Sabbath INTRODUCTION

The afterglow of satisfaction that comes after achievement of a difficult task demanded our best which is what come as happiness. But human propensities and tendencies somewhat overflows to of no satisfaction in life, unless that person claims God’s bountiful graces.

Inspiration says, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press forward to the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ." {RH, April 12, 1898 par. 1}

It is your duty to change your course of action. Learn to see and to recognize ability and talent in others besides yourself. For Christ's sake, do not lord it over His heritage but be an ensample to the flock. Give to others the benefit of all the knowledge that the Lord has given to you. He has given you this knowledge that you may impart it. Teach to others everything that you know, not in an arbitrary manner, making light of their mistakes and ridiculing their ignorance; but in a kindly spirit, you yourself sitting at the feet of Jesus as a learner. Take young men into your mission home, and be their instructor, teaching them as you would teach students in a school.--Letter 10, 1884 (October 27, 1884, to J. O. Corliss). {ChL 48.5}

This week’s SSLesson will look more on the spiritual symbols or models of things happen with its apocalyptical application that gives assurance for our longings to have more as we have expected in this life. Everything that may not be achieve at present maybe stored ahead of us.

As students of the Bible, let us open our eyes and behold God’s promises in His words as we diligently search for ourselves the riches of His glorious plan for humanity.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: Baptized Into Moses (A Symbol of Baptism–1 Cor. 10:1-4)

Monday: Ritual and Sacrifies (A Symbol of Redemption–John 1:36)

Tuesday: The “Example” of Rest (A Symbol of Rest 1: Entering Rest–Hebrews 3:7-4:3)

Wednesday: Harden Not Your Hearts (A Symbol of Rest 2: Not Entering Rest–Heb. 4:3-7)

Thursday: Conquering a Heavenly City (A Symbol of Rest 3: Future Rest–Heb. 4:8-11)

Friday: Further Study

Prayer Thought

The Lord knew that Adam could not be happy without labor; therefore, He gave him the pleasant employment of dressing the garden. And, as he tended the things of beauty and usefulness around him, he could behold the goodness and glory of God in His created works. Adam had themes for contemplation in the works of God in Eden, which was heaven in miniature. God did not form man merely to contemplate His glorious works; therefore, He gave him hands for labor, as well as a mind and heart for contemplation. {Con 11.2}

If the happiness of man consisted in doing nothing, the Creator would not have given Adam his appointed work. Man was to find happiness in labor, as well as in meditation. Adam could take in the grand idea that he was created in the image of God, to be like Him in righteousness and holiness. His mind was capable of continual cultivation, expansion, refinement, and noble elevation; for God was his teacher, and angels were his companions. {Con 11.3}

Memory Verse

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. (1 Cor. 10:6)

Words of Assurance

It is your duty to change your course of action. Learn to see and to recognize ability and talent in others besides yourself. For Christ's sake, do not lord it over His heritage but be an ensample to the flock. Give to others the benefit of all the knowledge that the Lord has given to you. He has given you this knowledge that you may impart it. Teach to others everything that you know, not in an arbitrary manner, making light of their mistakes and ridiculing their ignorance; but in a kindly spirit, you yourself sitting at the feet of Jesus as a learner. Take young men into your mission home, and be their instructor, teaching them as you would teach students in a school.--Letter 10, 1884 (October 27, 1884, to J. O. Corliss). {ChL 48.5}

Sunday: Baptized Into Moses (A Symbol of Baptism–1Cor. 10:1-4)

“all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” (1 Corinthians 10:2)

God’s Wonder-Working Power from Our Invisible Leader Christ

The dealings of God with His people should be often repeated. He has worked as a wonder-working God. He has baptized His chosen messengers with the Holy Spirit. The past history of the cause of God needs often to be brought before the people, young and old, that they may be familiar with it. How frequently were the waymarks set up by the Lord in His dealing with ancient Israel, lest they should forget the history of the past. Christ, their invisible Leader, commanded Moses to form these events into song, that the people of Israel might teach them to their children. {9MR 134.3}

Water and Wine – Symbols of His Work of Salvation

The gift of Christ to the marriage feast was a symbol. The water represented baptism into His death; the wine, the shedding of His blood for the sins of the world. . . . {CSA 11.6}

At the first feast He attended with His disciples, Jesus gave them the cup that symbolized His work for their salvation. At the last supper He gave it again, in the institution of that sacred rite by which His death was to be shown forth “till He come.” 1 Corinthians 11:26. 21 {CSA 11.7}

The word of Christ supplied ample provision for the feast. So abundant is the provision of His grace to blot out the iniquities of men, and to renew and sustain the soul. {AG 104.4}

Behold What Manner of Love God has for Humanity

John holds up before us the infinite sacrifice made in our behalf, and points us to the infinite possibilities that lie before us. "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." We may enter into this sacred relationship. No pen can describe the honor this will bring to us. Many act as if it were a great humiliation to accept Christ as their Saviour. But there is no true honor except that which comes through Christ. Our highest good is found in following his example. We meet with many failures because we do not realize this. If we lift the cross cheerfully, Christ will guide us by his counsel, and afterward receive us into glory. "It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." Mrs. E. G. White. {YI, October 18,1900 par.12}

Right Influence at Home: Examples to the World

Setting a right example in the home, parents are able to exert a good influence in the church. . . . Into the home there must be brought the heavenly rule. This will fit us for church relationship as laborers together with God, and will make us examples to the world. {1NL 77.3}

Consider the following

A symbol is an example that helps us to understand another thing or idea. There are many symbols in the account of Israel’s exodus. These symbols help us to understand spiritual truths.

SYMBOL: At the Red Sea, the people of Israel were leaving Egypt’s slavery and entering a new life of freedom under the cloud.

REALITY: Our baptism marks the end of sin’s slavery in our lives, and the beginning of a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4, 11).

SYMBOL: God fed them with manna.

REALITY: Jesus is the “bread of life” (John 6:48)

SYMBOL: They drank water that flowed from a rock.

REALITY: Jesus is the “living water” (John 4:10).

Monday: Ritual and Sacrifices (A Symbol of Redemption–John 1:36)

“And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’” (John 1:36)

Questions to Ponder

In Sunday’s lesson we talk about the word, “symbols” in connection with the wonderful works of Salvation. How about in this point of our study? Let’s consider some questions here:

1. God’s ancient people had relied to their knowledge of the sacrificial offering they offered but forget the spiritual application applied to whom they pointed. Is it possible that we are following the same footsteps? 5T 217

2. Can we relate to the experience of the ancient Israel where our faith had been tested with discouragement, frustrations and depressions?

3. What should we do when we are confronted with similar test, in the home, church and community?

4. Based on the important explanation contained in Lev. 4:35, “So the priest shall make atonement for his sin that he has committed, and it shall be forgiven him” (NKJV), thus, Christ atoning sacrifice is completed on the cross. What lesson could we extract from this important point in our salvation?

5. Do we have part in our salvation? Eph. 2:8, 9;

Inspirations declare, The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father's law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man's duty and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins. {DA 608.2}

Mosaic Ritual Pointed to Better One

The sacrifices and offerings of the Mosaic ritual were ever pointing toward a better service, even a heavenly. {FLB 195.4}

The merits of His [Jesus'] sacrifice are sufficient to present to the Father in our behalf. {FLB 195.5}

We are to have free access to the atoning blood of Christ. This we must regard as the most precious privilege, the greatest blessing, ever granted to sinful man. {FLB 195.6}

SACRIFICES A PERPETUAL REMINDER

In patriarchal times the sacrificial offerings connected with divine worship constituted a perpetual reminder of the coming of a Saviour, and thus it was with the entire ritual of the sanctuary services throughout Israel’s history. In the ministration of the tabernacle, and of the temple that afterward took its place, the people were taught each day, by means of types and shadows, the great truths relative to the advent of Christ as Redeemer, Priest, and King; and once each year their minds were carried forward to the closing events of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, the final purification of the universe from sin and sinners. {Hvn 19.3}

Two Distinct Law/Systems Tried to Blend to Abolish the Other

There are many who try to blend these two systems, using the texts that speak of the ceremonial law to prove that the moral law has been abolished; but this is a perversion of the Scriptures. The distinction between the two systems is broad and clear. The ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing to Christ, to His sacrifice and His priesthood. This ritual law, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be performed by the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Then all the sacrificial offerings were to cease. It is this law that Christ "took . . . out of the way, nailing it to His cross." Colossians 2:14. But concerning the law of Ten Commandments the psalmist declares, "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89. And Christ Himself says, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law. . . . Verily I say unto you"--making the assertion as emphatic as possible--"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:17, 18. Here He teaches, not merely what the claims of God's law had been, and were then, but that these claims should hold as long as the heavens and the earth remain. The law of God is as immutable as His throne. It will maintain its claims upon mankind in all ages. {PP 365.1}

Consider the following

What can we learn from the sacrifices depicted in Leviticus 4:32-35 which are a symbol of Jesus? Remember that blood is a symbol of life (see Leviticus 17:11).

SYMBOL: The offender placed their hands on the lamb.

REALITY: We confess our sins to Jesus.

SYMBOL: They slaughtered the animal.

REALITY: We acknowledge that Jesus died for our sins.

SYMBOL: The priest put some blood on the horns of the altar and spilled the rest.

REALITY: The blood that Jesus spilled on the cross can redeems us.

SYMBOL: The fat was burned on the altar.

REALITY: We surrender our lives to Jesus.

SYMBOL: The priest made atonement for the sin.

REALITY: Jesus makes atonement for our sins.

Tuesday: The “Example” of Rest (A Symbol of Rest 1: Entering Rest–Hebrews 3:7-4:3)

“For we who have believed do enter that rest,” (Hebrews 4:3)

Think about these questions!

If only that humanity would realize how Christ offered His life as an example for us to follow, what lesson could we extract from them?

1. What’s the significance of Christ’s death fall on the very day of the Passover week? (Mark and John agree that Jesus died on a Friday. In Mark, this was the Day of Passover (15 Nisan), the morning after the Passover meal of the evening before. ... In John, Jesus died on the Day of Preparation (14 Nisan), the day before the Passover meal, sometime after noon but before sunset later that evening.)

2. What does Passover have to do with Jesus?

3. What happened the week before Jesus our Lord died? What lesson could we learn from that?

4. How does the Passover point to the death of Christ?

Inspiration declares, “Arguments drawn from the Old-Testament types also pointed to the autumn as the time when the event represented by the “cleansing of the sanctuary” must take place. This was made very clear as attention was given to the manner in which the types relating to the first advent of Christ had been fulfilled. {GC88 398.4}

Passover Lamb: A Shadow of Christ’s Death on Calvary

The slaying of the passover lamb was a shadow of the death of Christ. Says Paul, “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” [1 Corinthians 5:7.] The sheaf of first-fruits, which at the time of the Passover was waved before the Lord, was typical of the resurrection of Christ. Paul says, in speaking of the resurrection of the Lord, and of all his people, “Christ the first-fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.” [1 Corinthians 15:23.] Like the wave-sheaf, which was the first ripe grain gathered before the harvest, Christ is the first-fruits of that immortal harvest of redeemed ones that at the future resurrection shall be gathered into the garner of God. {GC88 399.1}

Fulfillment of the Typological Truth in the Old Testament

These types were fulfilled, not only as to the event, but as to the time. On the fourteenth day of the first Jewish month, the very day and month on which, for fifteen long centuries, the passover lamb had been slain, Christ, having eaten the passover with his disciples, instituted that feast which was to commemorate his own death as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” That same night he was taken by wicked hands, to be crucified and slain. And as the antitype of the wave-sheaf, our Lord was raised from the dead on the third day, “the first-fruits of them that slept,” [1 Corinthians 15:20.] a sample of all the resurrected just, whose “vile body” shall be changed, and “fashioned like unto his glorious body.” [Philippians 3:21.] {GC88 399.2}

Entering Rest: The Reward of Grace (Study Mat. 20)

As the young man turned away, Jesus said to His disciples, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God." These words astonished the disciples. They had been taught to look upon the rich as the favorites of heaven; worldly power and riches they themselves hoped to receive in the Messiah's kingdom; if the rich were to fail of entering the kingdom, what hope could there be for the rest of men?

In the light of the Saviour's words, their own secret longing for power and riches was revealed. With misgivings for themselves they exclaimed, "Who then can be saved?" {COL 394.1}

"Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." {COL 394.2}

A rich man, as such, cannot enter heaven. His wealth gives him no title to the inheritance of the saints in light. It is only through the unmerited grace of Christ that any man can find entrance into the city of God. {COL 394.3}

Copy- paste into the browser then click below for further study!

1. Kingdom of God Likened to the Parable of the Householder

https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/1-the-eleventh-hour-call

2. The Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory on Earth as it is in Heaven

a.https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/5-mighty-stone-and-the-great-image-of-daniel-2

b.https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/6-the-establishment-of-the-kingdom-of-glory

Consider the following

God promised Israel that they will find rest once they possessed Canaan. However, only those who believed and persevered could enter that rest (Hebrews 4:2).

We must fully trust and believe Christ’s promises to enter His rest. Perseverance is key to be in communion with Him every day.

Where can we find these promises? How can we believe in them? How can we persevere? By reading the Word with faith (Hebrews 4:2, 12).

Wednesday: Harden Not Your Hearts (A Symbol of Rest 2: Not Entering Rest–Heb. 4:3-7)

“So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’” (Psalm 95:11)

Danger of Rejecting Light from heaven

The exhortation of the apostle applies to us as well as to those to whom this epistle was directed. "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them." Christ taught the people the principles of Christianity, speaking from the pillar of cloud and of fire, by day and by night; but they did not obey his words, and the apostle presents before us the consequence of their disobedience, stating that they were overthrown in the wilderness because of their rebellion. He says, "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."

Shall we who are living near the close of this world's history "take heed"?

Shall we heed the apostle's warning, "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it"?

The Lord would have his people trust in him and abide in his love, but that does not mean that we shall have no fear or misgivings. Some seem to think that if a man has a wholesome fear of the judgments of God, it is a proof that he is destitute of faith; but this is not so. A proper fear of God, in believing his threatenings, works the peaceable fruits of righteousness, by causing the trembling soul to flee to Jesus. Many ought to have this spirit today, and turn to the Lord with humble contrition, for the Lord has not given so many terrible threatenings, pronounced so severe judgments in his word, simply to have them recorded, but he means what he says. One says, "Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law." Paul says, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." {RH, October 21, 1890 par. 6}

Genuine Fear Regulates Christian Character

With the peace and joy of those who thus serve God, there is always seen a godly fear, "lest a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it." This sanctified fear is entirely proper. It is not a servile, cowardly fear; it is a dread to do anything that Christ will not approve. This fear regulates the Christian experience. Those who feel it sanctify the Lord in their hearts. They regard God with a reverence and love that leads to self-abasement. But their fear is very different from the terror of a slave, who lives in expectation of the lash. This genuine fear leads to firm reliance on God. Mrs. E. G. White. {ST, September 22, 1898 par. 8}

Consider the following

Paul presented the disobedience of the Israelites–which prevented them from entering Canaan–as a symbol of their rejection of Jesus as a nation. Since the beginning of Creation, God decided to give rest to all His children, but not all of them got it.

God promises rest for the soul. We get it when we fully surrender to Christ. Then our lives are gradually linked to God’s eternal purpose (Isaiah 30:15; Jeremiah 6:16; Matthew 11:29).

We can still enter this rest, but it’s urgent that we make a decision. The right moment to enter His rest is TODAY (v. 6-7).

Thursday: Conquering a Heavenly City (A Symbol of Rest 3: Future Rest–Heb. 4:8-11)

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9)

Overcomers: The 144,000 Living Saints

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. Revelation 14:14-17. {EW 31.2}

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Hebrews 4:9. {EW 31.3}

And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2. {EW 31.4}

And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads. Revelation 14:1. {EW 31.5}

For a detailed study on this subject please copy paste to the browser and click the link below.

1. https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/2-the-144000

2. https://sites.google.com/view/meatindueseason/3-the-great-multitude

We are to copy no human being. There is no human being wise enough to be our criterion. We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pattern man. His experience is the measure of the experience that we are to gain. His character is our model. Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on Him, that by beholding we may be changed into His likeness. We may behold Christ to good purpose. We may safely look to Him; for He is all-wise. As we look to Him and think of Him, He will be formed within, the hope of glory.

{Mar 241.8}

Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand.

{Mar 241.9}

Consider the following

Read Hebrews 4:8. Didn’t Joshua lead the people of Israel to rest when they entered Canaan? Wasn’t that the rest mentioned in Psalm 95 which Paul is quoting? What is Paul talking about?

There is a future rest linked to the Heavenly Canaan and to the Sabbath (v. 10-11).

This rest reflects God’s rest in the first Sabbath ever. It means that we can rest from our work and trust in His salvation.

Friday: Meditation

To those who with steadfast perseverance strive to reveal the attributes of Christ, angels are commissioned to give enlarged views of His character and work, His power and grace and love. Thus they become partakers of His nature, and day by day grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ. The sanctification of the Spirit is seen in thought, word, and deed. Their ministry is life and salvation to all with whom they associate. Of such ones it is declared, "Ye are complete in Him." Colossians 2:10.--C.T. 485-491.

Our work is to strive to attain in our sphere of action the perfection that Christ in His life on the earth attained in every phase of character. He is our example. In all things we are to strive to honor God in character. In falling day by day so far short of the divine requirements, we are endangering our soul's salvation. We need to understand and appreciate the privilege with which Christ invests us, and to show our determination to reach the highest standard. We are to be wholly dependent on the power that He has promised to give us. {MM 253.2}

From the above statements, let’s examine ourselves.

Questions to Ponder

1. In what power can we obtain victory over sin and wickedness?

2. How can we clearly manifest Christ-like character if we disobey His commands, precepts and instructions for righteousness?

3. Can we still stand even we are deprived of our longings and desire in life?

4. How can you positively live a life which demonstrate the perfection of character?

5. What’s so special with the Sabbath Rest in connection with God’s Kingdom in these last days that will be established (Dan. 2:44-45, 35)?

In what way where Christ’s atoning sacrifice beneficial to the Sabbath keepers during the Sunday Law?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“We shall be saved eternally when we enter in through the gates into the city. Then we may rejoice that we are saved, eternally saved. But until then we need to heed the injunction of the apostle [Hebrews 4:1 is quoted]. Having a knowledge of Canaan, singing the songs of Canaan, rejoicing in the prospect of entering into Canaan, did not bring the children of Israel into the vineyards and olive groves of the Promised Land. They could make it theirs in truth only by occupation, by complying with the conditions, by exercising living faith in God, by appropriating His promises to themselves.” E. G. W. (That I May Know Him, June 5)

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