Sabbath Afternoon - February 24, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Psalms 23:1-6; John 10:11-15; Psalms 22:1-31; Psalms 89:27-32; Colossians 1:16; Psalms 2:1-12; Hebrews 7:20-28. 


Thought for Meditation:
"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him a hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads." Revelation 14:1. In this world their minds were consecrated to God; they served Him with the intellect and with the heart; and now He can place His name "in their foreheads." "And they shall reign for ever and ever." Revelation 22:5. They do not go in and out as those who beg a place. They are of that number to whom Christ says, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." He welcomes them as His children, saying, "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:34, 21.  {AA 590.4}  

"These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb." Revelation 14:4. The vision of the prophet pictures them as standing on Mount Zion, girt for holy service, clothed in white linen, which is the righteousness of the saints. But all who follow the Lamb in heaven must first have followed Him on earth, not fretfully or capriciously, but in trustful, loving, willing obedience, as the flock follows the shepherd.  {AA 591.1}  


Memory Text:

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalms 118:22-23). 


This week's SSLesson will glean some hidden realities and principles of blessedness of those who come in the name of the Lord. This includes the underlying evidence of God's initiative to draw men into a real relationship with Him - the source of Life and Salvation through a prophetic framework of Christ's Kingdom in the throne of David (Isaian 9:6, 7).


Study Outline:

Sunday - February 25, 2024

Divine Self-Sacrificing Shepherd - He is the Shepherd (Psalms 23)

Psalms 23:1-6; 28:9; 80:1; 78:52-53; 79:13; 100:3;  Hebrews 13:20; Genesis 49:24; 2 Samuel 5:2; John 10:11-15. 


Monday - February 26, 2024

The Suffering Messiah - He Suffered for Us (Psalms 22)

 Psalms 22:1-31; 118:22; 42:1-11; 88:1-18; 102:1-28; 22:1-31;  Matthew 27:35, 43, 46; 21:42; Acts 4:10-12;  John 1:1-2; 10:30; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:4-8; Isaiah 8:14; Matthew 21:44. 


Tuesday - February 27, 2024

Forever Faithful to His Covenant - The Son of David (Psalms 89 and 132)

Psalms 89:38-46; 132:10-12; 89:1-4; 89:19-37; 132:12-18; 38:1; 74:1). 1 Samuel 7:5-16; 16:10-11; Matthew 1:1; Hebrews 1:8; Colossians 1:15, 16, 20-22;  Acts 2:30-31.   


Wednesday - February 28, 2024

Eternal King of Unrivaled Power - Our Eternal King (Psalms 2)

Psalms 2:1-12; 110:1-3; 89:4; 89:13-17, 26-28; 110:5-6; Psalms 110:1; Acts 7:55-56; 13:33-39; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5. Numbers 17:2-10; Daniel 7:1-28, 


Thursday - February 29, 2024

Eternal Priest in the Order of Melchizedek - Our Heavenly Priest (Psalms 110)

Psalms 110:4-7; 10:1-3, 4-7; 2:6-9; 110:1-2; Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 6:18; 7:20-28. Exodus 32:14; Psalms 106:45; Numbers 8:19; 2 Chronicles 26:16-21. 


Friday - March 1, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


____________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Sunday - February 25, 2024

Divine Self-Sacrificing Shepherd - He is our Shepherd (Psalms 23)

Psalms 23:1-6; 28:9; 80:1; 78:52-53; 79:13; 100:3;  Hebrews 13:20; Genesis 49:24; 2 Samuel 5:2; John 10:11-15. 

“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1)


Humble Shepherd with a Rod in His Hand (Micah 6:9; John 10:11)

The time for Israel's deliverance had come. But God's purpose was to be accomplished in a manner to pour contempt on human pride. The deliverer was to go forth as a humble shepherd, with only a rod in his hand; but God would make that rod the symbol of His power. . . .  {CC 87.2}  


Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, Knows Each Sheep

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7, NKJV. {BLJ 353.1} 

The minister is to be a shepherd. Our Redeemer is called the chief Shepherd. The apostle writes, “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.” However lowly, however elevated we may be, whether we are in the shadow of adversity or in the sunshine of prosperity, we are His sheep, the flock of His pasture, and under the care of the chief Shepherd. {BLJ 353.2} 

But the chief Shepherd has His undershepherds, whom He has delegated to care for His sheep and lambs. The great Shepherd never loses one from His care, is never indifferent even to the feeblest one of His flock. The beautiful parable that Christ gave of the one lost sheep, of the shepherd that left the ninety and nine to go in search of that which was lost, illustrates the care of the great Shepherd. He did not look carelessly over the sheep of the fold, and say, “I have ninety and nine, and it will cost me too much trouble to go in search of the straying one; let it come back, and I will open the door of the sheepfold and let it in; but I cannot go after it.” {BLJ 353.3} 


The Rod of Authority - His Flock Dependent upon the Invisible Leader

Thus prepared, he was ready to heed the call of God to exchange his shepherd's crook for the rod of authority; to leave his flock of sheep to take the leadership of more than a million idolatrous, rebellious people. But he was to depend upon the invisible Leader. Even as the rod was simply an instrument in his hand, so was he to be a willing instrument to be worked by the hand of Jesus Christ. Moses was selected to be the shepherd of God's own people, and it was through his firm faith and abiding trust in the Lord that so many blessings reached the children of Israel. The Lord Jesus seeks the co-operation of such men as will become unobstructed channels through which the riches of heaven may be poured out upon the people of his love. He works through man for the uplifting and salvation of his chosen.  {SpTEd 117.1}  


Consider the Following

In composing his psalms, David saw himself, and the people of Israel, as sheep under the personal care of the divine Shepherd (Ps. 23:1-4).

What relationship exists between God (our Shepherd) and us (sheep of his pasture)?

— God is our Creator (Psalm 95:6-7)

— God is our Savior (Psalm 28:9)

— God is our Guide (Psalm 78:52)

— We praise him (Psalm 79:13)

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We belong to Him because He created us, saved us, and guides us (Jn.10:4, 11-12).

When we enter into an intimate relationship with Him, we recognize His voice and become part of His flock (Jn. 10:4-5, 16).

Note:

The Flock Followed the Shepherd's voice - read Micah 6:9

A message of purification is ringing in every churches now. 

Soon God's people will be purified (3T 266-7; 5T 211)

The Bible and SOP declares,

"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him a hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads." Revelation 14:1. In this world their minds were consecrated to God; they served Him with the intellect and with the heart; and now He can place His name "in their foreheads." "And they shall reign for ever and ever." Revelation 22:5. They do not go in and out as those who beg a place. They are of that number to whom Christ says, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." He welcomes them as His children, saying, "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:34, 21.  {AA 590.4}  

"These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb." Revelation 14:4. The vision of the prophet pictures them as standing on Mount Zion, girt for holy service, clothed in white linen, which is the righteousness of the saints. But all who follow the Lamb in heaven must first have followed Him on earth, not fretfully or capriciously, but in trustful, loving, willing obedience, as the flock follows the shepherd.  {AA 591.1}  

When God's servants reach that point, they will be sealed in their foreheads. The recording angel will declare, "It is done." They will be complete in Him whose they are by creation and by redemption.  {SW, December 5, 1899 par. 18}  


Monday - February 26, 2024

The Suffering Messiah - He Suffered for Us (Psalms 22)

Psalms 22:1-31; 118:22; 42:1-11; 88:1-18; 102:1-28; 22:1-31;  Matthew 27:35, 43, 46; 21:42; Acts 4:10-12;  John 1:1-2; 10:30; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:4-8; Isaiah 8:14; Matthew 21:44. 

“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; My heart has turned to wax, it has melted within me”  (Psalm 22:14)


Jesus Suffered as a Man, yet Without Sin to Purify Unto Himself a Peculiar People

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." God cannot change his law in order to save men; he cannot alter it to save the world; but he has not refused to give his own Son, that men might have another probation, and become heirs of heaven. Jesus took humanity upon him, and in so doing what honor he placed upon the race! He suffered as a man, he was tempted as men are tempted, yet without sin. He was made sin for us, though he knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. He "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."  {RH, November 18, 1890 par. 6}  


Share with Him in His Humiliation to be Partakers of His Glory

There were many, even among the ministers, who saw the truth as it is in Jesus in a light in which they had never before viewed it. They saw the Saviour as a sin-pardoning Saviour, and the truth as the sanctifier of the soul. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." If we would be partakers with Christ of his glory, we must also be willing to share with him in his humiliation. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." This must be the experience of every true child of God. "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin."  {RH, March 5, 1889 par. 5}  


Bring God's Lost Sheep Back to Christ

There is a matchless loveliness in Jesus Christ. I love Him because He first loved me. We want the purity that there is in Jesus Christ, and He will save to the utmost all who come to Him. Then you see what Christ suffered for us. Are we willing to be partakers of His sufferings? He says if we are we will be partakers of His glory. How much have you suffered for Christ's sake? Are you willing to be partakers with Him in His suffering? If you are, He will cooperate with you and you can cooperate with the heavenly intelligences to bring the lost sheep back to the fold. There are souls that are perishing out of Christ, and what we want is to bring God's lost sheep back to Christ. May God help us to know what we must do. Christ loves us because we are helpless and dependent.  {1SAT 248.1}  


Consider the Following

Psalm 22 is a prediction of the sufferings of the Messiah. It was fulfilled exactly in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Despite the rejection of his people, and the suffering to which he was subjected, God made Jesus the “cornerstone” of the spiritual Temple (Ps. 118:22; Eph. 2:20-22; 1Pet. 2:4).

If we allow ourselves to fall on this “stone” we will be broken, and we will achieve salvation; but, if we reject it, we will be broken into pieces, and we will be lost (Lk. 20:17-18)


Tuesday - February 27, 2024

Forever Faithful to His Covenant - The Son of David (Psalms 89 and 132)

Psalms 89:38-46; 132:10-12; 89:1-4; 89:19-37; 132:12-18; 38:1; 74:1). 1 Samuel 7:5-16; 16:10-11; Matthew 1:1; Hebrews 1:8; Colossians 1:15, 16, 20-22;  Acts 2:30-31.   

You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations” (Psalm 89:3-4) 


Prophecy given Name for the Messiah - The Son of David is the Son of God as Well.

Now turning He put a question to them: "What think ye of Christ? whose son is He?" This question was designed to test their belief concerning the Messiah,--to show whether they regarded Him simply as a man or as the Son of God. A chorus of voices answered, "The Son of David." This was the title which prophecy had given to the Messiah. When Jesus revealed His divinity by His mighty miracles, when He healed the sick and raised the dead, the people had inquired among themselves, "Is not this the Son of David?" The Syrophoenician woman, blind Bartimaeus, and many others had cried to Him for help, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David." Matthew 15:22. While riding into Jerusalem He had been hailed with the joyful shout, "Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." Matthew 21:9. And the little children in the temple had that day echoed the glad ascription. But many who called Jesus the Son of David did not recognize His divinity. They did not understand that the Son of David was also the Son of God.  {DA 608.3}  

In reply to the statement that Christ was the Son of David, Jesus said, "How then doth David in Spirit [the Spirit of Inspiration from God] call Him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? If David then call Him Lord, how is He his son? And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions."  {DA 609.1}  


David's Experience: As Instruction of God's People in these Last Days.

David's experiences are recorded for the instruction of the people of God in these last days. In his warfare against Satan, this servant of God had received light and direction from heaven, but, because the conflict was long continued, and because the question of his receiving the throne was unsettled, he became weary and discouraged (ST Nov. 9, 1888). {2BC 1022.6}

Glorious are the promises made to David and his house, promises that look forward to the eternal ages, and find their complete fulfillment in Christ. The Lord declared: {PP 754.6}

"I have sworn unto David My servant . . . with whom My hand shall be established: Mine arm also shall strengthen him. . . . My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him: and in My name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers. He shall cry unto Me, Thou art my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation. Also I will make him My first-born, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him forevermore, and My covenant shall stand fast with him." Psalm 89:3-28.

"His seed also will I make to endure forever, And his throne as the days of heaven." Psalm 89:29.

Be Like David! And Seek Christ's Everlasting Kingdom! (Mat. 6:33; 24:14; Lk. 17:21; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Jer. 30:7-9, 24; 33:14-17, 21-22, 25-26; 51:19-23; Ezek. 34:22-25, 29-31; Dan. 2:44, 45, 35; 7:27; Hos. 3:4-5; Joel 2:32; 3:16-17; Amos 9:9-15; Obad. 1:21; Zech. 12:7, 8; 13:1)


David Learns Through Hardship 

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people. 2 Samuel 8:15.  {RC 334.1}  

A few miles south of Jerusalem, "the city of the great King," is Bethlehem, where David, the son of Jesse, was born more than a thousand years before the infant Jesus was cradled in the manger and worshiped by the Wise Men from the East. Centuries before the advent of the Saviour, David, in the freshness of boyhood, kept watch of his flocks as they grazed on the hills surrounding Bethlehem. The simple shepherd boy sang the songs of his own composing, and the music of his harp made a sweet accompaniment to the melody of his fresh young voice. The Lord had chosen David, and was preparing him, in his solitary life with his flocks, for the work He designed to commit to his trust in afteryears. --Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 637.  {RC 334.2}  


Consider the Following

God made a covenant with David and declared him “firstborn,” that is, the greatest among the kings of the earth (Ps. 89:27). He promised under oath that David's descendants would sit on the throne of Israel forever (Ps. 89:3-4).

However, God rejected his anointed and took away the kingdom (Ps. 89:38-39). Why?

The human part of the covenant failed (Ps. 132:11-12). However, God kept his covenant (Ps. 89:30-37). Jesus, the son of David, the anointed one, put on the royal crown forever (Ps. 132:17-18)

The history of David affords one of the most impressive testimonies ever given to the dangers that threaten the soul from power and riches and worldly honor--those things that are most eagerly desired among men. Few have ever passed through an experience better adapted to prepare them for enduring such a test. David's early life as a shepherd, with its lessons of humility, of patient toil, and of tender care for his flocks; the communion with nature in the solitude of the hills, developing his genius for music and poetry, and directing his thoughts to the Creator; the long discipline of his wilderness life, calling into exercise courage, fortitude, patience, and faith in God, had been appointed by the Lord as a preparation for the throne of Israel. David had enjoyed precious experiences of the love of God, and had been richly endowed with His Spirit; in the history of Saul he had seen the utter worthlessness of mere human wisdom. And yet worldly success and honor so weakened the character of David that he was repeatedly overcome by the tempter.  {PP 746.2} 


Wednesday - February 28, 2024

Eternal King of Unrivaled Power - Our Eternal King (Psalms 2)

Psalms 2:1-12; 110:1-3; 89:4; 89:13-17, 26-28; 110:5-6; Psalms 110:1; Acts 7:55-56; 13:33-39; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5. Numbers 17:2-10; Daniel 7:1-28, 

“You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations” (Psalm 89:3-4)


The Children of the Heavenly King is our Privilege

"O, what an exaltation is this,--to be members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King; to have the Saviour of the universe, the King over all kings, to know us by name, and we to be heirs of God to the immortal inheritance, the eternal substance! This is our privilege. Will we have the prize? Will we fight the battles of the Lord? Will we press the battle to the gate? Will we be victorious?  {LS 292.4}  

Oh, what an exaltation is this--to be members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King! To have the Saviour of the universe, the King over all kings, know us by name and to be heirs of God to the immortal inheritance, the eternal substance! This is our privilege; will we have the prize? Will we fight the battles of the Lord? Will we press the battle to the gate? Will we be victorious? I have decided that I must have heaven and I want you to have it. . . . I never would have come, at my age, from California to Europe had I not wanted to tell you how precious the Saviour is and what a precious truth we have.  {9MR 250.2}  


Bear the Stamp of the King of kings, The Bible is Studied Carefully and Obeyed

What shall I say? The faith of many, including those who preach the word, must be something different from what it is now, else their future eternal destiny is settled. The word of God, studied carefully and obeyed, is the only thing that will make man pure and keep him pure. This alone can save him from meddling with all the iniquities that prevail. Christians are to bear the stamp of the King of kings. All in our world are taking sides. We are not to take part in this political money strife. It has come into our ranks.  {TM 335.1}  

There are those, even among Seventh-day Adventists, who are under the reproof of the word of God, because of the way they acquired their property and use it, acting as if they owned it and created it, without an eye to the glory of God, and without earnest prayer to direct them in acquiring or using it. They are grasping at a serpent, which will sting them as an adder.  {TM 335.2} 


Children of the Heavenly King - Heirs of God to the Immortal Inheritance, the Eternal Substance

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. John 14:2, 3.  {HP 354.1}  

The invitation is, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, ... and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18). Oh, what an exaltation is this--to be members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King! To have the Saviour of the universe, the King over all kings, know us by name, and to be heirs of God to the immortal inheritance, the eternal substance! This is our privilege; will we have the prize? Will we fight the battles of the Lord? Will we press the battle to the gate? Will we be victorious? I have decided that I must have heaven, and I want you to have it. . . .  {HP 354.2}  

For a deeper insight on the study of the Establishment of God's Eternal Kingdom, please visit the links below:


Consider the Following

In the resurrection, God declared Jesus his begotten Son (Ps. 2:7; Acts 13:32-33). This expression indicates that Jesus assumed the Davidic covenant and became Eternal King (Ps. 2:8-12).

Satan had desired to usurp the throne, accusing Jesus of being an unjust King. But, from the resurrection, Jesus sits again on the throne of God (Ps. 110:1). Once the falsehood of the accusations has been demonstrated, Jesus is worshiped in Heaven and Earth, awaiting the final destruction of sin and rebellion.

What is the reign of Jesus like? He is strong, he breaks with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:9; 89:13); He is both just and merciful (Psalm 89:14); He is a protector of his subjects (Psalm 89:18).

 

Thursday - February 29, 2024

Eternal Priest in the Order of Melchizedek - Our Heavenly Priest (Psalms 110)

Psalms 110:4-7; 10:1-3, 4-7; 2:6-9; 110:1-2; Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 6:18; 7:20-28. Exodus 32:14; Psalms 106:45; Numbers 8:19; 2 Chronicles 26:16-21. 

“But I have set my king on Zion, my holy mountain” (Psalm 2:6)


Jesus Stands as Our High Priest and Advocate in the Heavenly Courts

God's word is immutable. Jesus has proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, "I am the resurrection, and the life." Today He stands in the heavenly courts as our High Priest and Advocate. By faith we may grasp the promise that His mediation secures for us all things. When God gave Jesus to our world He gave all heaven. This gift has secured for us our adoption into God's family. God's promise is Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus. Never will He falsify. Never will He alter the thing that has gone out of His mouth.  {21MR 403.1}  


The Ministration of Christ in the Heavenly Sanctuary

Such was the service performed "unto the example and shadow of heavenly things." And what was done in type in the ministration of the earthly sanctuary is done in reality in the ministration of the heavenly sanctuary. After His ascension our Saviour began His work as our high priest. Says Paul: "Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us." Hebrews 9:24.  {GC 420.2}  

The ministration of the priest throughout the year in the first apartment of the sanctuary, "within the veil" which formed the door and separated the holy place from the outer court, represents the work of ministration upon which Christ entered at His ascension. It was the work of the priest in the daily ministration to present before God the blood of the sin offering, also the incense which ascended with the prayers of Israel. So did Christ plead His blood before the Father in behalf of sinners, and present before Him also, with the precious fragrance of His own righteousness, the prayers of penitent believers. Such was the work of ministration in the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven.  {GC 420.3}  


Consider the Following

An oath establishes Jesus as king (Ps. 132:11), and an oath establishes him as a priest (Ps. 110:4).

As a member of the tribe of Judah, Jesus was excluded from the priesthood. However, God Himself declared him a priest according to a ministry superior to (and prior to) the Levitical priesthood (Heb. 7:14-15).

In what ways is the priesthood of Jesus superior?

— Heb. 7:21. It is based on an oath.

— Heb. 9:24. Exercise your ministry in the Celestial Sanctuary.

— Heb. 7:23-24. Not affected by death.

— Heb. 7:25. His intercession and salvation is continuous.

— Heb. 7:26. He is perfect and compassionate.

— Heb. 6:20. Can represent us directly before the Father.


Friday - March 1, 2024

Insights and Further Study

Now was seen the application of those words of Christ in the revelation, addressed to the church at this very time: “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth: I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.” [Revelation 3:7, 8.]  {GC88 430.1} 

It is those who by faith follow Jesus in the great work of the atonement, who receive the benefits of his mediation in their behalf; while those who reject the light which brings to view this work of ministration, are not benefited thereby. The Jews who rejected the light given at Christ's first advent, and refused to believe on him as the Saviour of the world, could not receive pardon through him. When Jesus at his ascension entered by his own blood into the heavenly sanctuary to shed upon his disciples the blessings of his mediation, the Jews were left in total darkness, to continue their useless sacrifices and offerings. The ministration of types and shadows had ceased. That door by which men had formerly found access to God, was no longer open. The Jews had refused to seek him in the only way whereby he could then be found, through the ministration in the sanctuary in Heaven. Therefore they found no communion with God. To them the door was shut. They had no knowledge of Christ as the true sacrifice and the only mediator before God; hence they could not receive the benefits of his mediation.  {GC88 430.2} 


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“After the Fall He saw His sheep doomed to perish in the dark ways of sin. To save these wandering ones He left the honors and glories of His Father's house. […] His voice is heard calling them to His fold, “a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.” Isaiah 4:6. His care for the flock is unwearied. He strengthens the weak, relieves the suffering, gathers the lambs in His arms, and carries them in His bosom. His sheep love Him” E. G. W. (Patriarchs and Prophets, pg. 190.3)