SS25-Q2-L2 - The Genesis Foundation

SS25-Q2-L2-The Genesis Foundation

April 5-11, 2025

Sabbath Afternoon–April 5, 2025

Scripture Reading for the Week:

Isa. 40:7-8; Gen. 22:1-13; John 3:16; Rev. 5:5-10; 1 Cor. 15:15-19; Rev. 12:1-9 

Thought for Meditation

Satan has long been preparing for his final effort to deceive the world. The foundation of his work was laid by the assurance given to Eve in Eden, “Ye shall not surely die.” “In the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” [Genesis 3:4, 5.] Little by little he has prepared the way for his master-piece of deception in the development of Spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time. Says the prophet: “I saw three unclean spirits like frogs; . . . they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” [Revelation 16:13, 14.] Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in his Word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God.  {GC88 561.2} 

Memory Verse

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’ ” (John 1:29). 

a 14:4}

Purpose of the Study

This week’s study seeks to uncover the prophetic significance of the Genesis account, especially its foundational role in the plan of salvation and the great controversy between Christ and Satan. By examining key scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, we will explore how the events in Eden laid the groundwork not only for humanity’s fall but also for God’s redemptive plan through Christ—the Lamb of God. We aim to deepen our understanding of how Satan’s original deception has evolved into the final global delusion and how God's Word offers the only safeguard against it.

Introduction

In the beginning, God created a perfect world, one in which humanity lived in harmony with their Creator. Yet that harmony was shattered by a single, calculated lie—“Ye shall not surely die.” This deception, spoken in Eden, would echo through the ages, becoming the foundation of Satan’s final masterpiece of delusion: modern spiritualism. As we trace the threads of this conflict from Genesis to Revelation, we see a war not merely over territory, but over truth—over the very character of God and His plan for our salvation.

This week’s lesson, The Genesis Foundation, takes us back to the origin of sin and the promise of a Savior. The memory verse directs our focus to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world—a mission foretold in Eden, demonstrated in Abraham’s test of faith, and fulfilled at Calvary. Through the prophetic lens, we will see that the battle that began in heaven, and was transferred to earth, will soon reach its climax. Only those rooted in the unchanging Word of God will be able to stand firm.

As we open the Scriptures, may the Spirit of God guide us into a deeper appreciation of the Genesis narrative—not just as a story of beginnings, but as the very foundation of our prophetic faith and hope in Christ.

Outline of the Study

Sunday-April 6, 2025

The Principle of "First Mention"

Key Texts: Isaiah 40:7-8; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8.  

Genesis 22: Love and the Lamb

Monday-April 7, 2025

Understanding God's Love - "Whom you LOVE"

Key Texts: Genesis 22:1-13; Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22; John 3:16; Heb. 11:19; Gen. 22:2-12, 16.   

Tuesday-April 8, 2025

Isaac's Question: Where is the Lamb? 

Key Texts: Genesis 22:7-8; Gen. 22:11-14; Exodus 12:3-13; Revelation 5:5-10; John 1:29-34; Matt. 3:17.    

Genesis 2-3: Death and the Serpent

Wednesday-April 9, 2025

Dealing with Death - "You will certainly DIE"

Key Texts: Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 4:8-15, 1 Corinthians 15:15-19, Revelation 1:18.  

Thursday-April 10, 2025

The Serpent - "The Serpent was more Crafty" 

Key Texts: Rev. 13:2-4; Genesis 3:1-5; Revelation 12:1-9; Rev. 13:2-3.    

Friday-April 11, 2025

Prophetic Insights and Further Studies

Sunday-April 6, 2025

The Principle of "First Mention"

Key Texts: Isaiah 40:7-8; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8.  

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” – Hebrews 13:8

In prophetic study, the “Principle of First Mention” is foundational. It teaches that the first time a concept or term appears in Scripture sets the precedent for its future development and understanding. This principle not only affirms the consistency of God's Word, but it also reveals the immutable nature of God's character and His dealings with humanity.

Isaiah declares, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isa. 40:8). God does not change—neither does His Word. Malachi echoes this certainty: “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Mal. 3:6). This changelessness is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). These verses affirm that truth, once given, is not subject to cultural trends or theological revisions. What God has revealed in Genesis—regarding sin, atonement, judgment, and salvation—remains binding throughout the history of redemption.

In Eden, we find the first mention of the plan of salvation, the character of Satan, and the nature of man—each a seed that develops throughout the entire prophetic narrative. Ellen White emphasizes the importance of Genesis as a foundation:

Education is a grand lifework; but to obtain true education it is necessary to possess that wisdom which comes from God alone. The Lord God should be represented in every phase of education; but it is a mistake to devote years to the study of one line of book knowledge. After a period of time has been devoted to study, let no one advise students to enter immediately upon another extended line of study, but rather advise them to enter upon the work for which they have been preparing. Let them be encouraged to put into use the education already obtained. . . .  {CT 413.1}  

“The book of Genesis is full of vital lessons for all who would understand the will of God and the gospel of Christ. In its teachings is revealed the origin of man, the institution of the Sabbath, the marriage relation, and the plan of redemption.” 

Moreover, the inspiration underlines the principle of consistency in divine dealings through time. it states:

“Since God changes not, and since He deals with sin now as in the past, then we must look to the ancient types and divine principles to understand His future dealings with the church and the world.” – 1SR 25.1

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - 1. The Creation 

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - 2. The Fall 

Understanding the first mention of divine principles protects us against modern spiritual deceptions—particularly the lie first uttered in Eden: “Ye shall not surely die.” This falsehood laid the groundwork for spiritualism, and its modern expressions continue to contradict the foundational truths of Genesis. The Rod literature warns that only those who cling to the original blueprint—unfolded through inspired prophecy—will avoid being swept into the final delusion.

In these last days, when many voices reinterpret Scripture to fit human reasoning or emotional appeal, the “first mention” principle calls us back to the original word and unchangeable purposes of God. As the controversy intensifies, God's faithful people will stand unmoved—rooted in the Word that was true in Eden, is true today, and will stand forever.

Consider the Following

The principle of first mention.

❖ Every learning course begins with a first lesson. It typically outlines the principles that will underpin the subject matter.

❖ In the Bible, we find this "first lesson" in Genesis. There, many key words appear for the first time, helping us understand the Plan of Salvation throughout the rest of the Bible.

❖ God does not change (Mal. 3:6a; Heb. 13:8.) His Word does not change (Isa. 40:8.) Therefore, there are no contradictions in the Bible. The plan of salvation is explained in it little by little, until it is fully understood—or at least, to the understanding we need of it now. (2 Pet. 1:19)

❖ We can better understand Jesus, and what he has done for us, through the first mention, in Genesis, of some key words: LOVE, LAMB, DEATH, and SERPENT.

Genesis 22: Love and the Lamb

Monday-April 7, 2025

Understanding God's Love - "Whom you LOVE"

Key Texts: Genesis 22:1-13; Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22; John 3:16; Heb. 11:19; Gen. 22:2-12, 16.   

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” – Genesis 22:2

The story of Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah is one of the most profound revelations of divine love and the plan of redemption in the entire Bible. It is not merely a test of faith—it is a prophetic type of the sacrifice of Christ. Abraham, the father, is a symbol of God the Father; Isaac, the beloved son, prefigures Jesus, the Son of God. This account, recorded early in Genesis, sets the first prophetic shadow of the Cross.

The expression, "whom you love," reveals the emotional depth of Abraham’s trial. It echoes God’s own declaration of love for His Son:

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17).

This parallel is not accidental—it is divinely orchestrated to teach us the immeasurable cost of our salvation. As Jesus said in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” The giving of Isaac was only a symbol; the giving of Christ was the reality.

Ellen White comments on the connection between Genesis 22 and Calvary:

Through type and promise God "preached before the gospel unto Abraham." Galatians 3:8. And the patriarch's faith was fixed upon the Redeemer to come. Said Christ to the Jews. "Your father Abraham rejoiced that he should see My day; and he saw it, and was glad." John 8:56, R.V., margin. The ram offered in the place of Isaac represented the Son of God, who was to be sacrificed in our stead. When man was doomed to death by transgression of the law of God, the Father, looking upon His Son, said to the sinner, "Live: I have found a ransom."  {PP 154.1}  

“It was to impress Abraham’s mind with the reality of the gospel, as well as to test his faith, that God commanded him to slay his son. The agony which he endured during the dark days of that fearful trial was permitted that he might understand... the greatness of the sacrifice made by the infinite God for man’s redemption.” 

In this sacred scene, we also discern God's justice and mercy converging. Isaac was to die—but God provided a ram in his place. This substitution prefigures the gospel truth that the innocent would die for the guilty.

The inspiration underscores this event as part of the unfolding plan of redemption through types and symbols:

“God chose to reveal in types and shadows His whole plan of salvation, that when the antitype should come, all who were willing to believe might recognize and accept it.” – 2TG 37.15

The mountain of Moriah later became the site of the Temple Mount—where sacrifices would continually remind Israel of the coming Redeemer. It foreshadows that the great offering—Christ Himself—would be made at the appointed time. As Abraham lifted the knife in obedience, heaven saw the shadow of Gethsemane and Golgotha.

Hebrews 11:19 tells us that Abraham “reasoned that God could raise the dead.” This was not blind faith—it was rooted in the promise that through Isaac, the seed would come. Abraham believed in resurrection power—a truth that would later be fulfilled in Christ’s own resurrection.

Ultimately, the prophetic insight here is twofold:

1. God’s love is demonstrated not only in words but in a sacrificial act that cost heaven everything.

2. True faith must rest on the Word of God, even when tested to the utmost, for God Himself has walked the path of sacrifice.

As the final conflict approaches, God’s end-time people will again be tested to trust Him with their dearest treasures. The story of Abraham and Isaac serves as both a model of surrender and a mirror of divine love. The same faith that moved Abraham must be the faith that moves us today—faith that lays all on the altar, trusting that the Lamb provided will be sufficient.

Consider the Following

“whom you LOVE”

— The first biblical mention of love refers to the relationship between a father and his son: Abraham and Isaac (Gen. 22:2.) At first glance, the context seems daunting: Abraham was supposed to sacrifice his beloved son! (Don't worry, he didn't end up doing it.)

— Compare this mention with the first mention of love we find in the synoptic gospels: “This [Jesus] is my beloved Son” (Mt. 3:17; Mk. 1:11; Lk . 3:22.)

— And don't miss the first mention in John's gospel (Jn. 3:16.) Abraham's act of sacrificing his son illustrates how God loved us to the point of sacrificing his own Son so that we might live eternally.

Tuesday-April 8, 2025

Isaac's Question: Where is the Lamb? 

Key Texts: Genesis 22:7-8; Gen. 22:11-14; Exodus 12:3-13; Revelation 5:5-10; John 1:29-34; Matt. 3:17. 

“Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7)

Isaac’s innocent question pierces not only the heart of Abraham but prophetically echoes through the corridors of redemptive history: “Where is the Lamb?” It is the question that defines the entire Bible narrative. In this solemn moment on Mount Moriah, the patriarch and his son act out the gospel in prophetic drama, and Isaac becomes both the questioner and the type of the One who would be the answer.

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - 8. The Promise 

Abraham’s reply—“God will provide Himself a Lamb” (Gen. 22:8)—is more than a comforting statement; it is a prophecy. It finds its fulfillment in John the Baptist’s declaration at the Jordan:

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29

Ellen White beautifully connects these scenes:

It was to impress Abraham's mind with the reality of the gospel, as well as to test his faith, that God commanded him to slay his son. The agony which he endured during the dark days of that fearful trial was permitted that he might understand from his own experience something of the greatness of the sacrifice made by the infinite God for man's redemption. No other test could have caused Abraham such torture of soul as did the offering of his son. God gave His Son to a death of agony and shame. The angels who witnessed the humiliation and soul anguish of the Son of God were not permitted to interpose, as in the case of Isaac. There was no voice to cry, "It is enough." To save the fallen race, the King of glory yielded up His life. What stronger proof can be given of the infinite compassion and love of God? "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32.  {PP 154.2}  

“When Abraham had accepted the divine summons and had proved his faith, God showed him that by man’s obedience through faith in the promised Saviour, he and all who followed in his steps would be accounted righteous. Thus the gospel was preached to Abraham.”

The Lamb first asked about on Moriah was later foreshadowed in Exodus 12, when each household was to select a spotless lamb, and its blood applied for deliverance. These types find their full realization in Revelation 5:6, where the Lamb stands “as it had been slain” in the courts of heaven, worthy to open the sealed book—the One for whom all heaven waited, and all prophecy pointed.

The inspiration confirms this typological framework and elevates the importance of identifying the Lamb correctly in the last days:

“The act of Abraham in offering up Isaac was in itself a prophecy that God would offer His only begotten Son. The lamb caught in the thicket represents Christ, who was offered in Isaac’s stead. In the sacrificial system, in the Passover, in the services of the earthly sanctuary, the Lamb has ever pointed forward to Christ.” – 1TG 10.17

“The sealing message must unfold Christ in His fullness—as the Lamb, as the Priest, as the King, and as the Judge—or it will never prepare a people to stand in the day of God.” – 2TG 11.13

Isaac’s question, then, is not just a moment in a father-son conversation. It is the prophetic inquiry of every soul seeking salvation. The answer is not philosophical, but personal, practical, and redemptive: “God will provide Himself a Lamb.” And that Lamb has already been provided, accepted, and glorified.

Furthermore, Revelation reveals that the Lamb is not only Redeemer but also Judge and King—worthy to break the seals and execute judgment. The same Lamb who stood silent before the slaughter is now seen standing in triumph at the center of the throne.

In these last days, the question must again be asked, not as one of ignorance, but of understanding: Where is the Lamb in our theology, our worship, our message? The Lamb is central—not a peripheral figure. Only by beholding the Lamb can we truly understand God's justice, mercy, and love. And only those who follow Him “whithersoever He goeth” (Rev. 14:4) will be sealed for the kingdom.

Consider the Following

“where is the LAMB?”

— The first mention of the word LAMB is not accidental (Gen. 22:7.) It is the basis for understanding the repeated mention of the Lamb in Revelation (Rev. 5:6.)

— Note that the lamb God provided was actually a ram (Gen. 22:8, 13.) At Passover, a lamb was sacrificed, although it could be either a lamb or a ram (Ex. 12:3, 5.) That is, the word “lamb” came to mean the ultimate sacrifice. Gradually, the Bible expands the symbolic meaning of the lamb:

(1) He prevented the death of the firstborn (Exo. 12:13)

(2) It was an offering that God always had in mind (Exo. 29:38-41)

(3) I had to die for my sins (Isa. 53:6-8)

(4) John the Baptist identified the Lamb (Jn. 1:29)

— It's no wonder Revelation doesn't explain the identity of the Lamb. The Lamb is Jesus, who was sacrificed for my sins and who always intercedes for me with the Father (Heb. 7:25.)

Genesis 2-3: Death and the Serpent

Wednesday-April 9, 2025

Dealing with Death - "You will certainly DIE"

Key Texts: Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 4:8-15, 1 Corinthians 15:15-19, Revelation 1:18. 

“but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:17)

The divine sentence in Eden—“you shall surely die”—is God’s unwavering declaration regarding sin. It unveils both His justice and His mercy. In Eden, death was not natural—it was the result of disobedience and a rejection of life’s true Source. Yet Satan’s first lie, “You shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:4), became the foundation of spiritualism, and remains the root of countless deceptions in the last days.

Ellen White writes:

Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.  {GC 588.1}  
“The doctrine of natural immortality is one of Satan’s most successful deceptions. He has led men to believe that the words of God, ‘The soul that sinneth, it shall die’ (Ezekiel 18:20), mean that the soul is immortal.”

As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light. Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders will be performed. And as the spirits will profess faith in the Bible, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church, their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power.  {GC 588.2} 

Death is not merely the cessation of life; it is the separation from God—the Giver of life. The moment Adam and Eve sinned, spiritual death set in, and physical death followed. Genesis 4 confirms this when Cain, disregarding divine instruction, murders Abel—demonstrating that separation from God leads to separation from others, and ultimately to destruction.

But this is not the end of the story. Though the wages of sin is death, God reveals hope in the plan of redemption. Revelation 1:18 shows Christ victorious:

“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore... and have the keys of hell and of death.”

1 Corinthians 15:15–19 affirms that without Christ’s resurrection, our faith is in vain. The Cross and the empty tomb are God's counter to Satan’s lie. Jesus, the second Adam, broke the power of death and restored access to eternal life—not through inherent immortality, but through the gift of righteousness.

The inspiration underscores the great prophetic implications of these early Genesis chapters:

“The message of the Rod exposes the lie of the serpent and re-establishes the truth about mortality and resurrection, turning the attention of God’s people back to the foundational truths of Eden, where the great controversy began.” – 2TG 37.19

Moreover, inspiration warns:

“The theory of the immortal soul is one of the greatest barriers to accepting the sealing message. It removes accountability and undermines the urgency of preparation.” – 1TG 8.23

Indeed, the controversy over death is not just theological—it is prophetic. Spiritualism, in its modern form, is sweeping the world under many guises: false miracles, communication with the dead, and even distorted Christian doctrines. The final deception will be rooted in the same lie spoken to Eve. Only those who believe God’s Word—“you shall surely die”—and trust in Christ, the Resurrection and the Life, will escape the snare.

As we approach the last great crisis, the question remains: Whose word will we believe? The serpent’s or the Creator’s? Let us stand on the side of truth, proclaiming the Lamb who conquered death, and warning the world that eternal life is found in Him alone.

Consider the Following

“you will certainly DIE”

— God was the first to mention death (Gen. 2:17.) But death could only exist as a consequence of sin (Rom. 5:12.)

— Death is often associated with old age. But the first recorded death was that of a young man: Abel (Gen. 4:8.) He, though a righteous man, died at the hands of an unrighteous man (Heb . 11:4; 1 Jn. 3:12.)

— History was repeated centuries later, when the Righteous One died at the hands of the unrighteous (Mark 15:14.) Unlike Abel, Jesus—who could have prevented his death—allowed himself to be killed (Eph. 5:2.)

— Jesus did what Abel could not: he conquered death (Rom. 6:9.) And, as Revelation 1:18 shows, he received “the keys of death,” with which he could open the tombs (“hell” or “Hades.”)

Thursday-April 10, 2025

The Serpent - "The Serpent was more Crafty" 

Key Texts: Rev. 13:2-4; Genesis 3:1-5; Revelation 12:1-9; Rev. 13:2-3.   

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made” (Genesis 3:1a)

In Eden, the serpent became the medium through which Satan launched the greatest deception ever introduced to humanity—a deception that continues to evolve and culminate in the last great crisis. The description of the serpent as “more crafty” signifies subtlety, cunning, and sophistication—qualities Satan has mastered in his rebellion against God.

Ellen White elaborates:

Like the angels, the dwellers in Eden had been placed upon probation; their happy estate could be retained only on condition of fidelity to the Creator's law. They could obey and live, or disobey and perish. God had made them the recipients of rich blessings; but should they disregard His will, He who spared not the angels that sinned, could not spare them; transgression would forfeit His gifts and bring upon them misery and ruin.  {PP 53.1}

“In order to accomplish his work unperceived, Satan chose to employ as his medium the serpent—a disguise well adapted for his purpose of deception. The serpent was then one of the wisest and most beautiful creatures on the earth.” 

Satan’s entrance through the serpent was strategic—camouflaged, rational, and attractive. Likewise, in Revelation 12, he is portrayed as the “great red dragon” who deceives the whole world. By the time we reach Revelation 13, the dragon gives his power, seat, and authority to the beast—symbolizing the full maturation of Satan’s deceptive strategy in religious, civil, and global institutions.

Genesis 3:1–5 is not merely the record of man’s fall, but the blueprint of Satan’s end-time campaign:

• He questions God's Word: “Has God indeed said…?”

• He contradicts God’s Word: “You shall not surely die.”

• He substitutes his own gospel: “You shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”

This threefold strategy—doubt, denial, and deception—is being replicated on a global scale today.

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - 2. The Fall 

The inspiration makes clear that the serpent symbol has prophetic applications beyond Eden:

“The serpent, in its varied prophetic forms, appears in both beasts of Revelation 12 and 13, showing that the same power which began the deception in Eden continues through the churches and kingdoms of earth. The dragon gave the beast his seat and authority—an unbroken link between the original deceiver and modern systems of apostasy.” – SRod, Vol. 2, p. 151

“As the serpent in the garden mingled truth with error to destroy, so too does the leopard-like beast of Revelation 13 combine civil power with ecclesiastical error to bring about a worldwide delusion.” – 1TG 5.6

The craftiness of the serpent lies in his ability to appear religious, benevolent, and wise—while directly opposing God’s Word and authority. The final deception will not come as obvious rebellion but as a sophisticated counterfeit of truth—an ecumenical unity that exalts man’s authority over God’s commandments.

Ellen White adds a sobering warning:

“None are in greater danger from the influence of evil spirits than those who... disregard the plain teachings of the Scriptures and yield to their own inclinations.” – GC 558.2

We are now living in the climax of that ancient conflict begun at the tree of knowledge. The world is once again being lured into trusting the serpent’s voice—disguised in modern philosophy, false revival, and compromised religion. The only safeguard is a clear understanding of Bible truth and a personal connection with Christ, the Seed of the woman who bruises the serpent's head (Gen. 3:15).

Let us not forget: the serpent that deceived Eve is the same dragon that deceives the whole world (Rev. 12:9), and only those grounded in the Word and sealed by the Spirit will escape his final delusions.

Consider the Following
“the SERPENT was more crafty”

— Revelation presents a dragon (Rev. 12:3-4.) It also tells us that this dragon is a symbol of Satan (Rev. 12:9.)

— In identifying the symbol of the dragon, he adds a new symbol: Satan is “the ancient serpent.” Which serpent is he referring to?

— Of course, the first serpent mentioned in the Bible (Gen. 3:1.) In Eden, Satan (the serpent) deceived the whole world (i.e., Adam and Eve.)

— In Revelation, we are reminded that this has been his purpose throughout history, and that it will be his special target at the end of time (Rev. 13:14.) He will even attempt to deceive everyone in the very presence of God (Rev. 20:8.)

— How can we defend ourselves against his tricks? One way is to study how he first did it. His basic tactics haven't changed over the centuries.

Friday-April 11, 2025

Prophetic Insights and Further Studies

Key Themes: The Origin of Life, Love, Sin, and Death; The Character of God; The Great Controversy; The Lamb of God

🔍 Biblical and Spiritual Insights

The book of Genesis is more than a record of beginnings—it is the prophetic blueprint of God’s plan of redemption and Satan’s plan of rebellion. Every major doctrine finds its root in Genesis: the Sabbath, marriage, the law, sin, sacrifice, death, the promise of redemption, and even the final triumph of Christ.

This week’s study from Genesis 2–3 and 22 opened several key spiritual insights:

1. God’s Love Is Demonstrated Through Sacrifice (Gen. 22:1–13; John 3:16)
   Isaac's near-sacrifice on Mount Moriah points forward to Calvary. The Father’s love is not sentimental—it is sacrificial. He gave His only Son, the true Lamb of God, who would not be spared (Rom. 8:32). Abraham’s test was not just personal—it was prophetic, representing the divine cost of redemption.

2. The Lie of the Serpent and the Rise of Spiritualism (Gen. 3:4; Rev. 16:13–14)
   The first lie, “You shall not surely die,” continues today as modern spiritualism, often hidden under religious language and false revivals. As Ellen White warns:
   
   The line of distinction between professed Christians and the ungodly is now hardly distinguishable. Church members love what the world loves and are ready to join with them, and Satan determines to unite them in one body and thus strengthen his cause by sweeping all into the ranks of spiritualism. Papists, who boast of miracles as a certain sign of the true church, will be readily deceived by this wonder-working power; and Protestants, having cast away the shield of truth, will also be deluded. Papists, Protestants, and worldlings will alike accept the form of godliness without the power, and they will see in this union a grand movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering in of the long-expected millennium.  {GC 588.3}  
   “Spiritualism is now changing its form, veiling some of its more objectionable features… even in the churches.” – GC 588.2

3. Death as the Result of Sin, Not Natural Design (Gen. 2:17; 1 Cor. 15:21–22)
   Death is not the end God intended. It is the wage of sin. The resurrection is God's declaration that eternal life is not inherent—it is a gift only through Christ (Rom. 6:23). This destroys the false gospel of the “immortal soul.”
   
   

4. The Craftiness of the Serpent and the Global Deception (Gen. 3:1; Rev. 13:2–4)
   The same spirit that deceived Eve now works through political and religious alliances. The beast (Rev. 13) receives its power from the dragon (Rev. 12), showing that the serpent’s tactics in Eden will reach their fullest global expression at the end of time.
   
   

📜 Spirit of Prophecy Insight

To deceive men, and thus lead them to transgress God's law, is the object which he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this be accomplished by casting aside the law altogether, or by rejecting one of its precepts, the result will be ultimately the same. He that offends "in one point," manifests contempt for the whole law; his influence and example are on the side of transgression; he becomes "guilty of all." James 2:10.  {GC 582.1}  

“From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven it has been Satan’s purpose to overthrow the law of God. It was to accomplish this that he entered upon his rebellion against the Creator... And the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God.”

Genesis reveals that sin began as a subtle suggestion against God’s authority and law. The final conflict will likewise revolve around obedience, especially to God’s commandments (Rev. 14:12). The Great Controversy is bookended by the serpent’s lie and the Lamb’s triumph.

🐑 Insight

The inspiration emphasizes that Genesis is not only history, but prophecy in type. Isaac represents the faithful, obedient church—tested, refined, and preserved. The serpent represents Satan’s deceptive influence, now manifest in both religious and political systems.

“The garden of Eden becomes the stage for the great controversy—where the battle of truth and error was first fought, and from which every successive phase of the conflict unfolds. Genesis is the first act in a prophetic drama that reaches its climax in our day.” – 1TG 50.12

“As Abraham was tested with the offering of Isaac, so God’s people in the time of the Loud Cry must be willing to surrender all for the cause of truth.” – 2TG 11.17

The remnant today must understand their roots in Genesis to recognize their role in Revelation. God is calling for faith like Abraham, discernment like Christ, and a clear separation from the serpent’s voice.

✨ Final Reflection

The Genesis Foundation calls us to rediscover the simplicity of the gospel, the seriousness of sin, and the certainty of God’s promise. The Lamb was “slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8) because our fall was foreseen, and our salvation was secured. God’s love and justice met on the mountain of Moriah—and ultimately at Calvary.

In these last days, the world is rapidly returning to Eden—not in innocence, but in rebellion against God’s authority. Let us not make the same mistake Eve did. Let us instead respond as Isaac, trusting the Father even when we do not understand the altar before us. For in the mount of the Lord, it shall be provided.

https://online.fliphtml5.com/nhmzi/pazm/ 

https://bit.ly/SS25-Q2-L2-Tag 

https://bit.ly/SS25-Q2-L2

https://3angelscry.org/pdf-ss25-q2-l2-the-genesis-foundation/