Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary

SS25-Q1-L11: What More Could I Have Done?

March 8-14, 2025

Sabbath Afternoon–March 8, 2025

Scripture Reading for the Week:

John 18:37; Rom. 3:23-26; Rom. 5:8; Isa. 5:1-4; Matt. 21:33-39; Isa. 53:4; Rom. 3:1-4

Thought for Meditation

To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Hebrews 3:15. {CTr 79.1}

Who will describe to you the lamentations that will arise when, at the boundary line that parts time and eternity, the righteous Judge will lift up His voice and declare, “It is too late.” Long have the wide gates of heaven stood open, and the heavenly messengers have invited and entreated: “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”“To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” But at length the mandate goes forth: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” {CTr 79.2}

Memory Verse

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. {John 18:37}

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Purpose of the Study

This week's study aims to highlight God's relentless efforts to save humanity and the tragic consequences of rejecting His appeals. Through the parables, prophecies, and ultimate sacrifice of Christ, we will explore how God has done everything possible to bring salvation to His people. The study calls for personal reflection on whether we are responding to God's voice or hardening our hearts, emphasizing the urgency of making a decision before it is too late.

Introduction to the Study with Insights from the Spirit of Prophecy

The theme, "What More Could I Have Done?" reflects the deep sorrow of God over those who reject His repeated invitations to salvation. In Isaiah 5:1-4 and Matthew 21:33-39, God likens His people to a vineyard that He has carefully cultivated, yet it yields only wild grapes. The same theme is echoed in the parable of the wicked husbandmen, where God's messengers—including His own Son—are rejected and killed.

The Spirit of Prophecy paints a solemn picture of the final moments before probation closes. “Who will describe to you the lamentations that will arise when, at the boundary line that parts time and eternity, the righteous Judge will lift up His voice and declare, ‘It is too late’” (CTr 79.2). These words remind us that while God's mercy is abundant, it is not without limit. The time to respond is today, not tomorrow.

Christ’s mission, as stated in John 18:37, was to bear witness to the truth. His life, death, and resurrection were the ultimate demonstration of God's love. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Yet, many still reject Him. This study invites us to examine our hearts—are we hearing His voice and responding, or are we hardening our hearts against Him?

As we study these passages, let us consider: What more could God have done for us? How are we responding to His call? The answer to these questions will determine our eternal destiny.

Outline of the Study

The Winner of the Conflict
Sunday-March 9, 2025

Christ the Victor - The Victory of Jesus

Rev. 11:15; 12:9, 10; 13:6; Matt. 4:3, John 8:44; 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 18:37; 2 Cor. 11:3, 1 John 3:8; 5:19; Job 1-2; Zech. 3:1-2; Jude 9; Acts 26:18, 2 Cor. 4:4, Eph. 2:2; Rom. 3:25-26; 5:8; 16:20.

Monday, March 10, 2025

The Just and the Justifier - The Meaning of the Cross

1 John 3:8; Romans 3:23-26; 5:8; Revelation 12:10-12; Genesis 3:15; Deut. 32:4, 1 Sam. 3:18, Ps. 145:17, Dan. 4:37, Hab. 1:13, Rev. 15:3, Gen. 18:25.

What else could I do?

Tuesday-March 11, 2025

The Song of My Beloved - I expected Sweetness and Received Bitterness

Isaiah 5:1-4; Isa. 1:8; Jer. 2:21

Wednesday-March 12, 2025

Christ's Parable of the Vineyard - I Gave Love and Received Hate

Matthew 21; 21:33-39; Isaiah 5; Isaiah 53:4; John 3:16; Rom. 3:25-26; Rom. 5:8.

The Vindication of God's Character

Thursday-March 13, 2025

The Vindication of God's Name - “For true and just are his judgments” (Revelation 19:2a)

Romans 3:1-4, 25-26; 5:8; Romans 3 and Isaiah 5, Isaiah 5:3-4; Revelation 15:3; 19:1-6; 1 Cor. 6:2-3; 1 Cor. 4:5; Phil. 2:10-11.

Friday-March 14, 2025

Insights and Further Study

The Winner of the Conflict
Sunday-March 9, 2025

Christ the Victor - The Victory of Jesus

Rev. 11:15; 12:9, 10; 13:6; Matt. 4:3, John 8:44; 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 18:37; 2 Cor. 11:3, 1 John 3:8; 5:19; Job 1-2; Zech. 3:1-2; Jude 9; Acts 26:18, 2 Cor. 4:4, Eph. 2:2; Rom. 3:25-26; 5:8; 16:20.

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Revelation 3:21)

The great controversy between Christ and Satan has been the central conflict throughout the ages. This war began in heaven (Revelation 12:9-10), was transferred to earth, and is now nearing its final stage. However, the Scriptures make it clear that Christ has already won the decisive victory. His life, death, and resurrection secured the redemption of humanity and ensured Satan’s ultimate defeat.

Christ’s Victory Over Satan

Satan, the deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9), has worked relentlessly to oppose God’s kingdom. In Matthew 4:3, he sought to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, trying to derail His mission. Throughout His ministry, Christ identified Satan as the "father of lies" (John 8:44), the “prince of this world” (John 12:31), and the enemy who has blinded humanity (2 Corinthians 4:4). However, through His perfect obedience and self-sacrificing love, Jesus conquered the power of sin. His victory on the cross ensured that Satan’s claims against God’s justice were refuted (Romans 3:25-26), and His resurrection proved that He is indeed the rightful ruler of heaven and earth (Revelation 11:15).

Ellen G. White affirms this triumph:
"By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen." In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son." John 3:16. He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. This is the pledge that God will fulfill His word. "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder." God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the same into the highest heaven. It is the "Son of man" who shares the throne of the universe. It is the "Son of man" whose name shall be called, "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6. The I AM is the Daysman between God and humanity, laying His hand upon both. He who is "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners," is not ashamed to call us brethren. Hebrews 7:26; 2:11. In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love. {DA 25.3}

Thus, through Jesus, not only is humanity restored, but we are offered a deeper and eternal connection with God.

The Vindication of God’s Justice

Satan’s accusations have always centered on questioning God’s justice and love. In Job 1-2 and Zechariah 3:1-2, we see how Satan accuses God's people, seeking to condemn them. However, Christ stands as our Advocate, defending those who put their trust in Him. “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan” (Zechariah 3:2) is a powerful declaration that Christ, not Satan, has the final authority over humanity’s destiny.

The inspiration emphasizes this point, teaching that Christ’s victory is also a victory for His faithful people. It highlights that the kingdom of Christ is not just a future reality but is being established through the cleansing of His people (Daniel 2, Isaiah 4:2-6). Just as He overcame, His followers are called to overcome sin and be part of the final purified kingdom (Revelation 3:21).

The Final Conflict and Ultimate Triumph

Though Satan still deceives the world (1 John 5:19, Ephesians 2:2), his time is short. The controversy will reach its climax when Christ returns to establish His kingdom fully. Paul assures believers in Romans 16:20, “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” This echoes the original promise in Genesis 3:15 that Christ would crush the serpent’s head.

The Spirit of Prophecy confirms:
The humble Nazarene asserts His real nobility. He rises above humanity, throws off the guise of sin and shame, and stands revealed, the Honored of the angels, the Son of God, One with the Creator of the universe. His hearers are spellbound. No man has ever spoken words like His, or borne himself with such a kingly majesty. His utterances are clear and plain, fully declaring His mission, and the duty of the world. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him. . . . For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man." {DA 210.1}

"The work of Christ in the earth was not to begin a new work, but to redeem that which had been lost. He was the ‘Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.’" (DA 210.2)

This redemption is not only about saving individuals but restoring the entire creation under God’s righteous government.

The Call to Overcome

Christ’s victory is not only His—it is shared with those who remain faithful. “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Revelation 3:21). This is both a promise and a challenge. Those who remain steadfast in faith, resisting Satan’s temptations, will share in Christ’s triumph and reign with Him.

The question is: Are we on the side of the Conqueror? His victory is assured, and now is the time to take our stand with Him. The conflict is real, but the outcome is certain—Christ is the winner, and His faithful followers will share in His glory.

Consider the Following

❖ The victory of Jesus.

— Satan maintains that God's character is that of a tyrant. But what is the character of Satan? He is a deceiver (Rev. 12:9); he is a murderer (John 8:44); he is an accuser (Rev. 12:10; Zech. 3:1-2); he is a usurper (1 John 5:19.)

— Because of his lies, he took away Adam’s dominion over the Earth, making him the “prince of this world” (John 14:30.) But Jesus came to take away his dominion (1 John 3:8.)

— By His life, Jesus bore witness to the truth (John 18:37.) By His death, He gained victory over the devil and demonstrated God's love and justice (Rom. 3:25-26; 5:8.) Finally, He will destroy Satan, death, and evil (Rev. 20:10, 14.)

— Thanks to Jesus' victory, our victory is also assured (Rev. 12:11.)

Monday, March 10, 2025

The Just and the Justifier - The Meaning of the Cross

1 John 3:8; Romans 3:23-26; 5:8; Revelation 12:10-12; Genesis 3:15; Deut. 32:4, 1 Sam. 3:18, Ps. 145:17, Dan. 4:37, Hab. 1:13, Rev. 15:3, Gen. 18:25.

“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15)

The cross of Christ stands at the center of the great controversy between good and evil. It is the ultimate demonstration of both God's justice and His mercy. Through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, God remains just while justifying those who put their faith in Him (Romans 3:23-26). In the light of the Scriptures, the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP), we will explore how the cross unmasked Satan’s deceptions, upheld God’s righteousness, and secured redemption for humanity.

The Cross: Unmasking Satan’s Deceptions

From the beginning, Satan sought to misrepresent God’s character, accusing Him of being arbitrary and unjust. He deceived Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:15) and continued to tempt humanity into rebellion (1 John 3:8). The war in heaven (Revelation 12:10-12) led to Satan’s expulsion, but the real battle over God’s justice reached its climax at Calvary.

The Spirit of Prophecy confirms that the cross exposed Satan’s lies:
"It was upon the cross that Satan was overcome. The blood of the cross sealed the doom of the one who had instigated rebellion in heaven. It is finished, Christ cried. The battle was won. The blood of Christ conquered." (Ms. 50, 1900)

The Shepherd’s Rod explains that Christ's sacrifice was not merely to pay for sins but also to vindicate God’s justice before the universe. It highlights how Christ’s triumph made Satan’s defeat public (Colossians 2:15), proving that God had been just in all His dealings (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 145:17).

God’s Justice and Mercy United at the Cross

Habakkuk 1:13 tells us that God is of "purer eyes than to behold evil." The cross did not lessen God's justice; rather, it upheld it. Romans 3:23-26 reveals that all have sinned, and thus, justice demands death. Yet, in His love, God provided Christ as the substitute, offering redemption through His blood.

Ellen White states:
"In the plan of redemption, there must be the shedding of blood; for death must come in consequence of man’s sin. But Christ’s death was not just a payment—it was the revelation of God's justice and love combined." (DA 761.4)

But even as a sinner, man was in a different position from that of Satan. Lucifer in heaven had sinned in the light of God's glory. To him as to no other created being was given a revelation of God's love.

Understanding the character of God, knowing His goodness, Satan chose to follow his own selfish, independent will. This choice was final. There was no more that God could do to save him. But man was deceived; his mind was darkened by Satan's sophistry. The height and depth of the love of God he did not know. For him there was hope in a knowledge of God's love. By beholding His character he might be drawn back to God. {DA 761.5}

Through Jesus, God's mercy was manifested to men; but mercy does not set aside justice. The law reveals the attributes of God's character, and not a jot or tittle of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition. God did not change His law, but He sacrificed Himself, in Christ, for man's redemption. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." 2 Corinthians 5:19. {DA 762.1}

Abraham understood this principle when he declared, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). The Shepherd’s Rod further clarifies that Christ, as our Justifier, does not excuse sin but transforms the sinner, preparing a people to stand in the last days without fault before God (Revelation 15:3).

The Cross: Our Victory Over Sin

The victory at the cross extends to every believer. Christ’s triumph disarmed Satan’s power (Colossians 2:15), granting us the ability to overcome sin. Romans 5:8 reassures us that even while we were sinners, Christ died for us, proving His love and power to save.

Ellen White confirms:
"Through Christ’s death, the power of Satan is broken, and man is brought back into harmony with God." (GC 502.3)

The inspiration calls believers to respond to this great sacrifice by allowing Christ to cleanse their lives completely, so they may be among those who will stand purified in the final sealing (Ezekiel 9, Revelation 7).

Embracing the Just and the Justifier

The cross reveals the depth of God’s justice and mercy. It calls us to recognize both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God's love. Because of Calvary, we can have victory over sin and be counted righteous in Christ. The question we must ask ourselves is: Have we accepted the full meaning of the cross in our lives?

The cross is not only a historical event—it is a present reality. Christ, the Just and the Justifier, stands ready to redeem all who come to Him in faith. Let us, then, embrace His sacrifice and live in the victory He has secured for us.

Consider the Following
❖ The meaning of the cross.

— Colossians 2:13-15 clearly shows us Jesus’ work on the cross: “He made you alive […] by forgiving us all our sins.” On what basis did He forgive us? By paying the price for our sin, “blotting out the handwriting of decrees that was against us […] and nailing it to the cross.” At the same time, He “made a public display” of Satan and his angels, “triumphing over them by the cross.”

— At the very moment Satan thought he had inflicted a mortal wound on Jesus [in the heel (Gen. 3:15)], he exposed his true character to the universe. The angels were horrified to realize the true meaning and cost of sin. Satan was discredited before the universe, and the character of God was vindicated.

— God did not need to resort to deceitful stratagems; He has always acted with love and justice to obtain victory (Ps. 145:17.)

What else could I do?

Tuesday-March 11, 2025

The Song of My Beloved - I expected Sweetness and Received Bitterness

Isaiah 5:1-4; Isa. 1:8; Jer. 2:21

What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? (Isaiah 5:4)

Isaiah 5:1-4 presents a profound allegory of God’s dealings with His people. In this passage, the Lord expresses His deep sorrow over the unfaithfulness of Israel, symbolized as His vineyard. Despite His loving care and perfect provision, the vineyard yielded "wild grapes" instead of the expected good fruit. This question—"What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?" (Isaiah 5:4)—is not merely rhetorical; it reflects God's patience, justice, and mercy in His work for His people.

This theme is echoed in Isaiah 1:8 and Jeremiah 2:21, where God's people are described as a forsaken vineyard, a degenerate plant that has turned away from righteousness. From the light of the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP), we will explore the depth of this warning and its present-day application.

God’s Care and Expectation

The vineyard represents God's chosen people—first Israel, and by extension, the church today. He planted it with love, nurtured it with truth, and expected righteousness to flourish.

The Spirit of Prophecy explains:

God in His Son had been seeking fruit, and had found none. Israel was a cumberer of the ground. Its very existence was a curse; for it filled the place in the vineyard that a fruitful tree might fill. It robbed the world of the blessings that God designed to give. The Israelites had misrepresented God among the nations. They were not merely useless, but a decided hindrance. To a great degree their religion was misleading, and wrought ruin instead of salvation. {COL 215.2}
"The Lord had bestowed great blessings upon His people. He had given them rich advantages, that they might bear fruit to His glory. But they brought forth only wild grapes."

The inspiration further identifies that God's care includes providing the pure teachings of the Scriptures, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and faithful messengers to warn and instruct. Yet, like ancient Israel, many in the church today reject divine reproof, choosing compromise and self-sufficiency instead of bearing the fruit of obedience (Jeremiah 2:21).

The Bitterness of Unfaithfulness

Instead of producing sweetness, the vineyard yielded bitterness. This represents the failure of God's people to fulfill their high calling.

Ellen G. White warns:
But ancient Israel did not fulfill God's purpose. The Lord declared, "I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?" "Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself." "And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For . . . He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry." Jeremiah 2:21; Hosea 10:1; Isaiah 5:3-7. {PK 19.2}

"The sin of Israel was that they separated from God, and yet they still claimed to be His people. They did not heed His calls to repentance, and thus their worship became an insult to His name." (PK 20.2)

Similarly, the inspiration warns that modern Israel—the Seventh-day Adventist Church—is in danger of repeating this history. The message to Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) reflects the same spiritual condition. Many profess the truth but remain lukewarm, bearing "wild grapes" instead of the righteousness that God expects. This calls for deep self-examination and repentance.

God’s Question: What More Could Be Done?

Isaiah 5:4 is a solemn reminder that God has done everything necessary for our salvation. The cross of Christ, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the warnings given through His messengers are all evidence of His relentless love. Yet, when people reject His appeals, He asks: "What more could have been done?" This is not because He is unable to save but because human resistance prevents His blessings from taking effect.

The Spirit of Prophecy confirms:
God pours His blessings upon all. "He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." He is "kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." Luke 6:35. He bids us to be like Him. "Bless them that curse you," said Jesus; "do good to them that hate you, . . . that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." These are the principles of the law, and they are the wellsprings of life. {DA 311.1}

God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning. {DA 311.2}

"There is no excuse for sin. God has made provision through Christ that we may be victorious over every temptation. But when men refuse the light, they choose darkness instead."

A Call to Produce Sweetness

The call today is for God's people to bear good fruit. Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:20). The faithful remnant will respond to God's warnings, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform their lives. The Shepherd’s Rod encourages believers to take heed of the purification message (Malachi 3:1-3), ensuring they stand ready when God executes judgment in His church.

Our Response to God’s Appeal

Isaiah 5 is both a warning and an invitation. It warns against neglecting God’s grace, yet it also invites us to repentance and renewal. God still pleads with His people: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." (Isaiah 1:18).

The question remains: Will we continue to bring forth wild grapes, or will we yield the sweet fruit of righteousness? The choice is ours. May we respond to His call before it is too late.

Consider the Following
❖ I expected sweetness and received bitterness.

— God gave us free will so that we could love Him and enjoy His love. But what have we done with our freedom?

— Isaiah 5:1-7 shows us God's expectations, His efforts to attract us, and the bitter response He has received.

— One question stands out in this parable: “What more could have been done for my vineyard that I have not done in it?” (Isaiah 5:4.) God has done everything possible except one thing: to force us to accept Him.

— Therefore, there is an invitation: “judge now between me and my vineyard” (Isa. 5:3.) We truly deserve to be “uprooted.” But, thanks to Jesus, we still have the opportunity to stop being “stinking” grapes and bear “fruit for eternal life” (Jn. 4:36.)

— How are you going to use your free will? What will your decision be?

Wednesday-March 12, 2025

Christ's Parable of the Vineyard - I Gave Love and Received Hate

Matthew 21; 21:33-39; Isaiah 5; Isaiah 53:4; John 3:16; Rom. 3:25-26; Rom. 5:8.

“But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ ” (Matthew 21:38)

The parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21:33-39 closely parallels Isaiah 5, where God’s care for His people is likened to a vineyard He lovingly planted and nurtured. Yet, instead of yielding righteousness, the vineyard produced rebellion. The climax of the parable reveals the tragic response of the tenants—they rejected the messengers, then, when the Son came, they conspired to kill Him, thinking they could seize His inheritance (Matthew 21:38).

This lesson deeply reflects the rejection of Christ, both in His first advent and throughout history, even within His own professed people. From the perspective of the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP), we will examine this tragic exchange—how God gave love, yet humanity responded with hatred—and its implications for the church today.

God’s Love Rejected

The parable is a striking portrayal of how God sent prophets and messengers throughout history to guide His people, yet they were mistreated and slain. Finally, God sent His Son as the ultimate revelation of divine love (John 3:16), yet He too was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:4).

Ellen G. White confirms this in Christ’s Object Lessons:
As a last resource, God sent His Son, saying, "They will reverence My Son." But their resistance had made them vindictive, and they said among themselves, "This is the heir; come, let us kill Him, and let us seize on His inheritance." We shall then be left to enjoy the vineyard, and to do as we please with the fruit. {COL 293.2}

"Christ, the beloved of Heaven, was despised and rejected of men. The Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, was accused, scorned, condemned, and crucified."

This rejection was not just from the Gentile world but from the very people God had chosen—the Jewish leaders who, instead of receiving Him as the Messiah, plotted His death.

The Deception of the Wicked Tenants

The tenants in the parable assumed they could seize the inheritance by eliminating the heir. This reflects the corrupt leadership in Christ’s time who sought to maintain control over the people, fearing that accepting Jesus as the Messiah would threaten their power (John 11:48).

The inspiration further expounds that this pattern repeats in the last days. The leadership of modern Israel (the church) often resists God's advancing truth, rejecting the messages He sends through His appointed messengers. Just as ancient Israel failed to recognize their time of visitation, so too, many in the church today resist the warnings of purification and reformation.

God’s Justice and Mercy in the Vineyard

Romans 3:25-26 reveals that while God is merciful, He is also just. The rejection of His Son did not nullify His justice. Christ Himself declared that the vineyard would be taken away from the unfaithful tenants and given to others who would produce fruit (Matthew 21:43).

Ellen G. White warns:
"Hear another parable," Christ said: "There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?" {DA 596.2}

"The Jewish leaders knew that Christ was speaking of them, yet they hardened their hearts against Him. In rejecting Christ, they sealed their own destiny."

Similarly, the Shepherd’s Rod identifies that the Laodicean church is in danger of repeating this history. If the church refuses to heed the call to repentance, God will purify it (Malachi 3:1-3) and establish His kingdom with the faithful remnant who accept His messages.

A Call to Faithfulness

Despite humanity’s rejection of divine love, God still extends mercy. Romans 5:8 reminds us that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The parable of the vineyard calls us to examine our response to God’s love. Are we producing the fruit He desires, or are we resisting His work?

Ellen G. White appeals:
Satan seeks to counterwork the work of God, and he is constantly urging men to accept his principles. He represents the chosen people of God as a deluded people. He is an accuser of the brethren, and his accusing power is employed against those who work righteousness. The Lord desires through His people to answer Satan's charges by showing the results of obedience to right principles. {COL 296.4}

"Today, Christ is seeking a harvest of righteousness from His vineyard. Will you yield to Him, or will you reject His love as Israel did?"

How Will We Respond?

This parable is not just history—it is a present truth message for us today. The rejection of Christ by the Jewish nation serves as a solemn warning to God’s people now. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past by rejecting the truths He sends. Instead, may we fully surrender to His love, bear the fruits of righteousness, and be counted among those who will inherit His kingdom.

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Revelation 2:7)

Consider the Following

❖ I gave love and received hate.

— Jesus expanded on Isaiah's parable, showing the behavior of those who were to care for his vineyard (Mt. 21:33-41.)

— Not only did they refuse to give the Lord what was rightfully His, but they mistreated—and even killed—His messengers, the prophets (Mt. 21:34-35.) After a second unsuccessful attempt, the Lord sends His own Son, Jesus Christ (Mt. 21:36-37.)

— God has repeatedly cried out for us to return to Him (Ezek. 33:11.) He has given us His most precious gift, His own Son (John 3:16.) What more could He have done?

— The cross demonstrates that God did everything possible to mitigate and eliminate evil, but without destroying the context necessary for genuine love to flourish.

The Vindication of God's Character

Thursday-March 13, 2025

The Vindication of God's Name - Judging God

Romans 3:1-4, 25-26; 5:8; Romans 3 and Isaiah 5, Isaiah 5:3-4; Revelation 15:3; 19:1-6; 1 Cor. 6:2-3; 1 Cor. 4:5; Phil. 2:10-11.

“For true and just are his judgments” (Revelation 19:2a)

The question of God's justice has been at the heart of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. From the fall of Lucifer to the final judgment, Satan has sought to misrepresent God's character, accusing Him of being arbitrary, unjust, and unloving. However, Scripture affirms that God will ultimately be vindicated before all creation. As Revelation 15:3 declares: "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints."

The vindication of God's name is not about defending Him, as if He were guilty, but rather about revealing His perfect justice and love to the universe. From the perspective of the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP), we will explore how God's character is proven righteous in His dealings with humanity and how the judgment plays a central role in this vindication.

God on Trial – The Accusations Against Him

Romans 3:1-4 poses a profound question: "That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:4). This suggests that, in a sense, God's character is being examined before the universe. The great controversy is not just about humanity’s fate, but about whether God's government is just.

Ellen G. White affirms:
Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government, and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To every soul will come the searching test: Shall I obey God rather than men? The decisive hour is even now at hand. Are our feet planted on the rock of God's immutable word? Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? {GC 593.2}

"The whole universe is watching with inexpressible interest the closing scenes of the great controversy between good and evil. The character of God is on trial before the heavenly intelligences."

Satan's rebellion was based on the claim that God was unfair and that His law was too strict. However, Christ's life, death, and resurrection demonstrated the absolute justice and mercy of God. "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). This supreme act of love not only provided salvation but also answered Satan’s charges, proving that God's law is both just and necessary.

The Judgment and the Vindication of God's Name

Isaiah 5:3-4 calls upon the people to judge whether God has been unjust in dealing with His vineyard (His people). Likewise, 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 reveals that the saints will participate in the final judgment, further demonstrating that God’s justice is transparent.

The Spirit of Prophecy confirms that every act of God will be clearly understood in the final judgment:
In heaven it is said by the ministering angels: The ministry which we have been commissioned to perform we have done. We pressed back the army of evil angels. We sent brightness and light into the souls of men, quickening their memory of the love of God expressed in Jesus. We attracted their eyes to the cross of Christ. Their hearts were deeply moved by a sense of the sin that crucified the Son of God. They were convicted. They saw the steps to be taken in conversion; they felt the power of the gospel; their hearts were made tender as they saw the sweetness of the love of God. They beheld the beauty of the character of Christ. But with the many it was all in vain. They would not surrender their own habits and character. They would not put off the garments of earth in order to be clothed with the robe of heaven. Their hearts were given to covetousness. They loved the associations of the world more than they loved their God. {COL 318.1}

"In the judgment, men will see what they might have become through the power of Christ. They will understand what they have lost by refusing to be clothed with His righteousness."

The inspiration also emphasizes that the investigative judgment serves not only to determine the fate of individuals but also to uphold the integrity of God's government. The purification of the church, as foretold in Malachi 3:1-3 and Ezekiel 9, is part of this process. God will remove the unfaithful and establish a pure people who will fully reflect His character before the world.

Every Knee Shall Bow – The Universal Recognition of God’s Justice

Philippians 2:10-11 declares that one day "every knee should bow... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." This is echoed in Revelation 19:1-6, where the redeemed declare: "For true and just are His judgments."

Ellen G. White describes this final moment:
Polygamy was practiced at an early date. It was one of the sins that brought the wrath of God upon the antediluvian world. Yet after the Flood it again became widespread. It was Satan's studied effort to pervert the marriage institution, to weaken its obligations and lessen its sacredness; for in no surer way could he deface the image of God in man and open the door to misery and vice. {PP 338.1}

"At last, all will acknowledge that God is just. His justice and mercy will stand fully vindicated. Every act of His government will be seen to have been prompted by infinite love and unerring wisdom."

Our Role in God’s Vindication

God’s character will be fully vindicated, but His people play a crucial role in this process. He calls us to reflect His righteousness, proving by our lives that His ways are just. The final test will separate those who uphold God’s truth from those who align with the enemy.

The question remains: Will we stand on the side of God's vindication, proving His righteousness in our lives, or will we resist His refining process? The choice is ours.

May we be among those who declare with the redeemed:
"Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints." (Revelation 15:3).

Consider the Following

❖ Judging God.

— God has chosen to make His judgment a transparent process. Therefore, in a sense, He submits Himself to the judgment of His creatures. He wants everyone to trust in His judgment. In order for evil to be eradicated and not rise again, everyone must trust in the perfect character of the Judge (Nahum 1:9)

(1) First phase: The Investigative Judgment (Dan. 7:9-10.) Before the angels and the unfallen worlds, God shows all the evidence necessary to save or condemn sinners.

(2) Second phase: The millennial judgment (Rev. 20:4.) The redeemed review the evidence used in the Investigative Judgment.

(3) Third phase: The Final Judgment (Rev. 20:11-12.) The wicked know the evidence that condemns them.

(4) Final phase: All recognize divine justice (Isa. 45:23.) “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” (Phil. 2:10.)

Friday-March 14, 2025

Insights and Further Study

As we conclude this week’s study, we are invited to reflect on the key themes we have explored—God’s love, justice, and the great controversy that has placed His character on trial before the universe. The central question of the week, “What more could I have done?” (Isaiah 5:4), challenges us to examine how we respond to God’s abundant grace and repeated calls to repentance.

Key Insights from the Study

Christ the Victor – The Triumph of the Cross (Sunday, March 9)
- The battle between Christ and Satan is real, but Christ has already won the victory (Revelation 12:9-10).
- His sacrifice not only redeems humanity but also upholds the justice of God's law (Romans 3:25-26).
- Those who remain faithful to Him will share in His victory (Revelation 3:21).
The Just and the Justifier – The Meaning of the Cross (Monday, March 10)
- God’s justice and mercy are perfectly balanced in the plan of salvation (Romans 3:23-26).
- The cross is the ultimate answer to Satan’s accusations, proving that God’s law is just and His love is infinite (Colossians 2:15).
What Else Could I Do? – God's Appeal to His People (Tuesday, March 11)
- God has done everything possible to bring His people to repentance, yet many reject His love (Isaiah 5:1-4).
- The call to bear good fruit remains urgent, for judgment will come upon those who continue to resist His grace.
Christ’s Parable of the Vineyard – Rejected Love (Wednesday, March 12)
- The history of Israel’s rejection of God’s messengers is repeated today within the church.
- Just as the wicked tenants rejected the son, many today reject Christ’s messengers and the advancing light of truth (Matthew 21:33-39).
- God will purify His people, ensuring that His vineyard produces righteousness (Malachi 3:1-3).
The Vindication of God's Character – Judging God (Thursday, March 13)
- The great controversy is not just about humanity—it is about God’s character.
- The final judgment will reveal that all of God’s actions have been just and true (Revelation 15:3; 19:1-6).
- Every knee will bow and confess that God’s ways are righteous (Philippians 2:10-11).

Reflection and Application

How do I personally respond to God’s efforts to save me? Have I hardened my heart like ancient Israel, or am I yielding to His refining process?
Am I producing the fruits of righteousness in my life? If God were to examine my spiritual vineyard, would He find sweet grapes or wild ones?
How can I be part of God’s vindication? Am I living in such a way that my life reflects God’s justice and love to others?

Further Study and Readings from SOP and SRod

For deeper insight into these themes, consider studying the following:

Spirit of Prophecy (Ellen G. White):
- Christ’s Object Lessons, Chapter 23 (The Lord’s Vineyard).
- The Great Controversy, Chapter 29 (The Origin of Evil).
- Desire of Ages, Chapter 42 (The Controversy Ended).
- Prophets and Kings, Chapter 59 (The House of Israel).
Shepherd’s Rod Literature:
- Shepherd’s Rod, Vol. 1 & 2 – Studies on the purification of the church.
- Timely Greetings, Vol. 1, No. 6 – Christ’s role as the Justifier and the coming judgment.
- Answerer Book No. 3 – Explains the significance of God’s purification work in the last days.

Closing Thought

God has done everything possible to bring salvation to His people. The question remains: How will we respond? Will we be part of the faithful remnant who stand in defense of God's character, or will we be among those who reject His truth?

May we heed the call to repentance and be among those who say:
“Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.” (Revelation 15:3)

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