Sabbath Afternoon - May 25, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Revelation 14:6-12; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Proverbs 28:9; Daniel 7:25


Thought for Meditation:
Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying principle of God's government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Christian's character. This alone can make and keep him steadfast. This alone can enable him to withstand trial and temptation. {COL 49.1}

And love will be revealed in sacrifice. The plan of redemption was laid in sacrifice--a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. Christ gave all for us, and those who receive Christ will be ready to sacrifice all for the sake of their Redeemer. The thought of His honor and glory will come before anything else. {COL 49.2} (Christ’s Object Lessons, 1900)


Memory Text:

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:17).


This week's SS Lesson will trace back the eternal sign of God as the Creator and the only One that Sanctifies His people in connection with the Earthly Sanctuary as patterned from the Heavenly Sanctuary. This also includes the significant relationship of God's Law to the Sabbath, Between the ancient Israel, and the SDAs of today as Modern Israel.


Study Outline:
The Law

Sunday - May 26, 2024

The Sanctuary and the Law

Revelation 11:19; Exodus 25:16; Exodus 31:18; Revelation 12:17;

Leviticus 23:29-31; Hebrews 10:3; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 11:19.


Monday - May 27, 2024

The Immutability of God’s Law

Matthew 5:17-18; Psalms 111:7-8; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14;

1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9.


The Sabbath

Tuesday - May 28, 2024

The Sabbath and the Law

Revelation 14:6-7; Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11;

Ezekiel 20:12; Ezekiel 20:20; Revelation 14:1-20.


Wednesday - May 29, 2024

The Mark of the Beast

Revelation 12:12,17; 13:1-18; 14:9-11; 15:4; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4; 22:9; Daniel 7:1-28;

Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12, 20.


Thursday - May 30, 2024

The Law, the Sabbath and Worship

The Three Angels’ Messages

Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 14:12.


Friday - May 31, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

____________________________________________________________________________________________


Sunday - May 26, 2024

The Sanctuary and the Law

Revelation 11:19; Exodus 25:16; Exodus 31:18; Revelation 12:17;

Leviticus 23:29-31; Hebrews 10:3; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 11:19.

“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant” (Revelation 11:19a)


Christ, the Man's Mediator in the Sanctuary

The messengers of the cross must arm themselves with watchfulness and prayer, and move forward with faith and courage, working always in the name of Jesus. They must exalt Christ as man's mediator in the heavenly sanctuary, the One in whom all the sacrifices of the Old Testament dispensation centered, and through whose atoning sacrifice the transgressors of God's law may find peace and pardon.  {AA 230.2}  Acts of the Apostles 1911


The Sacredness of the Law and the Solemn Services of the Sanctuary

The curse of transgression was apparent in the corruption and evil that marked the course of his sons. They had no proper appreciation of the character of God or of the sacredness of His law. His service was to them a common thing. From childhood they had been accustomed to the sanctuary and its service; but instead of becoming more reverent, they had lost all sense of its holiness and significance. The father had not corrected their want of reverence for his authority, had not checked their disrespect for the solemn services of the sanctuary; and when they reached manhood, they were full of the deadly fruits of skepticism and rebellion. . . .  {CC 140.3}  Conflict and Courage 1970


The Earthly Sanctuary was Built according to the Pattern in Heaven

When Moses was about to build the sanctuary as a dwelling place for God, he was directed to make all things according to the pattern shown him in the mount. Moses was full of zeal to do God's work; the most talented, skillful men were at hand to carry out his suggestions. Yet he was not to make a bell, a pomegranate, a tassel, a fringe, a curtain, or any vessel of the sanctuary, except according to the pattern shown him. God called him into the mount, and revealed to him the heavenly things. The Lord covered him with His own glory, that he might see the pattern, and according to it all things were made. So to Israel, whom He desired to make His dwelling place, He had revealed His glorious ideal of character. The pattern was shown them in the mount when the law was given from Sinai, and when the Lord passed by before Moses and proclaimed, "The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." Exodus 34:6, 7.  {DA 208.3}  Desire of Ages 1898


A Typical Service which is Pertinent to Latter Days - The Day of Atonement

Important truths concerning the atonement are taught by the typical service. A substitute was accepted in the sinner's stead; but the sin was not canceled by the blood of the victim. A means was thus provided by which it was transferred to the sanctuary. By the offering of blood, the sinner acknowledged the authority of the law, confessed his guilt in transgression, and expressed his desire for pardon through faith in a Redeemer to come; but he was not yet entirely released from the condemnation of the law. On the day of atonement the high priest, having taken an offering from the congregation, went into the most holy place with the blood of this offering, and sprinkled it upon the mercy-seat, directly over the law, to make satisfaction for its claims. Then, in his character of mediator, he took the sins upon himself, and bore them from the sanctuary. Placing his hands upon the head of the scape-goat, he confessed over him all these sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the goat. The goat then bore them away, and they were regarded as forever separated from the people.  {GC88 420.1} The Great Controversy 1888


Consider the Following

John saw the heavenly sanctuary open and, in it, the ark of the covenant “was seen” (Rev. 11:19). What did this vision represent? 

The ark remained “hidden” throughout the year, and could only be “seen” on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:2, 12-13). That day the judgment was held, and sins were definitively eliminated (Lev . 16:30). 

Like its earthly copy, the ark contains the 10 commandments, by which we will be judged. It also contains the mercy seat, a symbol of divine mercy, where the blood of Jesus covers our sins (1Pet. 1:18-19; 1Jn. 2:2; Ps. 85:10) 


Monday - May 27, 2024

The Immutability of God’s Law

Matthew 5:17-18; Psalms 111:7-8; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 1 John 5:3; Proverbs 28:9.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)


Christ's Teaching Uplifts the Ten Commandments

The teachings of Christ continually rebuked their ungodly practices. He presented truths of the most vital importance, and they did not harmonize with the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees; for these instructors had taught that which misrepresented the character of God. They had misinterpreted his commandments, and because Christ did not teach the commandments as the rabbis did, they decided that he was destroying the law. Upon their astonished ears fell the words: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Then, stretching his hands toward his disciples, he said, "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."  {ST, March 26, 1896 par. 3}  The Signs of the Times


Christ's Rebuke to the Breakers of the Law

In unmistakable language He testified to His regard for the law of Jehovah. "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets," He said; "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:17-19.  {PK 183.2} Prophets and Kings 1917 


The Law is Unchangeable, Infinite, and Eternal

The moral law was never a type or a shadow. It existed before man's creation, and will endure as long as God's throne remains. God could not change nor alter one precept of his law in order to save man; for the law is the foundation of his government. It is unchangeable, unalterable, infinite, and eternal. In order for man to be saved, and for the honor of the law to be maintained, it was necessary for the Son of God to offer himself as a sacrifice for sin. He who knew no sin became sin for us. He died for us on Calvary. His death shows the wonderful love of God for man, and the immutability of his law.  {RH, April 22, 1902 par. 17}  The Review and Herald


Bind Up the Testimony and Seal the Law

We see such a diversity of opinions that were we to follow them in deciding what is truth, we should be left in confusion and uncertainty. The Lord has told us not to follow these human guides, but to take everything claiming to be Bible doctrine to the Scriptures. "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth His face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for Him. Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."  {RH, May 28, 1901 par. 3}  The Review and Herald


The Glory of Christ is His Character, and Expression of God's law

The glory of Christ is His character, and His character is an expression of the law of God. He fulfilled the law in its every specification, and gave to the world in His life a perfect pattern of what it is possible for humanity to attain unto by cooperation with divinity. In His humanity Christ was dependent upon the Father, even as humanity is now dependent upon God for divine power in attaining unto perfection of character. God's law is an exponent of His character, an expression of His holiness; but, viewed by him who was fallen thru sin, it is a voice of condemnation, a ministration of death. It is not in the province of the law to pardon the transgressor; for "by the law is the knowledge of sin." "By . . . the law there shall no sin be justified." No ray of hope shines forth from the law to the sinner, and its transgressor can find no answer from the law to his anxious inquiry, "What shall I do to be saved?" "How shall I be just with God?"  {ST, July 3, 1907 par. 2}  The Signs of the Times


Consider the Following

Although it is now very common to hear that Jesus abolished the 10 commandments on the cross, that was not the teaching of the reformers, nor is it what the Bible teaches. 

While it is true that, on the cross, the laws and ceremonies related to the earthly sanctuary ceased to be valid, this was not the case with the moral Law (Eph. 2:15). 

The Law of God is eternal, timeless, perfect, and governs the behavior of every intelligent being created by God (Ps. 19:7; 119:142; Rom. 7:7, 12, 16, 22, 25; 1Jn. 3 :4). 

In reality, the Law is eternal because it is a reflection of God's own character (Ps. 89:14; cf. Ps. 119:172b, 142b) 

Tuesday - May 28, 2024

The Sabbath and the Law

Revelation 14:6-7; Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Ezekiel 20:12; Ezekiel 20:20; Revelation 14:1-20.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8)


How to Keep the Sabbath - Please visit this link for a deeper consideration - Meat In Due Season - History of the Sabbath True Observance (google.com) 


God's Memorial, the Seventh-day Sabbath

During the Christian dispensation, the great enemy of man's happiness has made the Sabbath of the fourth commandment an object of special attack. Satan says, "I will work at cross purposes with God. I will empower my followers to set aside God's memorial, the seventh-day Sabbath. Thus I will show the world that the day sanctified  and blessed by God has been changed. That day shall not live in the minds of the people. I will obliterate the memory of it. I will place in its stead a day that does not bear the credentials of God, a day that cannot be a sign between God and His people. I will lead those who accept this day to place upon it the sanctity that God placed upon the seventh day.  {PK 183.3}  Prophets and Kings 1917


The Christ of the New Testament is the Christ of the Old Testament

The Jewish nation had a history of a most remarkable character. The Christ of the New Testament was the Christ of the Old. The Lord did indeed hedge His vineyard about to guard it. He guarded it with His law. In Eden the marriage law and the Sabbath law were plainly and distinctly defined, that there might be no ignorance or misunderstanding on the part of the people. When God had finished the work of creation, He rested on the seventh day. He blessed the day of His rest, while the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.  {13MR 184.1}  Manuscript Releases Volume Thirteen 1990


The 7th Day Sabbath is the Sign of God as Creator and Sanctifier

As the Sabbath was the sign that distinguished Israel when they came out of Egypt to enter the earthly Canaan, so it is the sign that now distinguishes God's people as they come out from the world to enter the heavenly rest. The Sabbath is a sign of a relationship existing between God and His people, a sign that they honor His law. It distinguishes between His loyal subjects and transgressors. . . . The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of God as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power that created all things is the power that recreates the soul in His own likeness. To those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is the sign of sanctification. True sanctification is harmony with God, oneness with Him in character. It is received through obedience to those principles that are the transcript of His character. And the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He who from the heart obeys the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified through obedience.  {AG 156.3}  God's Amazing Grace 1973


A Sign Between God and His People Forever

The fourth commandment alone of all the ten contains the seal of the great Lawgiver, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Those who obey this commandment take upon themselves His name, and all the blessings it involves are theirs.  {AG 156.5}  The Sabbath has lost none of its meaning. It is still a sign between God and His people, and it will be so forever.  {AG 156.6} God's Amazing Grace, 1973


Consider the Following

— The fourth commandment requires observance of the Sabbath for two reasons: because God created us (Ex. 20:8-11); and because he redeemed us (Deut. 5:12-15). — For us, Sabbath constitutes a pause in the week to praise our Creator; meditate on his redeeming love; and remember his promise to live with Him in the New Creation. The Sabbath is for us a special blessing from our God. — It reminds us that God loved us too much to abandon us when we separate from Him. — By keeping the Sabbath, we manifest our loyalty to God, and our desire to worship Him alone. 

Wednesday - May 29, 2024

The Mark of the Beast

Revelation 12:12,17; 13:1-18; 14:9-11; 15:4; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4; 22:9; Daniel 7:1-28;

Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12, 20.

“The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed” (Revelation 13:15)


The Two Horned Beast - https://youtu.be/fvlQ8hfjE0g 

Meat In Due Season - 16. The Two-horned Beast (2HB) (google.com) 


The Two Distinct Groups Developed and Contested

In the issue of the great contest, two distinct, opposite classes are developed. One class "worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark," and thus bring upon themselves the awful judgments threatened by the third angel. The other class, in marked contrast to the world, "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." [Revelation 14:9, 12.] Though the powers of earth summon their forces to compel "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond," to receive the mark of the beast, yet the people of God do not receive it. The prophet of Patmos beholds "them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God," [Revelation 15:2.] and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.  {4SP 282.2} The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4, 1884


Protestant America Formed an Image of the Roman Hierarchy - The 2Horned Beast

When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the State to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.  {GC88 445.1} The beast with two horns “causeth [commands] all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” [Revelation 13:16, 17] The third angel's warning is, “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” “The beast” mentioned in this message, whose worship is enforced by the two-horned beast, is the first, or leopard-like beast of Revelation 13,—the papacy. The “image to the beast” represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas. The “mark of the beast” still remains to be defined.  {GC88 445.2} The Great Controversy 1888


Consider the Following

Revelation 13 describes different powers used by Satan to deceive the world away from God. Everything in this chapter relates to worship (Rev. 13:4, 8, s12, 15). 

One of the powers mentioned is directly related to the little horn of Daniel 7, which aims to change times and the law (Rev. 13:5; Dan . 7:25). 

This power annulled the second commandment (worshiping images), and transformed the fourth (the time of worship), transferring the sanctity of Saturday to Sunday. 

In the final moments, he will force the worship of an “image” by prohibiting buying and selling [activities prohibited on the Sabbath] (Rev. 13:14-17). This “mark of the beast” is a symbol that tells us about those who will accept the Sunday instituted by man as a day of worship, instead of the Sabbath instituted by God. 


For more studies please visit the links below:

Meat In Due Season - 15. The Leopard Like Beast (google.com) 

Meat In Due Season - Preparation for the Seal (google.com) 

Thursday - May 30, 2024

The Three Angels’ Messages

Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 14:12.

«He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water”» (Revelation 14:7)

How many angels are there in Revelation 14?

Let's count them!

Rev. 14:6 - 1st angel, saying with a loud voice

Rev. 14:8 - 2nd angel, saying Babylon is fallen, is fallen

Rev. 14:9 - 3rd angel, saying with a loud voice

Rev. 14:15 - 4th angel, crying with a loud voice

Rev. 14:17 -  has a sickle, not crying out

Rev. 14:18 - 5th angel, cried with a loud voice.

Are these literal Angels or symbolic?

Letter 79, 1900 (7BC 979) – “These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power open the Gospel to the world.”

A Word to the Little Flock, 10-11 – “…all five of the Angels brought to view in this chapter, represent five distinct messages, prior to the advent, or we are left without a rule to interpret this chapter…It is plain that we live in the time of the third angel’s message. The last two Angels are messages of prayer. We shall no doubt, better understand them at the time of their fulfillment…”


The Three Angels' Messages and the Two Reaping Angels in Revelation 14 Part 1 - https://youtu.be/ucXOMt3Hdq4 

The Three Angels' Messages and the Two Reaping Angels in Revelation 14 Part 2 - https://youtu.be/DxNiVnoY4r0


The Remnant Church ... Escaped of the House of Jacob (Isaiah 66:19)

"In that day, . . . the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, . . . shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth." Isaiah 10:20. From "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" there will be those who will gladly respond to the message, "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come." They will turn from every idol that binds them to this earth, and will "worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." They will free themselves from every entanglement, and will stand before the world as monuments of God's mercy. Obedient to every divine requirement, they will be recognized by angels and by men as those that "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:6, 7, 12.  {RH, February 26, 1914 par. 10} The Review and Herald

Meat In Due Season - 25. Purification of the Church - Ezekiel 9 (google.com) 


The Warning for God's People - We are in the Lord's Great Day of Preparation

"And the third angel followed them." The first and the second angels' messages are of great importance, and are followed by the third angel's message. All three should be understood and combined. The warning contained in these messages means much more to the whole world than the majority of God's people comprehend. We are in the Lord's great day of preparation.  {17MR 236.2} Manuscript Releases Volume 17 1990


The Loud Cry of the Third Angels' Message - Another Mighty Angel Come Down to Give Power and Force

I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven, descending to the earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to the earth, to unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which attended this angel penetrated everywhere, as he cried mightily, with a strong voice, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." The message of the fall of Babylon, as given by the second angel, is repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this angel comes in at the right time to join in the last great work of the third angel's message as it swells to a loud cry. And the people of God are thus prepared to stand in the hour of temptation, which they are soon to meet. I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel's message.  {EW 277.1} Early Writings 1882


For additional insights of this study please visit the site below:

Meat In Due Season - Another Angel Come Down from Heaven - Rev. 18 (google.com) 


Consider the Following

The threefold message that is proclaimed during the time of the end is linked to worship and, therefore, to the Sabbath and the Law of God. 

First message (Rev. 14:6-7): Prepare for judgment (whose standard is the Law), and worship the Creator (as the Sabbath reminds us) 

Meat In Due Season - First Angel's Message - Rev. 14:6, 7 (google.com) 


Second message (Rev. 14:8): Turn away from religious systems that give false worship to God 

Meat In Due Season - Second Angel's Message - Rev. 14:8 (google.com) 


Third message (Rev. 14:9-11): Decide who and how to worship: God, observing the Sabbath; or the enemy, accepting his mark 

Meat In Due Season - Third Angel's Message - Rev. 14:9-10 (google.com) 


In order to keep the commandments in those critical moments, they need to receive the faith of Jesus: unshakable; deep; engaged; invincible (Rev. 14:12). 


How about the 4th and the 5th angels mentioned in verses 15 and 18?


For further studies please visit the site below:

Meat In Due Season - Third Angel's Message - Rev. 14:9-10 (google.com) 



Friday - May 31, 2024

Insights and Further Study

Servants of God, endowed with power from on high with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. Souls that were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction. God's people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation. I heard everywhere a multitude of voices saying, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." {EW 278.2} Early Writings 1882

Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.  {EW 280.1}  Early Writings 1882


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“Had the Sabbath been universally kept, man's thoughts and affections would have been led to the Creator as the object of reverence and worship, and there would never have been an idolater, an atheist, or an infidel. The keeping of the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to the true God, “Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” It follows that the message which commands men to worship God and keep His commandments will especially call upon them to keep the fourth commandment” EGW (The Great Controversy, pg. 437)


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