Sabbath Afternoon

Prayer Thought

Thither the faith of Christ's disciples followed him as he ascended from their sight. Here their hopes centered, “which hope we have,” said Paul, “as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest forever.” “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” [Hebrews 6:19, 20; 9:12.] {GC88 421.1}

Memory Text

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both secure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:19, 20, NKJV).

This week’s SS Lesson will describe the ups and downs of God’s people with an encouragement to hold on the anchor of the soul. The previous lesson shows how Jesus is committed to the role of being the mediator for humanity, yet human hasn’t understood this truth. They were not ready to accept due to their own reasoning. We will look at the past experiences and apply principles in our time – the relativeness of standing on for Christ in the present time.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: Tasting the Goodness of the Word – Tasting the Good (Heb. 6:4-5)

Heb. 10:32; 1:3; Acts 26:17, 18; 2:38;7:36; Eph. 5:11; 1Thess. 5:4, 5; Rom. 5:15; 12:2; John 7:37-39; 5:28, 29, 24; Col. 2:12, 13; 1Cor. 12;13; Gal. 5:22-23; Neh. 9:12, 19, 20; Ps. 105:39; Exo. 16:15; Josh. 21:45; Num. 14:1-35

Monday: Impossible to Restore – Falling into Sin (Heb. 6:6)

Heb. 6:4-6, 18; 11:6; Mat. 16:24; Rom. 6:6, 1-11; Gal. 2:20; 5:17, 24; 6:14

Tuesday: No Sacrifice for Sins Left – No Turning Back (Heb. 10:26-29)

Heb. 6:4-6; 1-14; 1:13; 5-12; 9:15-22; 1 John 1:9; Isa. 14:12-14; 2Thess. 2:3, 4

Wednesday: Better Things – Labor of Love (Heb. 6:9-12)

Heb. 6:4-8; 13:2, 13-15, 16; 5:11; 12:1-4; Mat. 10:42; 25:31-46; Rom. 13:8-10; Rev. 14:12

Thursday: Jesus, the Anchor of the Soul – Anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:13-20)

Heb. 2:9, 10; Exo. 32:11-14; Gen. 22:16-18; Rom. 9:4; 11:28, 29; Ps. 89:34-37; Gal 3:13-16; Lk. 1:31-33. 54, 55

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Sunday: Tasting the Goodness of the Word – Tasting the Good (Heb. 6:4-5)

Heb. 10:32; 1:3; Acts 26:17, 18; 2:38;7:36; Eph. 5:11; 1Thess. 5:4, 5; Rom. 5:15; 12:2; John 7:37-39; 5:28, 29, 24; Col. 2:12, 13; 1Cor. 12;13; Gal. 5:22-23; Neh. 9:12, 19, 20; Ps. 105:39; Exo. 16:15; Josh. 21:45; Num. 14:1-35

“[…] those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,” (Hebrews 6:4-5)

Light for Those Who Are Willing

God's Spirit can only enlighten the understanding of those who are willing to be enlightened. We read that God opened the ears of Lydia, so that she attended to the message spoken by Paul. To declare the whole counsel of God and all that was essential for Lydia to receive--this was the part Paul was to act in her conversion; and then the God of all grace exercised His power, leading the soul in the right way. God and the human agent cooperated, and the work was wholly successful (Letter 150, 1900). {6BC 1062.2}

Taste of True Work and Life – Heavenly Gift

So those who are the partakers of the grace of Christ will be ready to make any sacrifice, that others for whom He died may share the heavenly gift. They will do all they can to make the world better for their stay in it. This spirit is the sure outgrowth of a soul truly converted. No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus; the saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart. If we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ and are filled with the joy of His indwelling Spirit, we shall not be able to hold our peace. {SC 78.2}

Partakers of the Work of the Holy Spirit

We must be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. We must daily be transformed by the influence of the Holy Spirit; for it is the work of the Holy Spirit to elevate the taste, to sanctify the heart, to ennoble the whole man, by presenting to the soul the matchless charms of Jesus. {YRP 77.3}

Partakers of the Truth

Thousands of voices will be imbued with the power to speak forth the wonderful truths of God's word. The stammering tongue will be unloosed, and the timid will be made strong to bear courageous testimony to the truth. May the Lord help his people to cleanse the soul temple from every defilement, and to maintain such a close connection with him that they may be partakers of the latter rain when it shall be poured out. {RH, July 20, 1886 par. 10}

Consider the following

Which had been the experience of Paul’s audience (and ours?)?

Enlightened: They had been converted and liberated from sin. They had walked away from darkness (Ephesians 5:8).

Tasted the heavenly gift: They had tasted the gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8).

Partakers of the Holy Spirit: They had received the Holy Spirit and had been led by Him (Romans 8:5).

Tasted the good word of God: They had tasted the word of God through the Scriptures and the Word (John 1:14).

Tasted the powers of the age to come: They tasted what God has prepared ahead of time: the resurrection (Colossians 2:12), the renovation (Romans 12:2), the eternal life (John 5:24).

Monday: Impossible to Restore – Falling into Sin (Heb. 6:6)

Heb. 6:4-6, 18; 11:6; Mat. 16:24; Rom. 6:6, 1-11; Gal. 2:20; 5:17, 24; 6:14

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened […] if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.” (Hebrews 6:4, 6)

If Falling Into Satan’s Snares

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Here is a special direction to deal tenderly with those overtaken in a fault. This "overtaken" must have its full significance. It is something different from deliberate sin, to be led into sin unawares, not meaning to sin, but sinning through want of watchfulness and prayer, and not discerning the temptation of Satan, and so falling into his snare. There is a difference to be made in the case of one who plans and deliberately enters into temptation, and marks out an evil course, covering his sin skillfully, that he shall not be detected. The treatment cannot be the same in both cases. More effective measures are needed to check the premeditated sin; but the apostle directs the treatment to be given to those who are "overtaken," or surprised, or overcome, by temptation. "Ye which are spiritual," you who have evidenced that you have a connection with God, "restore such a one in the spirit of meekness," -- not crush all hope and courage out of the soul, but restore him in meekness, "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Faithful reproofs will be needed and kindly counsel and supplications to God, to bring him to see his danger and sin. {RH, June 28, 1887 par. 10}

Talk of the Power God had Provided

We have little idea of the strength that would be ours if we would connect with the Source of all strength. We fall into sin again and again, and think it must always be so. We cling to our infirmities as if they were something to be proud of. Christ tells us that we must set our face as a flint if we would overcome. He has borne our sins in His own body on the tree; and through the power He has given us, we may resist the world, the flesh, and the devil. Then let us not talk of our weakness and inefficiency, but of Christ and His strength. When we talk of Satan's strength, the enemy fastens his power more firmly upon us. When we talk of the power of the Mighty One, the enemy is driven back. As we draw near to God, He draws near to us. {AG 262.2}

Consider the following

The Jewish leaders crucified Jesus because He had endangered their power.

If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior but then reject Him as the only means of salvation, we are “crucifying Him again” and “putting Him to an open shame.” We would be urging to be in the limelight by our means.

This attitude goes against the Jesus’ teachings. He encouraged us to be crucified; this is, to die to ourselves and to carry His reproach with Him (Matthew 16:24; Hebrews 13:13).

“The Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven's communication that the Redeemer's inauguration was accomplished. According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers as a token that He had, as priest and king, received all authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His people.” {AA 38.3}

Tuesday: No Sacrifice for Sins Left – No Turning Back (Heb. 10:26-29)

Heb. 6:4-6; 1-14; 1:13; 5-12; 9:15-22; 1 John 1:9; Isa. 14:12-14; 2Thess. 2:3, 4

“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,” (Hebrews 10:26)

Christ Our Advocate

Jesus draws us to himself through the agency of his divine Spirit; and through faith in his blood we are cleansed from sin; "for the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But suppose that we sin after we have been forgiven, after we have become the children of God, then need we despair?--No; for John writes, "My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Jesus is in the heavenly courts pleading with the Father in our behalf. He presents our prayers, mingling with them the precious incense of his own merit, that our prayers may be acceptable to the Father. He puts the fragrance into our prayers, and the Father hears us because we ask for the very things which we need, and we become to others a savor of life unto life. {RH, March 1, 1892 par. 8}

Jesus came to suffer in our behalf, that he might impart to us his righteousness. There is but one way of escape for us, and that is found only in becoming partakers of the divine nature. {RH, March 1, 1892 par. 9}

Flee to Christ as Soon as Sin Is Committed

Many do not pray. They feel under condemnation for sin, and they think they must not come to God until they have done something to merit His favor or until God has forgotten about their transgressions. They say, "I cannot hold up holy hands before God without wrath or doubting, and therefore I cannot come." So they remain away from Christ, and are committing sin all the time in so doing, for without Him you can do nothing but evil. {3SM 196.2}

Just as soon as you commit sin, you should flee to the throne of grace, and tell Jesus all about it. You should be filled with sorrow for sin, because through sin you have weakened your own spirituality, grieved the heavenly angels, and wounded and bruised the loving heart of your Redeemer. When you have asked Jesus in contrition of soul for His forgiveness, believe that He has forgiven you. Do not doubt His divine mercy or refuse the comfort of His infinite love.--Bible Echo, Feb. 1, 1892. (Discourse at Melbourne, Australia, Dec. 19, 1891.) {3SM 196.3}

Consider the following

— Paul was not talking about sins that are committed unintentionally or because of weakness for a specific temptation (1 John 2:1), but something more serious.

— Paul was talking about “sin leading to death” (1 John 5:16), which is defined as follows (Hebrews 10:29):

(1) Trampling the Son of God. Rejecting Jesus as their Lord, placing themselves as lord in His place.

(2) Counting the blood of the covenant a common thing. Rejecting the sacrifice of Jesus.

(3) Insulting the Spirit of grace. Having sinned against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29).

Wednesday: Better Things – Labor of Love (Heb. 6:9-12)

Heb. 6:4-8; 13:2, 13-15, 16; 5:11; 12:1-4; Mat. 10:42; 25:31-46; Rom. 13:8-10; Rev. 14:12

“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10)

Every word you speak, every action you perform, has an influence for good or evil upon those who associate with you; and, oh! how necessary it is that you have Christ dwelling in your heart by faith, that your words may be words of life, and your works, the works of love. The words and deeds of the Christian are ordained to form a part of the great plan that God has devised for the salvation of lost man. The Lord has directed the world to his professed followers, and he has declared, "By their fruits ye shall know them." If we would work from the high standpoint of pleasing our Heavenly Father, we would be in harmony with the spirit of heaven; we would express to the world the love of Jesus in our lives and characters. {RH, June 12, 1888 par. 7}

Maintain a Closer Walk with Christ

“Cultivate a love for doing good; seek to be rich in good works. In many things you can do more than you do. You have an individual responsibility before God. You have a duty to do, from which you cannot be excused. Maintain a close walk with God; pray without ceasing. You will have close work if you save your soul. Seek to have a counteracting influence in your family. Take your stand nobly for God.

Let your example show that your treasure is in heaven, that you have invested all in a better home and a better life, which are eternal. Train your mind to value heavenly things, to be elevated, to love God, and to manifest a willing obedience to His will.” {2T 242.1}

Lay Hold On Eternal Things

It is not God's will that His ministers should seek to be rich. Regarding this Paul wrote to Timothy: "The love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." [1 Timothy 6:10, 11.] By example as well as by precept, the ambassador for Christ is to "charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." [1 Timothy 6:17-19.]--"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 365-367. {GW 340.2}

Consider the following

After such a harsh message, Paul told his audience that he was sure none of them had sinned against the Holy Spirit but were still holding to Jesus as their Savior (Hebrews 6:9).

He proved it by recalling all the work of love they had done for Christ. That is not one-time actions, but a lifestyle. God acknowledges, approves, and praises this type of labor (Revelation 2:2-3, 19).

Thursday: Jesus, the Anchor of the Soul – Anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:13-20)

Heb. 2:9, 10; Exo. 32:11-14; Gen. 22:16-18; Rom. 9:4; 11:28, 29; Ps. 89:34-37; Gal 3:13-16; Lk. 1:31-33. 54, 55

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,” (Hebrews 6:19)

“The truth of God is an anchor. You are breaking away from that anchor. Your eternal interests are being sacrificed to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. You are on the point of breaking the bonds which would save you from utter destruction. In seeking to save your life by concealing your wrongs, you are losing it. If you now humble yourself before God, confess your wrongs, and return to Him with full purpose of heart, yours can yet be a happy family. If you will not do this, but choose your own way, your happiness is at an end.” {2T 303.3}

Consider the following

Paul finished his appeal by mentioning the certainty of our salvation. It is like a steadfast anchor that is fixed with “two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18): His promise of a Savior, and the oath that supports that promise (Genesis 22:16-17; Psalm 89:35-36).

Everything points to Jesus. After Jesus ascended, He entered “behind the veil” and sat at the right hand of God as our precursor (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 6:20).

He undoubtedly is our “anchor of the soul,” and the certainty of the promises yet to come.

Friday: Meditation

We can manifest a thousand little attentions in friendly words and pleasant looks, which will be reflected upon us again. Thoughtless Christians manifest by their neglect of others that they are not in union with Christ. It is impossible to be in union with Christ and yet be unkind to others and forgetful of their rights. {AH 428.3}

We should all become witnesses for Jesus. Social power, sanctified by the grace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour. Let the world see that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests, but that we desire others to share our blessings and privileges. Let them see that our religion does not make us unsympathetic or exacting. Let all who profess to have found Christ minister as He did for the benefit of men. We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people. {AH 428.4}

Questions to Ponder

1. What evidence may our lives manifest that we are in unity

with Christ?

2. How does Heb. 6:4, 5 teaches and affects our life’s experiences and enlightens us as we relate to humanity?

3. If it is impossible for us to restore our lost image we had from

creation, then what are more impossibilities if Christ had not initiated the plan of redemption?

4. After knowing the truth, would it be possible to make insult to

the Spirit of grace when we aren’t completely changed?

5. Based on the passage above, would it be possible to witness and warn others while we were not in unity with Christ?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“ The great adversary of God, and the enemy of man, is watching to find an opportunity to take us when we are off our guard. Jesus has told us of our danger and warned us against the wily foe. He has repeatedly enjoined upon us the duty of always watching and praying, lest we enter into temptation. Believe in Jesus, trust in Jesus with living, constant faith, and rely without doubt upon Jesus to keep and save you. One mighty to save has hold upon you, and as long as you will submit to be led by Him, to learn of Him, to confide in Him, He will keep you from falling. And, when God engages to keep you, He is a sure defense.”

{ -Manuscript 1, Jan. 5, 1894, "The Holy Spirit Agrees With the Word." {UL 19.5}

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