_______________________________________? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." Verse 28.
25. What reply did the apostles make?
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, _______________________." Verse 29.
NOTE.-"Obedience is to be rendered to all human governments in subordination to the will of God. These governments are a recognized necessity, in the nature of the case, and their existence is manifestly in accordance with the divine will. Hence the presumption is always in favor of the authority of civil law, and any refusal to obey must be based on the moral proof that obedience will be sin. . . . It is still true that obedience to human law often involves sin against God and man. There are cases so clear that no one can question the duty to refuse obedience. In all times and in all lands such cases have arisen." "It is too obvious to need discussion, that the law of God, the great principle of benevolence, is supreme, and that 'we ought to obey God rather than men' in any case of conflict between human law and the divine."- "Moral Philosophy," by James H. Fairchild, pages 178-181.
26. Who is higher than the "higher powers"?
"If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for _____________________ regardeth; and ________________________." Eccl. 5:8.
NOTE.-In attempting to defend the right of civil government to enforce religious observances by law, some still ask, "Shall we not obey the powers that be?" We answer, "Yes, when they are in harmony with the higher powers that be. God made His law for all the universe. He created man;. He gives the bounteous provisions of nature, and holds our breath and life In His hand. He is to be recognized, His law honored, before all the great men and the highest earthly powers."
27. Because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman in accordance with the command of King Ahasuerus (Esther 3:1-6), what decree did Haman succeed in having the king issue and send to every province throughout the Persian Empire?
"And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, ______________ _________________________, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day." Esther 3:13,14.
NOTES.-By an overruling of Providence the carrying out of this terrible decree was averted, and Haman was hanged on the very gallows which he had erected for the execution of Mordecai. See Esther 7:9,10.
God has placed the sword (civil authority) in the hands of Caesar (civil government) for the punishment of evil-doers; but when the sword is raised to slay the innocent, as in the case of the children of Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16) ; or to enforce idolatrous worship, as in the case of the three Hebrews (Daniel 3); or to prohibit the worship of the true God, as in the case of Daniel (Daniel 6); or to slay all of God's people, as in the time of Esther; or to enforce the observance of a false sabbath, as in the case of all Sunday laws, it is an abuse of civil authority, and not a proper or justifiable use of it; and God honors those who, under such circumstances, in the face of persecution, oppression, and death, remain loyal and true to Him.
"Government is never the gainer in the execution of a law that is manifestly unjust. . . . Conscientious men are not the enemies, but the friends, of any government but a tyranny. They are its strength, and not its weakness. Daniel, in Babylon, praying contrary to the law, was the true friend and supporter of the government; 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.
"But it is objected that the example is corrupting,- that a bad man will violate a good law, because the good man refuses to obey a wicked law. The cases are just as unlike as right and wrong and any attempt to justify the one by the other is gross dishonesty. Unquestionably, the principle can be abused by the wicked, and so can any truth whatever; but the principle of unquestioning obedience to human law is false, and needs no perversion to make it mischievous. . . .
"It should always be remembered that the great end of government is human well-being, that law and authority are nothing in themselves, and that all their sacredness arises from the uses which they serve. The machinery of government is valuable only for the work it does; in itself, it has no value. . . . The most grievous of all imperfections in government is the failure to secure the just and good result. . . . Injustice and oppression are not made tolerable by being in strict accordance with the law. Nothing is surer, in the end, than the reaction of such wrong to break down the most perfectly constituted government."- "Moral Philosophy," by James H. Fairchild, pages 184-186.
God is above all earthly rulers, and His law above all human laws. He made us, and we therefore owe allegiance to Him before any earthly power, potentate, or tribunal. And this is saying nothing in disparagement of civil authority exercised in its rightful domain- civil things.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
BIBLE STUDY: CHAP.103 -- THE AUTHOR OF LIBERTY
Chapter 103.
The Author of Liberty
1. HOW is the bondage of Israel in Egypt described?
"And the children of Israel ________________ by reason of the bondage, and they ________________, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage." Ex. 2:23. Compare with James 5:1-4.
2. Who heard their groaning?
"__________ heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob." Verse 24.
3. What did God say to Moses?
"Now therefore, behold, __________________________: and ________________ ____________________. Come now therefore, ________________________, that thou mayest ________________________________." Ex. 3:9,10.
4. In giving Israel His law, how did God describe Himself?
"I am the Lord thy God, which have _______________________________." Ex. 20:2.
5. What provision did God make against slavery and oppression in Israel?
"And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then ___________________________ from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, ___________________________: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy wine-press: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. And ___________________________________, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing today." Deut. 15:12-15. "__________________: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." Ex. 22:21. See 2 Cor. 1:3,4.
6. What was one reason assigned why Israel should keep the Sabbath?
"And remember _____________________________, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm: ______________________________________." Deut. 5:15.
NOTE.-This would suggest the idea that in their servitude and oppression in Egypt they had had difficulty regarding the observance of the Sabbath, which is a fact. From the accusation brought against Moses and Aaron by Pharaoh, as recorded in Ex. 5:5,- "Ye make them rest [Heb., Shabbath] from their burdens,"- it is plain that the Sabbath had been denied them, that they had been required to work on the Sabbath, and that Moses and Aaron were teaching them to keep it. Where individual rights and religious liberty are recognized, Sabbath observance is neither denied nor required by civil law.
7. What proclamation was to be made throughout the land of Israel every fifty years?
"And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and ________________________________: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family." Lev. 25:10.
8. Because Israel failed to do this, became oppressive, and disregarded and misused the Sabbath, what did God do?
"Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not harkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the _____________, to the ____________, and to the ____________; and _______________________________." Jer. 34:17. See also Jer. 17:24-27; 2 Chron. 36:19-21.
9. What fault did God find with the way in which Israel came to celebrate her fasts and seasons of worship?
"Behold, in the day of your fast ye ______________________, and ____________. Behold, ye fast for _______and _________, and __________________." Isa. 58:3,4.
10. What does God set forth as the acceptable fast to Him?
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to _________________________________, and that ye _______________? Is it not to _____________________, and that thou _________________________? when thou seest the naked, that thou ____________; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" Verses 6, 7.
NOTE.-All this shows that God loves liberty, and hates bondage and oppression.
11. What was Christ's mission to this world?
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to ___________ the broken-hearted, to _________________ to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to ___________________________them that are bruised." Luke 4:18.
NOTE.-The Gospels show that a large part of Christ's time even on the Sabbath was devoted to relieving the oppressed and distressed.
12. In what condition are those who commit sin? "Whosoever committeth sin is _________________________." John
8:34.
13. Why was Christ's name to be called Jesus?
"And thou shalt call His name Jesus: __________________________." Matt. 1:21.
14. What lies at the root of all sin?
"When _____________ hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin." James 1:15. " I had not known ________, except the law had said, Thou shalt not __________." Rom. 7:7.
NOTE.-Lust, covetousness, and unlawful desire are only different names for selfishness. Selfishness lies at the root of all sin; and selfishness is simply the love of self to the disregard of the equal rights of others.
15. By what scripture is the equality of rights clearly shown?
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as ___________." Lev. 19:18.
16. What rule of conduct has Christ laid down in harmony with this command?
"Whatsoever _________________________________________." Matt. 7:12.
NOTE.-Selfishness, then, must be uprooted from men's hearts before they will recognize the equal rights of their fellow men.
17. Who alone can cleanse men's hearts from selfishness?
"Neither __________________________________________." Acts 4:12. See also 1 John 1:9.
18. Who alone, then, can give men real freedom?
"_______________ therefore shall make you free, ye shall be ___________." John 8:36.
19. What was Christ's attitude toward unbelievers?
"If any man hear My words, and believe not, I ________________________: for I came not to _____________the world, but to ___________ the world." John 12:47.
20. What spirit did Christ say should control His disciples?
"But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye
know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise ____________ over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But ______________: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your ____________: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be ______________. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:42-45.
21. What is present where the Spirit of the Lord is?
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is ________." 2 Cor. 3:17.
22. What kind of worship only is acceptable to God?
"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father _____________________: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:23,24.
________________________________________
FREEDOM and reason make brave men;
Take these away, what are they then?-
Mere groveling brutes, and just as well
The beasts may think of heaven or hell.
Know, then, that every soul is free
To choose his life, and what he'll be;
For this eternal truth is given:
That God will force no man to heaven.
He'll call, persuade direct him right,
Bless him with wisdom, love, and light,
In nameless ways be good and kind,
But never force the human mind.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
The Author of Liberty
1. HOW is the bondage of Israel in Egypt described?
"And the children of Israel ________________ by reason of the bondage, and they ________________, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage." Ex. 2:23. Compare with James 5:1-4.
2. Who heard their groaning?
"__________ heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob." Verse 24.
3. What did God say to Moses?
"Now therefore, behold, __________________________: and ________________ ____________________. Come now therefore, ________________________, that thou mayest ________________________________." Ex. 3:9,10.
4. In giving Israel His law, how did God describe Himself?
"I am the Lord thy God, which have _______________________________." Ex. 20:2.
5. What provision did God make against slavery and oppression in Israel?
"And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then ___________________________ from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, ___________________________: thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy wine-press: of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him. And ___________________________________, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing today." Deut. 15:12-15. "__________________: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." Ex. 22:21. See 2 Cor. 1:3,4.
6. What was one reason assigned why Israel should keep the Sabbath?
"And remember _____________________________, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm: ______________________________________." Deut. 5:15.
NOTE.-This would suggest the idea that in their servitude and oppression in Egypt they had had difficulty regarding the observance of the Sabbath, which is a fact. From the accusation brought against Moses and Aaron by Pharaoh, as recorded in Ex. 5:5,- "Ye make them rest [Heb., Shabbath] from their burdens,"- it is plain that the Sabbath had been denied them, that they had been required to work on the Sabbath, and that Moses and Aaron were teaching them to keep it. Where individual rights and religious liberty are recognized, Sabbath observance is neither denied nor required by civil law.
7. What proclamation was to be made throughout the land of Israel every fifty years?
"And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and ________________________________: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family." Lev. 25:10.
8. Because Israel failed to do this, became oppressive, and disregarded and misused the Sabbath, what did God do?
"Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not harkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the _____________, to the ____________, and to the ____________; and _______________________________." Jer. 34:17. See also Jer. 17:24-27; 2 Chron. 36:19-21.
9. What fault did God find with the way in which Israel came to celebrate her fasts and seasons of worship?
"Behold, in the day of your fast ye ______________________, and ____________. Behold, ye fast for _______and _________, and __________________." Isa. 58:3,4.
10. What does God set forth as the acceptable fast to Him?
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to _________________________________, and that ye _______________? Is it not to _____________________, and that thou _________________________? when thou seest the naked, that thou ____________; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" Verses 6, 7.
NOTE.-All this shows that God loves liberty, and hates bondage and oppression.
11. What was Christ's mission to this world?
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to ___________ the broken-hearted, to _________________ to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to ___________________________them that are bruised." Luke 4:18.
NOTE.-The Gospels show that a large part of Christ's time even on the Sabbath was devoted to relieving the oppressed and distressed.
12. In what condition are those who commit sin? "Whosoever committeth sin is _________________________." John
8:34.
13. Why was Christ's name to be called Jesus?
"And thou shalt call His name Jesus: __________________________." Matt. 1:21.
14. What lies at the root of all sin?
"When _____________ hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin." James 1:15. " I had not known ________, except the law had said, Thou shalt not __________." Rom. 7:7.
NOTE.-Lust, covetousness, and unlawful desire are only different names for selfishness. Selfishness lies at the root of all sin; and selfishness is simply the love of self to the disregard of the equal rights of others.
15. By what scripture is the equality of rights clearly shown?
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as ___________." Lev. 19:18.
16. What rule of conduct has Christ laid down in harmony with this command?
"Whatsoever _________________________________________." Matt. 7:12.
NOTE.-Selfishness, then, must be uprooted from men's hearts before they will recognize the equal rights of their fellow men.
17. Who alone can cleanse men's hearts from selfishness?
"Neither __________________________________________." Acts 4:12. See also 1 John 1:9.
18. Who alone, then, can give men real freedom?
"_______________ therefore shall make you free, ye shall be ___________." John 8:36.
19. What was Christ's attitude toward unbelievers?
"If any man hear My words, and believe not, I ________________________: for I came not to _____________the world, but to ___________ the world." John 12:47.
20. What spirit did Christ say should control His disciples?
"But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye
know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise ____________ over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But ______________: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your ____________: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be ______________. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:42-45.
21. What is present where the Spirit of the Lord is?
"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is ________." 2 Cor. 3:17.
22. What kind of worship only is acceptable to God?
"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father _____________________: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:23,24.
________________________________________
FREEDOM and reason make brave men;
Take these away, what are they then?-
Mere groveling brutes, and just as well
The beasts may think of heaven or hell.
Know, then, that every soul is free
To choose his life, and what he'll be;
For this eternal truth is given:
That God will force no man to heaven.
He'll call, persuade direct him right,
Bless him with wisdom, love, and light,
In nameless ways be good and kind,
But never force the human mind.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
BIBLE STUDY: CHAP.81 -- THE LAW OF GOD
Chapter 81.
The Law of God
The Law of God
I
Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
II
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments.
III
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.
IV
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates : for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
V
Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
VI
Thou shalt not kill.
VII
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII
Thou shalt not steal.
IX
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
X
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's.
1. WHEN God brought His people out of Egypt, how did He republish His law?
"And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And ____________________ ___________________." Deut. 4:12,13. See also Neh. 9:13,14.
2. Where are the ten commandments recorded?
In Ex. 20:2-17.
3. How comprehensive are these commandments?
"Fear God, and keep His commandments: ______________________." Eccl. 12:13.
4. What inspired tribute is paid to the law of God?
"______________________, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is _____, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are __________, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is __________, enlightening the eyes." Ps. 19:7,8.
5. What blessing does the psalmist say attends the keeping of God's commandments?
"Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and _____________________-." Verse 11.
6. What did Christ state as a condition of entering into life?
"If thou wilt enter into life, _________________________." Matt. 19:17.
7. Can man of himself, unaided by Christ, keep the law?
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for ____________________." John 15:5. See also Rom. 7:14-19.
8. What provision has been made so that we may keep God's law?
"For ___________________________________________________." Rom. 8:3,4.
9. What is the nature of God's law?
"For we know that ______________________: but I am carnal, sold under sin." Rom. 7:14.
NOTE.-In His comments on the sixth and seventh commandments, recorded in Matt. 5:21-28, Christ demonstrated the spiritual nature of the law, showing that it relates not merely to outward actions, but that it reaches to the thoughts and intents of the heart. See also Heb. 4:12. The tenth commandment forbids lust, or all unlawful desire. Rom. 7:7. Obedience to this law, therefore, requires not merely an outward compliance, but genuine heart service. This can be rendered only by a regenerated soul.
10. How is the law further described?
"Wherefore the law _________, and the commandment __________, and ______, and __________." Verse 12.
11. What is revealed in God's law?
"And knowest ____[God's] _____, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law." Rom. 2:18.
12. When Christ came to this earth, what was His attitude toward God's will, or law?
"Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me, _____________________________________." Ps. 40:7,8. See Heb. 10:5,7.
13. Who did He say would enter the kingdom of heaven?
"Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but __________________________________." Matt. 7:21.
14. What did He say of those who should break one of God's commandments, or should teach men to do so?
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, ________________________________." Matt. 5:19, first part.
15. Who did He say would be called great in the kingdom?
"But _________________________, the same shall be called great in the kingdom." Same verse, last part.
16. How did Christ estimate the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ____________________________." Verse 20.
17. For what did Christ reprove the Pharisees?
"But He answered and said unto them, ____________________________?" Matt. 15:3.
18. How had they done this?
"For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother. . . . But ye say, ________________________________, . . . and honor _____________________ __________________-." Verses 4-6.
19. In consequence of this, what value did Christ place upon their worship?
"But _____________________, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Verse 9.
20. What is sin declared to be?
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for ____________________." 1 John 3:4.
21. By what is the knowledge of sin?
"For _______________________________." Rom. 3:20. See Rom. 7:7.
22. How many of the commandments is it necessary to break in order to become a transgressor of the law?
"For __________________________________________. For He that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, and yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law." James 2:10,11.
NOTE.-This shows that the ten commandments are a complete whole, and together constitute but one law. Like a chain of ten links, all are inseparably connected together. If one link is broken, the chain is broken.
23. How may we be freed from the guilt of our sins, or our transgressions of God's law?
"_____________________, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
24. Why are we admonished to fear God and keep His commandments?
"Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. ___________________________________, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Eccl. 12:13,14.
25. What will be the standard in the judgment?
"So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be _________________________." James 2:12.
26. What is said of those who love God's law?
"___________________________: and nothing shall offend them." Ps. 119:165.
27. What would obedience to God's commandments have insured to ancient Israel?
"O that thou hadst harkened to My commandments! _______________________ _____________________________." Isa. 48:18.
28. What is another blessing attending the keeping of God's commandments?
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: _________________________." Ps. 111:10.
29. In what does the man delight whom the psalmist describes as blessed?
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But ____________________." Ps. 1:1,2. See Rom. 7:22.
30. Why is the carnal mind enmity against God?
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: __________________________." Rom. 8:7.
31. How do those with renewed hearts and minds regard the commandments of God?
"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and _____________________________." 1 John 5:3.
32. What is the essential principle of the law of God?
"__________________________________________ of the law." Rom. 13:10.
33. In what two great commandments is the law of God briefly summarized?
"____________________________________. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, ____________________________. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matt. 22:37-40.
NOTE.-"Does any man say to me, 'You see, then, instead of the ten commandments, we have received the two commandments, and these are much easier'? I answer that this reading of the law is not in the least easier. Such a remark implies a want of thought and experience. Those two precepts comprehend the ten at their fullest extent, and cannot be regarded as the erasure of a jot or tittle of them. Whatever difficulties surround the commands are equally found in the two, which are their sum and substance. If you love God with all your heart, you must keep the first table; and if you love your neighbor as yourself, you must keep the second table."-"The Perpetuity of the Law of God," by C. H. Spurgeon, page 5.
34. What is said of one who professes to know the Lord, but does not keep His commandments?
"He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is ______________________________." 1 John 2:4.
35. What promise is made to the willing and obedient?
"If ye be willing and obedient_______________________." Isa. 1:19.
36. How does God regard those who walk in His law?
"____________________________________________ of the Lord." Ps. 119:1.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
The Law of God
The Law of God
I
Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
II
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments.
III
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.
IV
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates : for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
V
Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
VI
Thou shalt not kill.
VII
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII
Thou shalt not steal.
IX
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
X
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's.
1. WHEN God brought His people out of Egypt, how did He republish His law?
"And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And ____________________ ___________________." Deut. 4:12,13. See also Neh. 9:13,14.
2. Where are the ten commandments recorded?
In Ex. 20:2-17.
3. How comprehensive are these commandments?
"Fear God, and keep His commandments: ______________________." Eccl. 12:13.
4. What inspired tribute is paid to the law of God?
"______________________, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is _____, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are __________, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is __________, enlightening the eyes." Ps. 19:7,8.
5. What blessing does the psalmist say attends the keeping of God's commandments?
"Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and _____________________-." Verse 11.
6. What did Christ state as a condition of entering into life?
"If thou wilt enter into life, _________________________." Matt. 19:17.
7. Can man of himself, unaided by Christ, keep the law?
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for ____________________." John 15:5. See also Rom. 7:14-19.
8. What provision has been made so that we may keep God's law?
"For ___________________________________________________." Rom. 8:3,4.
9. What is the nature of God's law?
"For we know that ______________________: but I am carnal, sold under sin." Rom. 7:14.
NOTE.-In His comments on the sixth and seventh commandments, recorded in Matt. 5:21-28, Christ demonstrated the spiritual nature of the law, showing that it relates not merely to outward actions, but that it reaches to the thoughts and intents of the heart. See also Heb. 4:12. The tenth commandment forbids lust, or all unlawful desire. Rom. 7:7. Obedience to this law, therefore, requires not merely an outward compliance, but genuine heart service. This can be rendered only by a regenerated soul.
10. How is the law further described?
"Wherefore the law _________, and the commandment __________, and ______, and __________." Verse 12.
11. What is revealed in God's law?
"And knowest ____[God's] _____, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law." Rom. 2:18.
12. When Christ came to this earth, what was His attitude toward God's will, or law?
"Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me, _____________________________________." Ps. 40:7,8. See Heb. 10:5,7.
13. Who did He say would enter the kingdom of heaven?
"Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but __________________________________." Matt. 7:21.
14. What did He say of those who should break one of God's commandments, or should teach men to do so?
"Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, ________________________________." Matt. 5:19, first part.
15. Who did He say would be called great in the kingdom?
"But _________________________, the same shall be called great in the kingdom." Same verse, last part.
16. How did Christ estimate the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ____________________________." Verse 20.
17. For what did Christ reprove the Pharisees?
"But He answered and said unto them, ____________________________?" Matt. 15:3.
18. How had they done this?
"For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother. . . . But ye say, ________________________________, . . . and honor _____________________ __________________-." Verses 4-6.
19. In consequence of this, what value did Christ place upon their worship?
"But _____________________, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Verse 9.
20. What is sin declared to be?
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for ____________________." 1 John 3:4.
21. By what is the knowledge of sin?
"For _______________________________." Rom. 3:20. See Rom. 7:7.
22. How many of the commandments is it necessary to break in order to become a transgressor of the law?
"For __________________________________________. For He that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, and yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law." James 2:10,11.
NOTE.-This shows that the ten commandments are a complete whole, and together constitute but one law. Like a chain of ten links, all are inseparably connected together. If one link is broken, the chain is broken.
23. How may we be freed from the guilt of our sins, or our transgressions of God's law?
"_____________________, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
24. Why are we admonished to fear God and keep His commandments?
"Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. ___________________________________, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Eccl. 12:13,14.
25. What will be the standard in the judgment?
"So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be _________________________." James 2:12.
26. What is said of those who love God's law?
"___________________________: and nothing shall offend them." Ps. 119:165.
27. What would obedience to God's commandments have insured to ancient Israel?
"O that thou hadst harkened to My commandments! _______________________ _____________________________." Isa. 48:18.
28. What is another blessing attending the keeping of God's commandments?
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: _________________________." Ps. 111:10.
29. In what does the man delight whom the psalmist describes as blessed?
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But ____________________." Ps. 1:1,2. See Rom. 7:22.
30. Why is the carnal mind enmity against God?
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: __________________________." Rom. 8:7.
31. How do those with renewed hearts and minds regard the commandments of God?
"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and _____________________________." 1 John 5:3.
32. What is the essential principle of the law of God?
"__________________________________________ of the law." Rom. 13:10.
33. In what two great commandments is the law of God briefly summarized?
"____________________________________. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, ____________________________. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matt. 22:37-40.
NOTE.-"Does any man say to me, 'You see, then, instead of the ten commandments, we have received the two commandments, and these are much easier'? I answer that this reading of the law is not in the least easier. Such a remark implies a want of thought and experience. Those two precepts comprehend the ten at their fullest extent, and cannot be regarded as the erasure of a jot or tittle of them. Whatever difficulties surround the commands are equally found in the two, which are their sum and substance. If you love God with all your heart, you must keep the first table; and if you love your neighbor as yourself, you must keep the second table."-"The Perpetuity of the Law of God," by C. H. Spurgeon, page 5.
34. What is said of one who professes to know the Lord, but does not keep His commandments?
"He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is ______________________________." 1 John 2:4.
35. What promise is made to the willing and obedient?
"If ye be willing and obedient_______________________." Isa. 1:19.
36. How does God regard those who walk in His law?
"____________________________________________ of the Lord." Ps. 119:1.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
BIBLE STUDY: CHAP.80 -- ELIJAH THE PROPHET
Chapter 80.
Elijah the Prophet
1. WHAT promise, through the prophet Malachi, does the Lord make concerning Elijah?
"Behold, I ________________________________________." Mal. 4:5.
2. What will this prophet do when he comes?
"And he shall __________________________________________________, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Verse 6.
3. Whom did Christ indicate as fulfilling this prophecy?
"And His disciples asked Him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That ______________________, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Like wise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that He spoke unto them of _______________________________." Matt. 17:10-13.
4. When John the Baptist was asked if he were Elijah, what did he say?
"And he said, _____________." John 1:21.
5. Who did he say he was?
"He said, _______________________________, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." Verse 23.
6. In what sense does the angel Gabriel explain John the Baptist to be the Elijah of Mal. 4:5?
"Many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him [Christ] ___________________________, to turn the hearts' of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:16,17.
NOTE.-John went forth "in the spirit and power of Elias," and, in preparing a people for Christ's first advent, did a work similar to that done by Elijah the prophet in Israel centuries before. See I Kings 17 and 18. In this sense, and in this sense only, he was the Elijah of Mal. 4:5.
7. Near the close of the three and one-half years drought in Israel, brought about as a judgment through the intercessions of Elijah (James 5:17) in consequence of Israel's apostasy, what accusation did King Ahab bring against Elijah?
"And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, __________________________________?" 1 Kings 18: 17.
8. What answer did Elijah make?
"And he answered, ___________________________________________." Verse 18.
NOTE.-Israel had departed from God, forsaken His commandments, and gone off into idolatry. Jezebel, Ahab's wicked and idolatrous wife, had "cut off the prophets of the Lord" (Verse 4), was supporting hundreds of the prophets of Baal, and was seeking Elijah to slay him. Elijah called for a famine on the land, and said to Ahab, "As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." 1 Kings 17:1. Elijah's message was a call to repentance and obedience to God's commandments.
9. What plain proposition did he submit to all Israel?
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, __________________________." 1 Kings 18:21.
NOTE.-The result of the test by fire which followed on Mt. Carmel, can be read in the remainder of this wonderful chapter. There was a great turning to God, the people saying, "The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God." Verse 39.
10. What was the burden of the message of John the Baptist?
"Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." "Bring forth therefore __________meet for repentance." Matt. 3:2,8.
11. What was the result of this message?
"Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and __________________________________." Verses 5,6.
NOTE.-There was a genuine work of repentance and reform. John was not satisfied with a mere profession of religion. He told the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism, to "bring forth fruits" answerable to an "amendment of life." He wished to see religion in the life, the heart, the home. Thus he prepared a people for Christ's first advent.
12. But when, according to the prophecy, was Elijah to be sent?
"_____________________________________________________." Mal. 4:5.
13. How is this great and dreadful day described in this same prophecy?
"For, behold, the day comes, _________________________________________, says the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." Verse 1.
NOTE.-This day is yet future. It cannot be, therefore, that the work done by John the Baptist at Christ's first advent is all that was contemplated in the prophecy concerning the sending of Elijah the prophet. It must be that there is to be another and greater fulfillment of it, to precede Christ's second advent, and to prepare, or "make ready," a people for that great event.
14. What is the burden of the threefold message of Rev. 14:6-10?
"___________________________________________________: and ______________________________________________of waters. . . . Babylon ___________________________________________ fornication. . . . If any man ___________________________________________________." Rev. 14:6-10.
NOTE.-Like the messages of Elijah and John, this is a call to repentance and reform,-a call to forsake false, idolatrous worship, and to turn to God, and worship Him, and Him alone. The first part of this threefold message points out the true God, the Creator, in language very similar to that found in the fourth, or Sabbath, commandment. This is the message now due the world, and that is now being proclaimed to the world. Those who are proclaiming these messages constitute the Elijah for this time, as John and his co-laborers did at the time of Christ's first advent.
15. How are the people described who are developed by the threefold message here referred to?
"Here is the _______________________________________, and the _____________." Verse 12.
NOTE.-These will be the ones who will be ready to meet Jesus when He comes. They have heeded the Elijah-call to repentance and reform. They have become concerned, not only for their own individual salvation, but for the salvation of their friends and relatives. By this message the hearts of the fathers are turned to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Each becomes burdened for the conversion and salvation of the other. There can be little religion in the heart of one who cares not for the eternal interests of his loved ones. When this message has done its work, God will smite the earth with a curse; the seven last plagues will fall, and usher in the great day of the Lord described in the preceding chapter.
________________________________________
LIGHT is beaming, day is coming!
Let us sound aloud the cry;
We behold the day-star rising
Pure and bright in yonder sky!
Saints, be joyful;
Your redemption draws nigh.
We have found the chart and compass,
And are sure the land is near;
Onward, onward, we are hasting,
Soon the haven will appear;
Let your voices
Sound aloud your holy cheer.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
Elijah the Prophet
1. WHAT promise, through the prophet Malachi, does the Lord make concerning Elijah?
"Behold, I ________________________________________." Mal. 4:5.
2. What will this prophet do when he comes?
"And he shall __________________________________________________, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Verse 6.
3. Whom did Christ indicate as fulfilling this prophecy?
"And His disciples asked Him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That ______________________, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Like wise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that He spoke unto them of _______________________________." Matt. 17:10-13.
4. When John the Baptist was asked if he were Elijah, what did he say?
"And he said, _____________." John 1:21.
5. Who did he say he was?
"He said, _______________________________, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." Verse 23.
6. In what sense does the angel Gabriel explain John the Baptist to be the Elijah of Mal. 4:5?
"Many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him [Christ] ___________________________, to turn the hearts' of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:16,17.
NOTE.-John went forth "in the spirit and power of Elias," and, in preparing a people for Christ's first advent, did a work similar to that done by Elijah the prophet in Israel centuries before. See I Kings 17 and 18. In this sense, and in this sense only, he was the Elijah of Mal. 4:5.
7. Near the close of the three and one-half years drought in Israel, brought about as a judgment through the intercessions of Elijah (James 5:17) in consequence of Israel's apostasy, what accusation did King Ahab bring against Elijah?
"And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, __________________________________?" 1 Kings 18: 17.
8. What answer did Elijah make?
"And he answered, ___________________________________________." Verse 18.
NOTE.-Israel had departed from God, forsaken His commandments, and gone off into idolatry. Jezebel, Ahab's wicked and idolatrous wife, had "cut off the prophets of the Lord" (Verse 4), was supporting hundreds of the prophets of Baal, and was seeking Elijah to slay him. Elijah called for a famine on the land, and said to Ahab, "As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." 1 Kings 17:1. Elijah's message was a call to repentance and obedience to God's commandments.
9. What plain proposition did he submit to all Israel?
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, __________________________." 1 Kings 18:21.
NOTE.-The result of the test by fire which followed on Mt. Carmel, can be read in the remainder of this wonderful chapter. There was a great turning to God, the people saying, "The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, He is the God." Verse 39.
10. What was the burden of the message of John the Baptist?
"Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." "Bring forth therefore __________meet for repentance." Matt. 3:2,8.
11. What was the result of this message?
"Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and __________________________________." Verses 5,6.
NOTE.-There was a genuine work of repentance and reform. John was not satisfied with a mere profession of religion. He told the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism, to "bring forth fruits" answerable to an "amendment of life." He wished to see religion in the life, the heart, the home. Thus he prepared a people for Christ's first advent.
12. But when, according to the prophecy, was Elijah to be sent?
"_____________________________________________________." Mal. 4:5.
13. How is this great and dreadful day described in this same prophecy?
"For, behold, the day comes, _________________________________________, says the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." Verse 1.
NOTE.-This day is yet future. It cannot be, therefore, that the work done by John the Baptist at Christ's first advent is all that was contemplated in the prophecy concerning the sending of Elijah the prophet. It must be that there is to be another and greater fulfillment of it, to precede Christ's second advent, and to prepare, or "make ready," a people for that great event.
14. What is the burden of the threefold message of Rev. 14:6-10?
"___________________________________________________: and ______________________________________________of waters. . . . Babylon ___________________________________________ fornication. . . . If any man ___________________________________________________." Rev. 14:6-10.
NOTE.-Like the messages of Elijah and John, this is a call to repentance and reform,-a call to forsake false, idolatrous worship, and to turn to God, and worship Him, and Him alone. The first part of this threefold message points out the true God, the Creator, in language very similar to that found in the fourth, or Sabbath, commandment. This is the message now due the world, and that is now being proclaimed to the world. Those who are proclaiming these messages constitute the Elijah for this time, as John and his co-laborers did at the time of Christ's first advent.
15. How are the people described who are developed by the threefold message here referred to?
"Here is the _______________________________________, and the _____________." Verse 12.
NOTE.-These will be the ones who will be ready to meet Jesus when He comes. They have heeded the Elijah-call to repentance and reform. They have become concerned, not only for their own individual salvation, but for the salvation of their friends and relatives. By this message the hearts of the fathers are turned to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Each becomes burdened for the conversion and salvation of the other. There can be little religion in the heart of one who cares not for the eternal interests of his loved ones. When this message has done its work, God will smite the earth with a curse; the seven last plagues will fall, and usher in the great day of the Lord described in the preceding chapter.
________________________________________
LIGHT is beaming, day is coming!
Let us sound aloud the cry;
We behold the day-star rising
Pure and bright in yonder sky!
Saints, be joyful;
Your redemption draws nigh.
We have found the chart and compass,
And are sure the land is near;
Onward, onward, we are hasting,
Soon the haven will appear;
Let your voices
Sound aloud your holy cheer.
Copyright © 2003-2008
www.preparingforeternity.com
All rights reserved.
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