The document provides a summary of a lesson about the relationship between law and gospel. It discusses how God's moral law, including the Ten Commandments, reveals our sin and need for salvation. While the law cannot save us, it helps us understand our need for God's grace through Jesus. The Sabbath commandment is explored as a symbol linking God as Creator and Redeemer. Keeping the Sabbath can help us experience the spiritual blessings of resting in Jesus and the restoration found in salvation.
This document discusses questions that people have about keeping the Sabbath and following God's law. It addresses questions around whether Jesus abolished the law, whether salvation is by faith or works, and whether certain passages suggest the law is no longer binding. The document provides biblical answers for each question, arguing that Jesus did not abolish the law but fulfilled it, that salvation has always been by grace through faith, and that the law remains binding for Christians under the new covenant.
1) The apostles Peter, John, James, Jude and Paul all affirmed the ongoing validity of the Ten Commandments and did not teach that they had been cancelled or replaced. They showed obedience to God's law in their teachings and writings.
2) While Paul's writings have been misinterpreted by some to think he taught the law was cancelled, he actually affirmed the law and taught that grace does not release Christians from obeying it. The law shows people their sin and need for salvation through Jesus Christ alone.
3) Keeping the law is not a means of salvation but is rather how Christians live in response to God's grace. Faith in Christ allows believers to obey the law freely through His power
This document provides a summary of Jesus' teachings about the law from the book of Matthew. It discusses how Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. It describes how Jesus explained the deeper spiritual meaning and application of the law, such as concerning adultery, divorce, and honoring parents. The document emphasizes that Jesus upheld the moral law, including the Ten Commandments, and that obedience must come from love for God rather than merely trying to earn salvation. It highlights the importance of understanding that the law cannot save but points to the Savior, and that full surrender to God is needed along with obedience.
The document discusses how God will judge people fairly on judgement day based on what they knew and what they did with that knowledge. It explains that Gentiles who did not have the Torah will be judged based on their innate sense of morality, while Jews who received the Torah will be judged on how they followed its laws. Ultimately, all people will be judged based on whether their lives reflected gratitude to God for their salvation through Jesus Christ. Believing in Jesus is the best way to prepare, but salvation also requires living righteously in response.
This document discusses Jesus Christ's relationship to the law of God. It makes three key points:
1) Jesus perfectly obeyed God's law, honoring his parents, refusing Satan, keeping the Sabbath, and never sinning. He showed us how to obey through love.
2) The law of God establishes how to love God and others. Jesus taught this through the two greatest commandments of loving God and neighbor. All other commandments depend on these two.
3) We will be judged by Jesus according to how well we showed love for God and others as measured by God's unchanging law. Jesus will judge with mercy as one who understands our struggles through his own experience.
This document discusses the righteousness of God that is presented in Romans 3:21. It makes three key points:
1) God's righteousness is apart from legalism and obedience to the law, and can only be received through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
2) God's righteousness is constructed on the revelation witnessed through the Law and Prophets of the Old Testament, which pointed to the coming Messiah who would provide righteousness.
3) God's righteousness is required by faith alone, as opposed to being achieved through works or obedience to the law, as emphasized in Romans 3:22.
1) God's righteousness is presented apart from legalism and man's attempts to follow laws and rules. It is received solely through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
2) God's righteousness is constructed on the revelation and testimony provided by the Old Testament Law and Prophets, which pointed to the coming Messiah who would provide righteousness.
3) God's righteousness is required by and received through faith alone, as opposed to any works of the law. It has always been available to all who receive it by faith.
1) The document discusses how the law and gospel are related. It argues that the law is not contrary to God's promises and does not contradict the gospel.
2) It explains how the law acted as a "guard" or "schoolmaster" for the Israelites, protecting them and pointing them toward Christ.
3) The law cannot save or justify anyone but it has benefits like regulating life within God's covenant and pointing to the promised Messiah. The law was meant to be a blessing for Israel, not a curse.
This document discusses questions that people have about keeping the Sabbath and following God's law. It addresses questions around whether Jesus abolished the law, whether salvation is by faith or works, and whether certain passages suggest the law is no longer binding. The document provides biblical answers for each question, arguing that Jesus did not abolish the law but fulfilled it, that salvation has always been by grace through faith, and that the law remains binding for Christians under the new covenant.
1) The apostles Peter, John, James, Jude and Paul all affirmed the ongoing validity of the Ten Commandments and did not teach that they had been cancelled or replaced. They showed obedience to God's law in their teachings and writings.
2) While Paul's writings have been misinterpreted by some to think he taught the law was cancelled, he actually affirmed the law and taught that grace does not release Christians from obeying it. The law shows people their sin and need for salvation through Jesus Christ alone.
3) Keeping the law is not a means of salvation but is rather how Christians live in response to God's grace. Faith in Christ allows believers to obey the law freely through His power
This document provides a summary of Jesus' teachings about the law from the book of Matthew. It discusses how Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. It describes how Jesus explained the deeper spiritual meaning and application of the law, such as concerning adultery, divorce, and honoring parents. The document emphasizes that Jesus upheld the moral law, including the Ten Commandments, and that obedience must come from love for God rather than merely trying to earn salvation. It highlights the importance of understanding that the law cannot save but points to the Savior, and that full surrender to God is needed along with obedience.
The document discusses how God will judge people fairly on judgement day based on what they knew and what they did with that knowledge. It explains that Gentiles who did not have the Torah will be judged based on their innate sense of morality, while Jews who received the Torah will be judged on how they followed its laws. Ultimately, all people will be judged based on whether their lives reflected gratitude to God for their salvation through Jesus Christ. Believing in Jesus is the best way to prepare, but salvation also requires living righteously in response.
This document discusses Jesus Christ's relationship to the law of God. It makes three key points:
1) Jesus perfectly obeyed God's law, honoring his parents, refusing Satan, keeping the Sabbath, and never sinning. He showed us how to obey through love.
2) The law of God establishes how to love God and others. Jesus taught this through the two greatest commandments of loving God and neighbor. All other commandments depend on these two.
3) We will be judged by Jesus according to how well we showed love for God and others as measured by God's unchanging law. Jesus will judge with mercy as one who understands our struggles through his own experience.
This document discusses the righteousness of God that is presented in Romans 3:21. It makes three key points:
1) God's righteousness is apart from legalism and obedience to the law, and can only be received through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
2) God's righteousness is constructed on the revelation witnessed through the Law and Prophets of the Old Testament, which pointed to the coming Messiah who would provide righteousness.
3) God's righteousness is required by faith alone, as opposed to being achieved through works or obedience to the law, as emphasized in Romans 3:22.
1) God's righteousness is presented apart from legalism and man's attempts to follow laws and rules. It is received solely through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
2) God's righteousness is constructed on the revelation and testimony provided by the Old Testament Law and Prophets, which pointed to the coming Messiah who would provide righteousness.
3) God's righteousness is required by and received through faith alone, as opposed to any works of the law. It has always been available to all who receive it by faith.
1) The document discusses how the law and gospel are related. It argues that the law is not contrary to God's promises and does not contradict the gospel.
2) It explains how the law acted as a "guard" or "schoolmaster" for the Israelites, protecting them and pointing them toward Christ.
3) The law cannot save or justify anyone but it has benefits like regulating life within God's covenant and pointing to the promised Messiah. The law was meant to be a blessing for Israel, not a curse.
The document compares and contrasts the old and new covenants between God and His people. While there are elements that remain the same like the author (God), law, and relationship, the new covenant fulfills the promises of the old with better sacrifices and a permanent priesthood through Jesus. The new covenant allows salvation for all nations by writing God's law on our hearts through the Holy Spirit instead of on tablets of stone.
The document is a chapter from a book that argues Jesus is not God based on evidence from the Bible and Quran. It summarizes that none of the Bible's writers, including the gospel authors and Paul, believed Jesus was God. It provides examples from the Acts of the Apostles showing the disciples referred to God as someone other than Jesus after his ascension, demonstrating they did not consider Jesus to be God.
A verse by verse commentary on Romans chapter three, as being presented to the adult education Sunday School class. Feel free to visit us at 2728 CR 220, Middleburg FL 32068. Class begins at 9:30 AM followed by morning worship beginning at 10:45.
This document summarizes Paul's letter to the Romans chapter 7, which discusses the place of the law in a believer's life. It addresses 4 key questions: 1) Don't laws only apply to living people? The law no longer applies to believers who have died with Christ. 2) Is the law sin? No, the law reveals sin but is not the cause of sin. 3) Is the law death? The law shows believers their sinful nature but does not overcome it. 4) Who will deliver me from sin? Only Christ through the Holy Spirit can overcome sin and transform believers to be like him. The document reviews these concepts in detail through explanations of key verses.
Jesus is the creator of all things, as shown through multiple Bible verses. As creator, he will also act as judge at the end of the world, rewarding believers and executing judgment on unbelievers. Several passages connect Jesus with Jehovah from the Old Testament, showing they refer to the same entity. Jesus will use fire to purge sin from the world, establishing his eternal kingdom and wiping away death.
This document discusses the differences between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant focused on external obedience to laws and rituals, but people were unable to fully obey due to human weakness. The New Covenant, established by Jesus Christ, focuses on changing people internally through God's spirit, enabling true obedience. It fulfills the promises of the Old Covenant by reviving the human spirit and strengthening it through faith in Christ and studying God's word with the Holy Spirit's help.
The document provides an overview and analysis of Romans chapter 4, which discusses salvation by faith alone as exemplified through Abraham. It makes three key points:
1) Paul uses Abraham as an example from the Old Testament to show that salvation has always been through faith, not works, and that Abraham was justified by faith before the law was given.
2) Salvation has always been a gift of God's grace, not something earned through human works or lawkeeping. This applies equally to both Jews and Gentiles.
3) The law reveals sin but cannot save or impart righteousness. It is through faith in Christ, not works of the law, that people are freed from condemnation and justified.
The document discusses key concepts in Galatians 3:15-20 regarding the promise, covenant, and law. It explains that God's promise to Abraham preceded the later establishment of the Law. The Law was added later to highlight humanity's sinful nature but could not fulfill the promise of salvation. Ultimately, salvation comes through faith in God's promise, which was fulfilled through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Law served a purpose but cannot replace the promise of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.
This document provides an overview of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. It begins by describing how Jesus originally called ordinary men to follow him and how this changed their lives. It then defines a disciple as a student or follower who imitates their teacher. The document explains that to become a disciple of Jesus, one must repent of their sins and trust in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross to be saved. It emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone, not works, and that believing Jesus is Lord means viewing him as the master and owner of one's life.
The document discusses the covenants between God and humanity that are described in the Bible. It explains that a covenant is an agreement between two or more parties, and that the Old and New Testaments describe the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant promised physical blessings for obedience but was broken by humanity. The New Covenant, established by Jesus, promises eternal life and forgiveness of sins through faith. It is spiritually based rather than dependent on works, and involves God writing his laws on people's hearts rather than on tablets of stone.
This document discusses the key biblical concept of justification. It defines justification as being declared righteous by God, not based on human works but through God's grace by faith in Christ. It explains that through justification by faith alone in Christ's sacrifice, believers are completely forgiven, given a new righteousness, and declared not guilty and free from condemnation. The purpose of studying justification and other biblical terms related to salvation is because many Christians do not understand them, which leaves believers vulnerable to temptation, and sound teaching produces strong Christians.
1. A young girl named Asap snuck into a hospital ward to sing songs for the patients, hoping to cheer them up.
2. She sang for an old man named Salatiel, who questioned her about which day of the week she attends church. When she said the seventh day Sabbath, he was surprised and asked her to show him a Bible verse about it.
3. Unable to read, Asap pointed to a verse that Salatiel read, which stated the seventh day is the Sabbath. Impressed, he told Asap to fetch her father.
The document discusses the concept of the "living word" from a Christian perspective. It provides several Bible verses to support the idea that the word of God is alive and active. Specifically:
1) The Bible has a vital power inherent to itself and accomplishes God's purposes, as the rain waters the earth.
2) The preaching of scripture brings about lasting, supernatural change within people by producing faith.
3) Like seeds, the Bible is living and has the power to bring forth more life abundantly when received by good soil (believers).
4) As the living word of the living God, the Bible penetrates deep within us, judges our hearts, and helps open our
Bringing Back God's Statement of Faith - Pastor john collinsPastor John Collins
BBG believes in the entire Holy Bible, a book written by man, inspired fully by God. The Holy Bible is the Blue Print of Life. We cannot have the New Testament without the Old Testament. To believe in one word is to believe in all. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Matthew 5-17
In Galatians 3:1-14, Paul explains that salvation has always come through faith alone, not works. He rebukes the Galatians for forgetting this and trying to be justified by obeying the law. Paul demonstrates from the Old Testament story of Abraham that justification is by faith, not works, and that God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's offspring was a reference to salvation being available to Gentiles through faith. Christ redeemed believers from the curse of failing to obey the law perfectly by becoming a curse on the cross.
The document provides a summary of Lesson 9 from a Bible study series. It discusses the relationship between sin, the law, and salvation. Some key points include:
- The law was given through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect example of obeying the law.
- The law shows us what sin is and makes us aware of our need for salvation. It points out our faults but does not save us from sin.
- God gave the law to Israel to be an example to other nations of His moral code. While Israel failed at times, the law was meant to bless others, not burden them.
- All people have a sense of God's law
Jesus' statement that he came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it is an idiom that refers to properly interpreting and obeying the Torah as God intended, rather than undermining it. Paul argues that Gentiles are saved apart from observing the Torah, but that love fulfills the law by being the overriding principle that shapes how all laws should be obeyed and through loving one's neighbor one achieves the goal of all God's commandments.
Holy History (Historia Sagrada) - John L. VanDenburgh (inglés)Zafnat Panea
This document provides an introduction to a book that explores God's statutes in the Old Testament and their relevance today. It discusses different views on which Old Testament obligations were fulfilled at the cross and which still apply. It presents quotes from Ellen White suggesting that some statutes, such as those regarding marriage, inheritance, and justice, were meant to keep God's people separate and that additional "religious precepts" given to Moses were intended to guard and explain the Ten Commandments. The document argues that these statutes, which were spoken by Christ and written down by Moses, are still binding and important for righteousness. It aims to uncover "explosive truths" on this topic through further exploration of Ellen White's writings.
Jesus affirms the ongoing authority and importance of God's moral law. While Christians are not condemned by the law due to Christ's fulfillment of it, they are still called to obey it. Breaking even the least of God's commandments makes one least in the kingdom of heaven. Upholding and teaching God's law, on the other hand, makes one great in the kingdom. The epistles clarify that believers are freed from the ceremonial and civil aspects of the law but still obliged to obey its enduring moral precepts through the Spirit's empowering.
The document compares and contrasts the old and new covenants between God and His people. While there are elements that remain the same like the author (God), law, and relationship, the new covenant fulfills the promises of the old with better sacrifices and a permanent priesthood through Jesus. The new covenant allows salvation for all nations by writing God's law on our hearts through the Holy Spirit instead of on tablets of stone.
The document is a chapter from a book that argues Jesus is not God based on evidence from the Bible and Quran. It summarizes that none of the Bible's writers, including the gospel authors and Paul, believed Jesus was God. It provides examples from the Acts of the Apostles showing the disciples referred to God as someone other than Jesus after his ascension, demonstrating they did not consider Jesus to be God.
A verse by verse commentary on Romans chapter three, as being presented to the adult education Sunday School class. Feel free to visit us at 2728 CR 220, Middleburg FL 32068. Class begins at 9:30 AM followed by morning worship beginning at 10:45.
This document summarizes Paul's letter to the Romans chapter 7, which discusses the place of the law in a believer's life. It addresses 4 key questions: 1) Don't laws only apply to living people? The law no longer applies to believers who have died with Christ. 2) Is the law sin? No, the law reveals sin but is not the cause of sin. 3) Is the law death? The law shows believers their sinful nature but does not overcome it. 4) Who will deliver me from sin? Only Christ through the Holy Spirit can overcome sin and transform believers to be like him. The document reviews these concepts in detail through explanations of key verses.
Jesus is the creator of all things, as shown through multiple Bible verses. As creator, he will also act as judge at the end of the world, rewarding believers and executing judgment on unbelievers. Several passages connect Jesus with Jehovah from the Old Testament, showing they refer to the same entity. Jesus will use fire to purge sin from the world, establishing his eternal kingdom and wiping away death.
This document discusses the differences between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant focused on external obedience to laws and rituals, but people were unable to fully obey due to human weakness. The New Covenant, established by Jesus Christ, focuses on changing people internally through God's spirit, enabling true obedience. It fulfills the promises of the Old Covenant by reviving the human spirit and strengthening it through faith in Christ and studying God's word with the Holy Spirit's help.
The document provides an overview and analysis of Romans chapter 4, which discusses salvation by faith alone as exemplified through Abraham. It makes three key points:
1) Paul uses Abraham as an example from the Old Testament to show that salvation has always been through faith, not works, and that Abraham was justified by faith before the law was given.
2) Salvation has always been a gift of God's grace, not something earned through human works or lawkeeping. This applies equally to both Jews and Gentiles.
3) The law reveals sin but cannot save or impart righteousness. It is through faith in Christ, not works of the law, that people are freed from condemnation and justified.
The document discusses key concepts in Galatians 3:15-20 regarding the promise, covenant, and law. It explains that God's promise to Abraham preceded the later establishment of the Law. The Law was added later to highlight humanity's sinful nature but could not fulfill the promise of salvation. Ultimately, salvation comes through faith in God's promise, which was fulfilled through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Law served a purpose but cannot replace the promise of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.
This document provides an overview of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. It begins by describing how Jesus originally called ordinary men to follow him and how this changed their lives. It then defines a disciple as a student or follower who imitates their teacher. The document explains that to become a disciple of Jesus, one must repent of their sins and trust in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross to be saved. It emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone, not works, and that believing Jesus is Lord means viewing him as the master and owner of one's life.
The document discusses the covenants between God and humanity that are described in the Bible. It explains that a covenant is an agreement between two or more parties, and that the Old and New Testaments describe the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant promised physical blessings for obedience but was broken by humanity. The New Covenant, established by Jesus, promises eternal life and forgiveness of sins through faith. It is spiritually based rather than dependent on works, and involves God writing his laws on people's hearts rather than on tablets of stone.
This document discusses the key biblical concept of justification. It defines justification as being declared righteous by God, not based on human works but through God's grace by faith in Christ. It explains that through justification by faith alone in Christ's sacrifice, believers are completely forgiven, given a new righteousness, and declared not guilty and free from condemnation. The purpose of studying justification and other biblical terms related to salvation is because many Christians do not understand them, which leaves believers vulnerable to temptation, and sound teaching produces strong Christians.
1. A young girl named Asap snuck into a hospital ward to sing songs for the patients, hoping to cheer them up.
2. She sang for an old man named Salatiel, who questioned her about which day of the week she attends church. When she said the seventh day Sabbath, he was surprised and asked her to show him a Bible verse about it.
3. Unable to read, Asap pointed to a verse that Salatiel read, which stated the seventh day is the Sabbath. Impressed, he told Asap to fetch her father.
The document discusses the concept of the "living word" from a Christian perspective. It provides several Bible verses to support the idea that the word of God is alive and active. Specifically:
1) The Bible has a vital power inherent to itself and accomplishes God's purposes, as the rain waters the earth.
2) The preaching of scripture brings about lasting, supernatural change within people by producing faith.
3) Like seeds, the Bible is living and has the power to bring forth more life abundantly when received by good soil (believers).
4) As the living word of the living God, the Bible penetrates deep within us, judges our hearts, and helps open our
Bringing Back God's Statement of Faith - Pastor john collinsPastor John Collins
BBG believes in the entire Holy Bible, a book written by man, inspired fully by God. The Holy Bible is the Blue Print of Life. We cannot have the New Testament without the Old Testament. To believe in one word is to believe in all. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Matthew 5-17
In Galatians 3:1-14, Paul explains that salvation has always come through faith alone, not works. He rebukes the Galatians for forgetting this and trying to be justified by obeying the law. Paul demonstrates from the Old Testament story of Abraham that justification is by faith, not works, and that God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's offspring was a reference to salvation being available to Gentiles through faith. Christ redeemed believers from the curse of failing to obey the law perfectly by becoming a curse on the cross.
The document provides a summary of Lesson 9 from a Bible study series. It discusses the relationship between sin, the law, and salvation. Some key points include:
- The law was given through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect example of obeying the law.
- The law shows us what sin is and makes us aware of our need for salvation. It points out our faults but does not save us from sin.
- God gave the law to Israel to be an example to other nations of His moral code. While Israel failed at times, the law was meant to bless others, not burden them.
- All people have a sense of God's law
Jesus' statement that he came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it is an idiom that refers to properly interpreting and obeying the Torah as God intended, rather than undermining it. Paul argues that Gentiles are saved apart from observing the Torah, but that love fulfills the law by being the overriding principle that shapes how all laws should be obeyed and through loving one's neighbor one achieves the goal of all God's commandments.
Holy History (Historia Sagrada) - John L. VanDenburgh (inglés)Zafnat Panea
This document provides an introduction to a book that explores God's statutes in the Old Testament and their relevance today. It discusses different views on which Old Testament obligations were fulfilled at the cross and which still apply. It presents quotes from Ellen White suggesting that some statutes, such as those regarding marriage, inheritance, and justice, were meant to keep God's people separate and that additional "religious precepts" given to Moses were intended to guard and explain the Ten Commandments. The document argues that these statutes, which were spoken by Christ and written down by Moses, are still binding and important for righteousness. It aims to uncover "explosive truths" on this topic through further exploration of Ellen White's writings.
Jesus affirms the ongoing authority and importance of God's moral law. While Christians are not condemned by the law due to Christ's fulfillment of it, they are still called to obey it. Breaking even the least of God's commandments makes one least in the kingdom of heaven. Upholding and teaching God's law, on the other hand, makes one great in the kingdom. The epistles clarify that believers are freed from the ceremonial and civil aspects of the law but still obliged to obey its enduring moral precepts through the Spirit's empowering.
This document argues that God's law provides the foundation for a moral, just, and prosperous society. It asserts that many Christians have rejected God's law and biblical principles of governance. As a result, societies are experiencing increasing corruption, crime, and chaos. The document claims the only solution is for individuals, churches, and nations to renew their commitment to fearing God and obeying his commands as revealed in the Bible.
Extreme point-of-views have always existed when it comes to receiving the truth of God's word. It was no different when the apostle Paul wrote to brethren reminding them of the powerful gospel message, which upholds (establishes) the Law. Rom. 3:31
The document argues that God's law provides the foundation for a moral, just, and prosperous society while its rejection leads to chaos. It asserts that Christians have failed to renew their minds according to biblical principles and instead have been influenced by secular humanism promoted by media and education. Returning to biblical teachings on fearing God and obeying his commandments for individuals and society is presented as the solution to social and political problems.
Christians and the Law, Paul continues from chapter 6 as he answers the second group of his audience about the law and the new covenant through Christ.
6920, 2000The Beginning of Wisdom an Introduction to Christ.docxfredharris32
6/9/20, 20:00The Beginning of Wisdom an Introduction to Christian Thought and Life
Page 1 of 11https://lc.gcumedia.com/cwv101/the-beginning-of-wisdom-an-introduction-to-christian-thought-and-life/v2.1/#/chapter/6
By James MerrickChapter 6: The Wisdom and Power of God
Introduction
The previous chapter began a discussion of the third act of the biblical story: the redemption of
humanity by Jesus Christ. It claimed that worship of God takes a definitive turn with the life and death of
Jesus Christ. To worship God means to worship Jesus, the divine human being whose life was utterly
devoted to God and humanity, the human being who, as God, fulfilled the human vocation to be in God’s
image. Worshiping the true God begins in the rejection of the worship of self and a reorientation toward
self-sacrifice. The worship of things, including wealth, power, fame, and sex, that magnify the self is to
commit idolatry; such worship is incompatible with the worship of the true God as definitively revealed
in the human life and death of Christ.
But, how do human beings actually come to reorient themselves to the worship of Christ? How can
humans overcome their idolatrous hearts? How can they truly love the God who loves them in Christ?
Answering these questions is the focus of this chapter. It brings us into the sphere of the fourth act of
the biblical story, restoration—the renewal of all creatures, particularly humanity, to the worship of God.
Discussion in this chapter will show that the restoration of the worship of God not only entails the
external work of Jesus Christ, but also the inner restoration of the human heart. In this discussion, two
topics will be encountered:
Justification by faith, the process by persons become righteous on account of their faith in the
work of Jesus Christ, which was done on their behalf, and
The life of wisdom as explained in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Faith in Christ: The Restoration of the Human Heart to True Worship
In the New Testament, the event around which the human heart is restored is called justification by faith.
It receives its most sustained treatment in the book of Romans—Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.
Romans reveals that the issue of justification goes all the way back to the covenant with Abraham. Recall
that this covenant was the beginning of God’s plan to save humanity; through Abraham’s family, all the
families of the Earth would be blessed. But, the blessing of humanity in Abraham consisted of the
development of a nation—the people of Israel—who were to obey God’s laws and, thereby, exemplify to
the world the justice of God and God’s true intentions for humanity. When the Law was given, being a
part of Abraham’s family became a bit more complicated than simply being a descendent of Abraham.
Now, one had to be obedient to the Law in order to be a true Israelite or child of Abraham. Justification,
then, concerns one’s status in relation to the covenant God made with Abr.
The document summarizes a lesson about the relationship between Jesus, the law, and salvation. It discusses how the law defines sin but cannot save or forgive sin. It explains that believers are no longer condemned by the law because, through faith in Jesus, their old sinful selves have died and they now belong to Christ. While the law still defines right and wrong, believers are covered by Christ's righteousness rather than condemned for breaking the law. Obedience to the law cannot achieve salvation, which is only possible through Jesus' death in our place.
God will judge all people for their deeds, both good and evil. While judgment is a biblical theme, it is intricately connected to salvation and grace. The document examines examples from Genesis of how God extended grace even in contexts of judgment, such as in the Garden of Eden after the Fall and during the Flood story. Judgment is a reflection of God's justice, but His grace is also revealed from the beginning for those who accept it. Both judgment and grace are necessary to understand the fullness of Scripture.
This document provides commentary on Romans 7 from multiple scholars and theologians. It begins by outlining the historical debates around interpreting this passage, with some arguing it describes an unregenerate man and others a regenerate man. The purpose of the commentary is to present these different views and come to a conclusion. It then examines Barnes', Gill's, Henry's, and Jamison's interpretations, which generally agree the passage uses marriage as an illustration to show that death ends one's obligations to the law, just as a spouse is freed from marriage laws upon their partner's death. The commentary examines this argument in detail over several paragraphs.
The document provides an overview of a discipleship conference focused on recovering one's first love for Jesus, discovering the need for rest in God, and uncovering the path to reasonable service. It discusses how believers can lose their first love through sin, failure, pressures and living inauthentically. To regain love, one must rest in Jesus' finished work through faith. The first step of discipleship is recognizing one's complete need for Christ. Putting off the old self and being transformed requires resting in God's decrees of redemption and having a cleansed conscience through Christ. Good works prepared by God result from transformation and include caring for those in need.
The document provides an overview of biblical inspiration and what can be learned about God from Revelation. It discusses that the Bible writers were inspired by the Holy Spirit, making Scripture trustworthy. While inspiration allowed for individual expression, the overall messages are consistent. The triune nature of God is a mystery not fully understood. Revelation is crucial for learning about God's attributes like love, justice and eternality. It also shows God is actively involved in humanity through creation, miracles, the cross and second coming. Understanding inspiration allows knowing God revealed in Scripture.
Antinomianism is the belief that faith alone is necessary for salvation and Christians are not bound by moral laws or obligations. The term was coined by theologians to label those who interpreted scripture this way. Antinomians believe obedience to moral laws like the 10 Commandments is not required for salvation. Throughout history, some antinomians went so far as to violate God's commands and even worship the devil. Martin Luther first used the term to describe Johannes Agricola's teachings that Christians are entirely free from moral laws. Antinomians have developed several doctrinal principles and types to support their view of freedom from law through faith alone.
This document provides a summary of the lesson for November 4, 2017 on the topics of law and faith based on passages from Romans and Galatians. It discusses how faith confirms rather than negates the law, and how figures like Abraham and David were saved by faith before the law was given. It explains that the law shows us sin but cannot save us or impart life, and that salvation has always come through faith alone rather than works. The purpose of the law is to reveal sin and God's will, not to be a path to salvation or something that can be ignored or removed.
The document contains several Bible passages from Acts, Mark, Luke, and Matthew that discuss Jesus commanding his followers to go into the world and spread the gospel message. It also contains commentary affirming faith in Jesus Christ and what he did on the cross to save humanity.
The document discusses the end times and finding rest in Christ. It summarizes that:
1) The world is facing serious issues as end times events are fulfilled, but believers can find rest in Christ amid the troubles.
2) Jesus promised he will return and believers should remain faithful until then, finding rest in his promises.
3) When Christ returns, believers will receive ultimate rest in the new Earth with God for eternity.
Jonah initially refused God's call to preach to Nineveh because he did not want to warn his enemies. He tried to flee by boat to Tarshish instead of obeying God. God sent a storm and a large fish to intervene. After being rescued, Jonah fulfilled his mission. The Ninevites repented greatly upon hearing Jonah's short message. However, Jonah was still unhappy that God forgave Nineveh. God used the example of a plant to help Jonah understand that God's mercy and concern extends to all people. In the end, both Nineveh and Jonah learned to accept God's love and forgiveness.
El documento habla sobre el descanso que los creyentes pueden tener a pesar de los problemas en el mundo. Aunque el mundo está lleno de tribulaciones, los que confían en Dios pueden descansar sabiendo que Él controla el futuro y ha prometido un descanso eterno. El documento también dice que aunque los que han muerto descansan temporalmente, el verdadero descanso final solo se alcanzará cuando Cristo regrese.
Jonás encontró descanso en Dios hasta que Dios le pidió predicar a los enemigos de Israel en Nínive. Al ser enviado a Nínive, Jonás huyó por temor a que Dios perdonara a los ninivitas. Aunque fue salvado de morir en el mar, Jonás continuó sin encontrar paz interior hasta que aprendió que Dios ama a todos los pueblos por igual.
The document summarizes symbols presented in the New Testament that point to spiritual truths. It discusses how Paul viewed the crossing of the Red Sea as a symbol of baptism, and how John the Baptist saw animal sacrifices at the Temple as a symbol of Jesus redeeming people. It also examines how the book of Hebrews presents the Sabbath in creation and entering the promised land as symbols of the rest God gives believers. The document explores these symbols and their deeper meanings, emphasizing how they point to spiritual realities about following Christ.
El documento resume cómo los autores del Nuevo Testamento usan historias del Antiguo Testamento como símbolos de realidades espirituales. Por ejemplo, Pablo ve el cruce del Mar Rojo como símbolo del bautismo, y en Hebreos el sábado de la Creación y la conquista de Canaán simbolizan el descanso que Dios ofrece. El documento también explora cómo otros eventos como los sacrificios en el Templo prefiguran la redención de Jesús.
The document discusses the Sabbath and what it means to keep the Sabbath holy. It provides several key points about the Sabbath:
1) The Sabbath is a day of rest dedicated to God to remember God's power in creation and our role as stewards.
2) It is meant to be a day of thankfulness for our liberation from sin and a reminder of God's plan for our full communion with Him.
3) Rather than just physical rest, the Sabbath involves serving others through acts of love, mercy, and benevolence without limits of time or place.
El documento resume las diferentes formas en que el sábado nos recuerda nuestra relación con Dios, incluyendo recordar su poder como Creador, agradecerle por liberarnos del pecado a través de Jesús, y servir a otros como parte de nuestra adoración a Dios.
The document discusses the importance and meaning of the Sabbath. It summarizes that the Sabbath reminds us that God created us and redeemed us from slavery. It is a day for resting with God and having communion with our Creator. The Sabbath points to Jesus as our Creator and Redeemer and the promise that one day we will live with Him forever in a new creation without sin or stress.
El documento habla sobre el significado del sábado como día de descanso y comunión con Dios. El sábado recuerda que Dios nos creó y nos redimió de la esclavitud, y es un día para descansar de nuestras tareas y pasar tiempo con el Creador. También señala a Jesús como nuestro Creador y Redentor, con quien compartiremos la eternidad.
Este documento resume dos historias bíblicas sobre la enfermedad y el desánimo. La primera historia trata sobre un paralítico que Jesús curó después de perdonar sus pecados. La segunda historia trata sobre Elías, quien cayó en un profundo desánimo después de ser amenazado por Jezabel, pero Dios lo consoló y le dio nuevas tareas. El documento también discute las causas de la enfermedad y el desánimo, y cómo Jesús y Dios ofrecen descanso y consuelo.
This document summarizes two biblical stories about individuals who faced physical or spiritual sickness and discouragement, and the lessons we can learn from them. The paralytic man's illness was caused by his sinful life, but his friends cared for him and Jesus forgave his sins and healed him. Elijah faced discouragement when threatened by Jezebel, but found rest and encouragement from God who assigned him new purpose and tasks. Both examples show that through faith in God, forgiveness, and his love, one can find healing and hope even in suffering.
Joseph was imprisoned for two more years after being released from prison. When the Pharaoh had strange dreams, the butler remembered Joseph's ability to interpret dreams. Joseph interpreted the dreams to mean there would be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. He advised Pharaoh to store grain during the abundant years. As a result, Pharaoh promoted Joseph to first minister and gave him a high position in Egypt. During the first year of famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt for food and Joseph had to decide whether to punish or forgive them for their past treatment of him.
La historia cuenta cómo José perdonó a sus hermanos que lo habían vendido como esclavo años atrás. Cuando José se convirtió en primer ministro de Egipto y sus hermanos viajaron allí durante una hambruna, él los reconoció pero no se reveló. Probó la sinceridad de su arrepentimiento antes de reconciliarse con ellos. José perdonó porque comprendió que Dios había usado lo malo para un bien mayor y porque creía en perdonar como Dios los perdona a nosotros.
This document summarizes a lesson about Joseph from the Bible. It discusses how Joseph came from a dysfunctional family but learned lessons of faith from them. As a young man, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt after becoming jealous of him. Though facing difficulties, Joseph maintained his faith in God. He found favor with his masters and rose to a position of leadership overseeing other slaves. His faith and moral character helped him overcome conflicts and challenges.
José tuvo una familia disfuncional pero aprendió a confiar en Dios. Fue vendido como esclavo a Egipto pero continuó aplicando los principios bíblicos. Aunque fue acusado falsamente y enviado a prisión, se ganó la confianza de los demás presos y del jefe de la cárcel.
El documento analiza el significado del descanso en Cristo mencionado en Mateo 11:28-30. Explica que Jesús ofrece un descanso basado en su divinidad y unidad con el Padre. Este descanso se obtiene cuando nos sentimos cansados y cargados y le llevamos nuestras cargas a Jesús para que se haga cargo de ellas. Al aceptar el yugo de Cristo, nos sometemos a su voluntad y trabajamos con Él para llevar a cabo su obra.
This document provides a summary of Matthew 11:28-30 about finding rest in Christ. It examines the context of the passage and what it means to take Christ's yoke. Key points include: 1) Jesus offers rest because he is one with God; 2) To find rest, we must feel the need for it and bring our burdens to Jesus; 3) Christ's yoke makes burdens easier to carry as we submit to his will. The yoke represents submitting to God's law of liberty rather than heavy burdens of works or slavery. With Christ's strength, his yoke is light.
David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed. He tried to conceal his sins but was confronted by Nathan. David repented and confessed his sins. Though forgiven, David still faced consequences for his actions, including the death of his child with Bathsheba. However, through repentance, David was able to find joy in God's salvation again. True repentance requires a changed heart and relying on God rather than oneself to resist sin going forward. David's story shows both the possibility of forgiveness for even grave sins, as well as the consequences of sin despite repentance.
David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband Uriah to be killed. He tried to conceal his sins but was confronted by Nathan. David repented and confessed his sins. Though forgiven, David still faced consequences for his actions, including the death of his child with Bathsheba. However, through repentance, David was able to find joy in God's salvation again. True repentance requires a changed heart and relying on God rather than oneself to avoid future sins. David's story shows that no matter how serious the sin, God is willing to forgive those who repent.
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
The forces involved in this witchcraft spell will re-establish the loving bond between you and help to build a strong, loving relationship from which to start anew. Despite any previous hardships or problems, the spell work will re-establish the strong bonds of friendship and love upon which the marriage and relationship originated. Have faith, these stop divorce and stop separation spells are extremely powerful and will reconnect you and your partner in a strong and harmonious relationship.
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A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Discover various methods for clearing negative entities from your space and spirit, including energy clearing techniques, spiritual rituals, and professional assistance. Gain practical knowledge on how to implement these techniques to restore peace and harmony. For more information visit here: https://www.reikihealingdistance.com/negative-entity-removal/
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
2. Key Text:
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we
keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know
Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him”
1 John 2:3, 4, NKJV
Key Thought:
God’s entire moral law is what reveals our sin and, thus,
our need for a Savior. The law and the gospel are,
therefore, inseparable.
3. The law and character of God are
central to the great controversy, and
when the controversy is finally over,
God’s law and character will be
vindicated before the onlooking
universe. Until then, the controversy
rages on. As human beings we wind up
on one side or another, and the side
we choose decides which master we
follow. In the words of Bob Dylan,
“You’re gonna have to serve
somebody, / Well, it may be the devil
or it may be the Lord / But you’re
gonna have to serve somebody.”
Those who choose to serve the Lord do so out of love and appreciation for what
has been done for them through Christ. Having been buried with Christ by
baptism into His death, they know that the body of sin was destroyed so that
they no longer need to serve their former master, sin; but now have been given
the freedom to obey God and His law.
4. In this lesson we will look at the nature of the law, its
purpose, and its relation to the good news of God’s saving
grace.
For, rightly understood, God’s law helps to reveal just what
God’s grace has offered us in Christ.
5. 1. God’s Laws and Regulations
The word torah is a commonly
used Hebrew word in the Old
Testament and is often
translated as “law.” The New
Testament uses the Greek
nomos (law) to translate torah.
Torah means “direction” or
“guidance.” Because the Bible is
a record of God’s relationship
with humans, law in the Bible
generally refers to all of God’s
instructions to His people.
And because God Himself is good and righteous, and guides and
instructs His people in goodness and righteousness, we rightly
assume that His law reveals His goodness and righteousness. Or,
as we like to say, the law is a reflection of God’s character.
6. What do the following texts tell us
about the law and, ultimately, about
God? Ps. 19:7, 8; Rom. 7:12; Ps.
119:151, 152, 172.
It is by way of the Bible that God has
explicitly revealed Himself to humankind.
As one reads through the sacred texts, one
comes across an abundance of materials
that are, basically, directions or instructions
that cover many aspects of human life:
morality, ethics, health, sexuality, diet, work,
et cetera. Some of these instructions are
clearly universal; others appear to be more
limited in time and scope. But because all of
them are God’s instructions (torah), the greatest care is needed in the development of
principles that help us to understand what is universal and what is limited. Seventh-day
Adventists and many other Christian groups generally make a distinction between
“ceremonial” laws (regulations that teach the plan of salvation by symbols and ritual
practices), “civil” laws (instructions regarding the community life of the nation of ancient
Israel), and “moral” laws (instructions of God’s pattern of conduct for humanity).
7. The book of Leviticus contains many ceremonial laws, especially with
regard to the sanctuary service and its ritual system. The nature of civil
laws and the principle of justice underlying them can be seen, for
example, in Exodus 23:1–9. Then there is the moral law, the Ten
Commandments, which most Christians (in theory, at least) believe are
still God’s law for all humanity.
ceremonial laws civil laws moral law
8. Look through Exodus 23:1–9.
What universal moral principles can
we take from what was given
specifically to ancient Israel?
REFLECTION
9. 2. The Moral Law Today
Most Christians claim that the Ten Commandments are God’s
universal moral code. This view is seen, for instance, in various legal
battles in the United States in which Christians have sought to have
the Ten Commandments posted in
various public places, especially
public schools.
Years ago, Alabama was involved
in a legal battle involving a state
judge who refused to remove a
monument of the Ten Command-
ments from a courtroom, despite
orders from a higher court to do
so. In the minds of many, the Ten
Commandments, far from being
invalidated, remain God’s legal
standard for morality.
And with good reason too. To begin with, although the Decalogue (the Ten
Commandments) was codified at Sinai, the book of Genesis suggests that most of the
commandments were known before then.
10. What do the following
texts reveal about the
existence of the law
prior to Mount Sinai?
Gen. 35:1–4, 2:3, 4:8–11,
39:7–9, 44:8, 12:18.
On logical grounds alone, it makes no sense
for the Ten Commandments to have been
purely a Jewish institution, something inten-
ded only for a particular people in a particular
time and place. Doesn’t it make sense that
moral issues such as stealing, killing,
adultery, and idolatry are universally wrong, regardless
of culture? Also, when the Bible is so clear that sin is defined through the
law (Rom. 7:7), the notion of the law being abrogated or superceded is, on the
face of it, an illogical position for any Bible-believing Christian.
11. How does James
2:11 help us to
understand the
perpetuity of
God’s law?
First John 5:3 says that obedience to God’s
commandments is an expression of our love for Him.
What does that mean? Why is obedience to the
commandments an expression of this love?
12. 3. The Law and the Gospel
Though many understand
that the Ten
Commandments remain
binding in the lives of
Christians, the role that
they play in the plan of
salvation can be
confusing. If we’re not
saved by the keeping of
the law, then what is its
purpose?
13. How do the following texts help us to understand the role that
the law plays in the lives of those who are saved by grace?
Rom. 3:19, 20 Ps. 119:5, 6 Rom. 7:7
14. The law was never designed to
be a means of salvation.
Through the working of the
Holy Spirit, the law creates in
the sinner a need for the grace
(gospel) of Christ. By pointing
out what is right, what is good,
and what is true, those who fall
short of that standard (which is
all of us) realize our need of
salvation. In this sense the law
points us to the need for the
gospel, the need of grace. This
grace comes to us through
Jesus. The function of the law,
even in the Old Testament, was
to show us our need of
salvation; it was never a means
of providing that salvation.
15. “To ask whether the law can bring
salvation is to ask the wrong
question as far as Scripture is
concerned—in both the Old and
New Testaments! Never does
either Testament affirm, imply, or
even hint that this might ever have
been the case. . . .
“It is a further error to argue that
the writer of Hebrews (10:1–4)
corrected the law, as if it had
taught that ‘the blood of bulls and
goats [could] take away sins.’ . . .
The sacrifices were pictures, types,
and models of the one perfect
sacrifice that was to come.”—
Walter C. Kaiser, Five Views on
Law and Gospel (Grand Rapids,
Mich.: Zondervan, 1993), pp. 394,
395.
16. Look around at what violation of God’s law has
done to humanity.
How has your own life been impacted by the
violation of God’s law?
What does your answer tell you about just how
relevant the law remains?
REFLECTION
17. 4. The Sabbath and the Law
As we saw in Monday’s lesson, many
Christians still believe in the binding
nature of God’s law. Again, as long as
one accepts the reality of sin, it’s
hard to see how anyone could
believe anything else.
Yet, as we know so well, the whole
issue of the Christian obligation to
the law suddenly gets very murky
when the question of obedience to
the fourth commandment arises,
particularly in regard to the seventh
day itself.
In fact, the irony is that the Alabama judge who got himself in trouble for his insistence on
placing the Ten Commandments monument in the courtroom was himself living in
violation of that law because, however strict a Sunday keeper he might have been, he
wasn’t keeping the biblical commandment to rest on the seventh day. If we take the Bible
for what it says, then, according to James—“Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet
offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10)—the judge was guilty of violating
every precept of the law that he had insisted upon leaving in the courthouse!
18. Exodus 20:9, 10 explains the
Sabbath commandment.
The text is careful to point
out when the Sabbath occurs
(the seventh day), and how
it is to be kept (cessation of
regular work by all under
one’s shelter) in order for its
holiness to be guarded.
“The Sabbath is not portrayed as a day of recuperation from those too
weak to keep working day after day without rest. It is portrayed rather
as a stoppage good for everyone, for the purpose of refocusing on
holiness (all concerns that stem from belonging to God, which is what
holiness is) in order to enjoy God’s blessings of that day and its poten-
tial.”—Douglas K. Stuart, The New American Commentary, Exodus, vol.
2 (Nashville, Tenn.: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006), p. 460.
19. The spiritual
potential of the
Sabbath is
embodied in what it
symbolizes. What
do the following
texts tell us about
the spiritual
meaning of the
Sabbath? How has
your own
experience with the
Sabbath helped you
to better appreciate
what these texts
teach us? Exod.
20:11, 12; Deut.
5:15; Exod. 31:13;
Ezek. 20:20; Heb.
4:3–9.
TEMPLE ADORATION
NATURE
REST
MISSIONARY WORK
20. 5. The Sabbath and the Gospel
In the final question
of yesterday’s lesson,
we looked at both
Exodus 20:11, 12 and
Deuteronomy 5:15.
What we see here is
the Sabbath pointing
us toward two ideas:
creation and redem-
ption, two concepts
that are very power-
fully linked in the
Bible. God is not only
our Creator, He is also our Redeemer; and both these important spiritual truths
are brought home to us every week, every seventh day, as we rest on the
Sabbath, “according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56, NKJV), just as the
women who “c*a+me with Him *Jesus+ from Galilee” (Luke 23:55) did.
God, our Creator God, our Redimer
21. Read Colossians 1:14–16 and John 1:1–14. How do these
texts link Jesus as both our Creator and Redeemer?
“Since the divine law is as
sacred as God Himself, only
one equal with God could
make atonement for its
transgression. None but Christ
could redeem fallen man from
the curse of the law, and
bring him again into harmony
with Heaven.”—Ellen G.
White, Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 63. Only as
Creator, only as One equal
with God, only as the One
who had made “all . . . that
was made” (John 1:3), could
Jesus be the One to redeem
fallen humanity.
22. By pointing us to Christ
as our Creator and
Redeemer, the Sabbath
is a powerful symbol of
the gospel of grace. In
fact, our resting on the
Sabbath reveals that we,
indeed, are not saved by
the works of the law but
by what Christ has done
for us. Thus, Sabbath rest
becomes a symbol of the
rest we have in Jesus
(see Heb. 4:3–9).
23. Salvation, too, is restoration;
it is re-creation, a process
that not only starts now when
we have accepted Jesus (see 2
Cor. 5:17, Gal. 6:15) but that
culminates and climaxes with
the re-creation of the heavens
and the earth (see Isa. 65:17,
Rev. 21:5). These verses show
even more clearly how
Creation and Redemption are
linked, and both of these
crucial truths are embodied in
the Sabbath commandment,
one of the Ten
Commandments.
24. It’s one thing to say that you are a Sabbath keeper, and
to even rest on the Sabbath.
The scribes and Pharisees did that.
But it’s another to experience the fullness and richness
of the Sabbath.
What about your own Sabbath keeping?
What might you do in order to better reap the
spiritual and physical blessings that God provides for
us on the Sabbath day?
REFLECTION
25. “God would have us realize that He
has a right to mind, soul, body, and
spirit—to all that we possess. We
are His by creation and by redemp-
tion. As our Creator, He claims our
entire service. As our Redeemer,
He has a claim of love as well as of
right—of love without a parallel. . . .
Our bodies, our souls, our lives, are His, not only because they are
His free gift, but because He constantly supplies us with His
benefits, and gives us strength to use our faculties.” —Ellen G.
White, The Adventist Review and Sabbath Herald, Nov. 24, 1896.
26. “And the Lord says, ‘If thou turn
away thy foot from the Sabbath,
from doing thy plea-sure on My
holy day; and call the Sabbath a
delight, the holy of the Lord,
honorable; . . . then shalt thou
delight thyself in the Lord.’
Isa. 58:13, 14.
To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ’s creative and
redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight
themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as
an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind
the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour.
And every object in nature repeats His invitation, ‘Come unto [M]e, all
ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.’ Matt.
11:28.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 289.
27. ASSOCIATE truth – Why should I study this lesson?
DISCOVER truth – What does the Bible say about this truth?
APPLY truth – How can this truth affect my life today?
PLAN using the truth – How can I use this truth today?
TRANSFER truth to life – What changes do I need in my life?
ADAPT it!
Teaching Approach
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