8. The New Testament Hope (1Cor. 19:12-29)

Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

The Communion service points to Christ's second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His death, they recounted how "He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord's return. Unspeakably precious to them was the thought, "As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come." 1 Corinthians 11:26. {CCh 302.3}

Memory Text

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. {John 5:11, 12}

This week's SS Lesson will recall the fundamental hope and relate the blessed expectation of the New Testament believers that have kept them shaped sound and burning desire to live in faith. This includes our present condition as a church as an extension of God's people who also expect events that had been recorded in the annals of history and prophetic frameworks in the Holy Scriptures.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: Hope Beyond this Life {Disheartened?}

1Cor. 15:15:12-19, 32

Monday: I Will Come Again {Tired of Waiting?}

John 14:1-3; Rev. 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20; 2Pet. 3:4; Matt. 25:5; 2Pet. 3:9; Ps. 90:10; Eccl. 9:5, 10; Heb. 9:27

Tuesday: I Will Raise Him Up {Are we Immortal?}

John 6:1-14; 26-51, 58; Exo. 3:14

Wednesday: At the Sound of the Trumpet {Do we need to be Resurrected?}

1Thess. 4:13-18

Thursday: The Everlasting Encounter {Will we be Secretly Raptured?}

1Cor. 15:51-55; Rev. 1:7

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Sunday: Hope Beyond this Life {Disheartened?}

1Cor. 15:15:12-19, 32

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (1 Corinthians 15:19)

Look Beyond this Present Tears and Sorrow

"I say to the family and friends, I am a mourner with you today; but there is something about a righteous life in Christ which robs death of its terrors, and the grave of all its woe. Jesus has been there, and we may safely walk the path which Jesus trod. So, brethren, let us look up. Let us look beyond this present vale of tears and sorrow to a brighter and an eternal hope and life, for Jesus' sake, amen." {LS 455.2}

Faith in the Atonement

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19, {LHU 331.1}

When you begin to feel despondent, look unto Jesus, and commune with Him. When you think your brethren misunderstand you, remember that Jesus, your Elder Brother, never makes a mistake. He will judge righteously. The words of Christ uttered in the great day of the feast have a wonderful meaning and power. He lifted up His voice and said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." We are not to be driven to Christ.

Our Hope of Eternal Life in Christ Jesus

It is our part to come--to make our own choice, and come to the fountain of life. Why should we not come to Christ? for in Him our hope of eternal life is centered. The lessons that have come to us through Christ are not oft- repeated maxims; they are full of vital thought. But it is our part to appropriate divine truth. The apostle Paul exhorts us to lay hold on the hope set before us in the gospel. By faith we are to appropriate the promises of God, and to provide ourselves with the abundant blessings which have been secured for us through Christ Jesus. Hope has been set before us, even the hope of eternal life. Nothing short of this blessing for us will satisfy our Redeemer; but it is our part to lay hold upon this hope by faith in Him who has promised. We may expect to suffer; for it is those who are partakers with Him in His sufferings who shall be partakers with Him in His glory. He has purchased forgiveness and immortality for the sinful, perishing souls of men; but it is our part to receive these gifts by faith. Believing in Him, we have this hope as an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast. We are to understand that we may confidently expect God's favor not only in this world, but in the heavenly world, since He paid such a price for our salvation. Faith in the atonement and intercession of Christ will keep us steadfast and immovable amid the temptations that press upon us in the church militant. Let us contemplate the glorious hope that is set before us, and by faith lay hold upon it. . . . {LHU 331.2}

Consider the Following

The only afterlife that Paul knew about starts after the resurrection. Therefore, he was sure that there wouldn’t be any hope for the dead if resurrection was not real (1 Corinthians 15:16, 18).

Our hope is not built on this short life. Thanks to Jesus, a sinless eternal life awaits. We lose everything we lose sight of this truth.

Close Self-Examination in the Light of God's Word

There is great necessity for close self-examination in the light of God's Word; let each one raise the inquiry: "Am I sound, or am I rotten at heart? Am I renewed in Christ, or am I still carnal at heart, with a new dress put on the outside?" Rein yourself up to the great tribunal, and in the light of God examine to see if there be any secret sin that you are cherishing, any idol that you have not sacrificed. Pray, yes, pray as you have never prayed before, that you may not be deluded by Satan's devices. . . . Surely the foundation of your hope of everlasting life cannot be laid too sure. . . . While those around us may be vain and engaged in pleasure-seeking and folly, our conversation is in heaven, whence we look for the Saviour; the soul is reaching out after God for pardon and peace, for righteousness and true holiness. {FLB 313.3}

Expel sin from your hearts, for sin caused the death of the Son of God.

Jesus died, dear youth, not to save you in your sins, but from your sins.

Monday: I Will Come Again {Tired of Waiting?}

John 14:1-3; Rev. 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20; 2Pet. 3:4; Matt. 25:5; 2Pet. 3:9; Ps. 90:10; Eccl. 9:5, 10; Heb. 9:27

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation. {2 Peter 3:4}

Christ will Prepare a Place and Come Again

He spoke to them also words of hope and courage. "Let not your heart be troubled," He said; "ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." John 14:1-4. For your sake I came into the world; for you I have been working. When I go away I shall still work earnestly for you. I came to the world to reveal Myself to you, that you might believe. I go to My Father and yours to co-operate with Him in your behalf. {AA 21.2}

Rejoice in the Hope of Christ's Return

Thus will be fulfilled Christ's promise to His disciples, "I will come again, and receive you unto Myself." John 14:3. Those who have loved Him and waited for Him, He will crown with glory and honor and immortality. The righteous dead will come forth from their graves, and those who are alive will be caught up with them to meet the Lord in the air. They will hear the voice of Jesus, sweeter than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, saying to them, Your warfare is accomplished. "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matthew 25:34.

Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord's return. {AA 34.2}

Preach the Word, Sow Beside All Waters. Be Instant in Season, Out of Season

Christ's favorite theme was the paternal tenderness and abundant grace of God; He dwelt much upon the holiness of His character and His law; He presented Himself to the people as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let these be the themes of Christ's ministers. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Make plain the requirements of the law and the gospel. Tell the people of Christ's life of self-denial and sacrifice; of His humiliation and death; of His resurrection and ascension; of His intercession for them in the courts of God; of His promise, "I will come again, and receive you unto Myself." John 14:3.

Instead of discussing erroneous theories, or seeking to combat the opponents of the gospel, follow the example of Christ. Let fresh truths from God's treasure house flash into life. "Preach the word." "Sow beside all waters." "Be instant in season, out of season." "He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord." "Every word of God is pure. . . . Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." 2 Timothy 4:2; Isaiah 32:20; Jeremiah 23:28; Proverbs 30:5, 6. {COL 40.3}

Consider the Following

Before ascending to Heaven, Jesus promised that He would come again (John 14:1-3). It’s the last promise written in the Bible (Revelation 22:20). However, it’s been almost two thousand years. Are you tired of waiting?

When Jesus comes back, we will feel like that it’s been a blink since we died. Think about Adam and Eve. For them, Jesus is not taking six thousand years to come because they’re not currently aware that time goes by.

We don’t know when He will come back, but He will.

Surety of Christ's Return: All Eyes Shall See

Christ had ascended to heaven in the form of humanity. The disciples had beheld the cloud receive Him. The same Jesus who had walked and talked and prayed with them; who had broken bread with them; who had been with them in their boats on the lake; and who had that very day toiled with them up the ascent of Olivet,--the same Jesus had now gone to share His Father's throne. And the angels had assured them that the very One whom they had seen go up into heaven, would come again even as He had ascended. He will come "with clouds; and every eye shall see Him." "The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise." "The Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory." Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 25:31. Thus will be fulfilled the Lord's own promise to His disciples: "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:3. Well might the disciples rejoice in the hope of their Lord's return. {DA 832.2}

Tuesday: I Will Raise Him Up {Are we Immortal?}

John 6:1-14; 26-51, 58; Exo. 3:14

“Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:54)

Open Fountain of Life for the World

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). It is not physical life that is here specified, but immortality, the life which is exclusively the property of God. The Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life. Physical life is something which each individual receives. It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it again. Man has no control over his life. But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him. "I lay it down of myself" (John 10:18), He said. In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it only through Christ. He cannot earn it; it is given him as a free gift if he will believe in Christ as His personal Saviour. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). This is the open fountain of life for the world. {1SM 296.2}

Proclaim the Power of Christ who Brought Life and Immortality

Paul entreated Timothy to remember that he had been called "with a holy calling" to proclaim the power of Him who had "brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: whereunto," he declared, "I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." {AA 499.3}

Consider the Following

Jesus highlighted three concepts about eternal life in the synagogue at Capernaum:

He is the bread that “gives life to the world” (John 6:33)

In Christ there's eternal life by His gift we're believing in Him (John 6:35)

Those who die will receive eternal life at the resurrection (physically) (John 6:39-40, 44, 54)

Even those who believe in Jesus (and have eternal life) are subject to death. We will receive immortality when we’re resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:52-53). Therefore, those who don’t believe in Jesus are not immortal and will never be.

Immortality is a gift given to those who take the “living bread” today (John 6:51)

God's Elect Must Stand in the Last Days Untainted Amid the Corruptions

We are in a world that is opposed to righteousness, or purity of character, and especially to growth in grace. Wherever we look, we see defilement and corruption, deformity and sin. How opposed is all this to the work that must be accomplished in us just previous to receiving the gift of immortality! God's elect must stand untainted amid the corruptions teeming around them in these last days. Their bodies must be made holy, their spirits pure. If this work is to be accomplished, it must be undertaken at once, earnestly and understandingly. The Spirit of God should have perfect control, influencing every action. . . . {CD 118.4}

Wednesday: At the Sound of the Trumpet {Do we need to be Resurrected?}

1Thess. 4:13-18

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Privilege Watchmen on the Walls of Zion

It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so near to God, and to be susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit, that He can work through them to tell men and women of their peril and point them to the place of safety. Faithfully are they to warn them of the sure result of transgression, and faithfully are they to safeguard the interests of the church. At no time may they relax their vigilance. Theirs is a work requiring the exercise of every faculty of the being. In trumpet tones their voices are to be lifted, and never are they to sound one wavering, uncertain note. Not for wages are they to labor, but because they cannot do otherwise, because they realize that there is a woe upon them if they fail to preach the gospel. Chosen of God, sealed with the blood of consecration, they are to rescue men and women from impending destruction. {AA 361.2}

Victory Over Death - the Trumpet will Sound

Nowhere in the Sacred Scriptures is found the statement that the righteous go to their reward or the wicked to their punishment at death. The patriarchs and prophets have left no such assurance. Christ and His apostles have given no hint of it. The Bible clearly teaches that the dead do not go immediately to heaven. They are represented as sleeping until the resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:14; Job 14:10-12. In the very day when the silver cord is loosed and the golden bowl broken (Ecclesiastes 12:6), man's thoughts perish. They that go down to the grave are in silence. They know no more of anything that is done under the sun. Job 14:21. Blessed rest for the weary righteous! Time, be it long or short, is but a moment to them. They sleep; they are awakened by the trump of God to a glorious immortality. "For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible. . . . So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Corinthians 15:52-54. As they are called forth from their deep slumber they begin to think just where they ceased. The last sensation was the pang of death; the last thought, that they were falling beneath the power of the grave. When they arise from the tomb, their first glad thought will be echoed in the triumphal shout: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" Verse 55. {DD 17.2}

Consider the Following

Paul wanted the Thessalonians to know the truth about “those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Those who defend the immortality of the soul use the expression “God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 4:14) to affirm that the souls of the dead will come with Jesus to receive their physical body.

If that were true, why would they need to be resurrected? If they’re already with Jesus, they don’t need te be resurrected and ascend to Heaven to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

The hope of the resurrection would become useless if those who have died were already living with Jesus. Our consolation resides in the resurrection.

Thursday: The Everlasting Encounter {Will we be Secretly Raptured?}

1Cor. 15:51-55; Rev. 1:7

“Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40)

The Rapture of the Saved

As if entranced, the wicked have looked upon the coronation of the Son of God. They see in His hands the tables of the divine law, the statutes which they have despised and transgressed. They witness the outburst of wonder, rapture, and adoration from the saved; and as the wave of melody sweeps over the multitudes without the city, all with one voice exclaim, "Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints" (Revelation 15:3); and, falling prostrate, they worship the Prince of life. {DD 56.1}

Now is fulfilled the Saviour's prayer for His disciples, "I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am" (John 17:24). "Faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 24), Christ presents to the Father the purchase of His blood. . . . Oh, the wonders of redeeming love! The rapture of that hour when the infinite Father, looking upon the ransomed, shall behold His image. . . ! {AG 357.6}

Not a Secret Rapture but Visible and Audible

Says the apostle: "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump." "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God;" "the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." "The dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. {PP 88.3}

Satan Bitter Hatred Against God's Government

Satan again counseled with his angels, and with bitter hatred against God's government told them that while he retained his power and authority upon earth their efforts must be tenfold stronger against the followers of Jesus. They had prevailed nothing against Christ but must overthrow His followers, if possible. In every generation they must seek to ensnare those who would believe in Jesus. He related to his angels that Jesus had given His disciples power to rebuke them and cast them out, and to heal those whom they should afflict. Then Satan's angels went forth like roaring lions, seeking to destroy the followers of Jesus. {EW 191.2}

Rapture Unutterable Thrills of Every Heart

Throughout the unnumbered host of the redeemed, every glance is fixed upon him, every eye beholds His glory whose “visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.” Upon the heads of the overcomers, Jesus with his own right hand places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown, bearing his own “new name,” [Revelation 2:17.] and the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord.” In every hand are placed the victor's palm and the shining harp. Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the harp strings with skillful touch, awaking sweet music in rich, melodious strains. Rapture unutterable thrills every heart, and each voice is raised in grateful praise: “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” [Revelation 1:5, 6.] {GC88 645.3}

Consider the Following

Many Christians believe in a “secret rapture” that’s supposed to take place before the Second Coming, when the faithful will be transformed and taken to Jesus, while the rest of people will remain on Earth. This is based on an interpretation of 1 Corinthians 15:51 and other texts.

However, Paul was clear about when both the dead and the living saints will be transformed:

— 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16. A “last trumpet” will announce the event, and God Himself will call the dead. Too noisy to be a secret event.

— 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Both the living and the resurrected will be caught up.

This event is not called “the rapture” but “the coming of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:15).

THE TWO ADAMS MEET IN THE HOLY CITY

As the ransomed ones are welcomed to the City of God, there rings out upon the air an exultant cry of adoration. The two Adams are about to meet. The Son of God is standing with outstretched arms to receive the father of our race—the being whom He created, who sinned against his Maker, and for whose sin the marks of the crucifixion are borne upon the Saviour’s form. As Adam discerns the prints of the cruel nails, he does not fall upon the bosom of his Lord, but in humiliation casts himself at His feet, crying: “Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain!” Tenderly the Saviour lifts him up and bids him look once more upon the Eden home from which he has so long been exiled. {Hvn 49.1}

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Transported with joy, he beholds the trees that were once his delight—the very trees whose fruit he himself had gathered in the days of his innocence and joy. He sees the vines that his own hands have trained, the very flowers that he once loved to care for. His mind grasps the reality of the scene; he comprehends that this is indeed Eden restored, more lovely now than when he was banished from it. The Saviour leads him to the tree of life and plucks the glorious fruit and bids him eat. He looks about him and beholds a multitude of his family redeemed, standing in the Paradise of God. Then he casts his glittering crown at the feet of Jesus and, falling upon His breast, embraces the Redeemer. He touches the golden harp, and the vaults of heaven echo the triumphant song: “Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again!” The family of Adam take up the strain and cast their crowns at the Saviour’s feet as they bow before Him in adoration. {Hvn 50.1}

This reunion is witnessed by the angels who wept at the fall of Adam and rejoiced when Jesus, after His resurrection, ascended to heaven, having opened the grave for all who should believe on His name. Now they behold the work of redemption accomplished, and they unite their voices in the song of praise.—GC 647, 648. {Hvn 50.2}

STANDING WITH THE LAMB UPON THE SEA OF GLASS

Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire—so resplendent is it with the glory of God—are gathered the company that have “gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.” With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, “having the harps of God,” they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, “the voice of harpers harping with their harps.” And they sing “a new song” before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb—a song of deliverance. {Hvn 50.3}

Questions to Ponder

1. Is there any natural immortality of the soul? To whom do the New Testament believers center their hope?

2. How precious are our hope of Christ's soon return and our faith in connection with the assurance of resurrection for those who have died?

3. How important is Christ's declaration that He is Life and resurrection to our long waiting for the fulfillment of His promises to restore all things?

4. What scenery do the New Testament believers expect to happen in the last days? Is it the same with the hope that we also hope for?

5. Is Paul talking concerning the secret rapture in 1 Cor. 15:51-55? What do the mystery Paul is mentioning about?

6. What does the creation of the world teach us about His amazing power in relation to the resurrection of the righteous dead?

7. Based on the above statement, GC 647, 648. {Hvn 50.2-3}, what truth was portrayed, and how it gives light to the impending crisis and misunderstanding in the world today about, where the world is heading? Is it portraying a complete restoration of all things on the earth? How?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“Christ is coming with clouds and with great glory. A multitude of shining angels will attend Him. He will come to raise the dead, and to change the living saints from glory to glory […] When we look upon our dead, we may think of the morning when the trump of God shall sound, when ‘the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.’ 1 Corinthians 15:52. A little longer, and we shall see the King in His beauty. A little longer, and He will wipe all tears from our eyes. A little longer, and He will present us ‘faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.’ Jude 1:24.” E. G. W. (The Desire of Ages, cp. 69, p. 632)

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