Keselamatan Dan Akhir Zaman

Salvation and the End Time

 Lesson #4 for April 28, 2018 Scriptures: John 1:1-3; 14:9; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 91:15-16; Revelation 14:6-7; Ephesians 1:4-5; 1 John 4:10.

1. For a number of reasons, Christianity is unique among the religions of the world. Other religions challenge their believers to live better lives in order to save themselves. Christ not only asked us to live better lives, but also He came and showed us the way and died to demonstrate the truth about God and answer the questions Satan had raised in the great controversy. (See Romans 8:3; 5:8; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:3.) If you would gather together everything that is good and holy and noble and lovely in man and then present the subject to the angels of God as acting a part in the salvation of the human soul or in merit, the proposition would be rejected as treason.—Ellen G. White, Faith and Works* 24.1.
2. As Jesus was giving His final instructions to His disciples on that eventful evening in the upper room, He spoke about how we can go to the Father. As we know, Philip said: “Lord, show us the Father; that is all we need.” (John 14:8, GNB*) Look at Jesus’s response. John 14:9: Jesus answered, “For a long time I have been with you all; yet you do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. Why, then, do you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”—American Bible Society. (1992). The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation* (2nd ed., John 14:9). New York: American Bible Society.
3. Many Christian groups say that the God of the Old Testament is a God of vengeance, fire, and justice; many of them choose not to study the Old Testament. By contrast, they see the New Testament as full of mercy and grace and forgiveness. However, the Bible does not agree with that dichotomy. The primary reason why Jesus came to this world was to teach us the truth about God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Had God the Father come to our world and dwelt among us, humbling Himself, veiling His glory, that humanity might look upon Him, the history that we have of the life of Christ would not have been changed.... In every act of Jesus, in every lesson of His instruction, we are to see and hear and recognize God. In sight, in hearing, in effect, it is the voice and movements of the Father.—Ellen G. White, Letter 83,* 1895; That I May Know Him* 338.4; 21MR* 393.1. The law of Jehovah was burdened with needless exactions and traditions, and God was representedas severe, exacting, revengeful, and arbitrary. He was pictured as one who could take pleasure in the sufferings of his creatures. The very attributes that belonged to the character of Satan, the evil one represented as belonging to the character of God. Jesus came to teach men of the Father, to correctly represent him before the fallen children of earth. Angels could not fully portray the character of God, but Christ, who was a living impersonation of God, could not fail to accomplish the work. The only way in which he could set and keep men right was to make himself visible and familiar to their eyes.... Preparation for the End Time #4 - page 1 of 6 Christ exalted the character of God, attributing to him the praise, and giving to him the credit, of the whole purpose of his own mission on earth,–to set men right through the revelation of God. In Christ was arrayed before men the paternal grace and the matchless perfections of the Father. In his prayer just before his crucifixion, he declared, “I have manifested thy name.” “I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” When the object of his mission was attained,–the revelation of God to the world,–the Son of God announced that his work was accomplished, and that the character of the Father was made manifest to men.—Ellen G. White, The Signs of the Times,* January 20, 1890, par. 6,9. Contrast ST December 4, 1893; Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 358.3-359.1; RH, August 14, 1900; YI, November 21, 1883; RH, November 1, 1892, par. 12. The earth was dark through misapprehension of God. That the gloomy shadows might be lightened, that the world might be brought back to God, Satan’s deceptive power was to be broken.—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages* 22.1. [Bold type is added.] 4. Do we recognize that the main reason why Jesus came to this earth was to reveal the truth about the Father? What misunderstandings and misconceptions do we have about the Father? Are we ever inclined to suggest that He is arbitrary, exacting, vengeful, unforgiving, even severe, as has been implied, even suggested by many in the past, especially Satan?

5. Careful students of the Bible will obviously recognize that circumstances were different in the Old Testament than they were in the New Testament. The way Jesus appeared on Mount Sinai as recorded in Exodus is quite different from the way He spoke to the crowds in Galilee. But, He was the same Person, the same God. The One who came down on Mount Sinai is the One who hung on the cross. John 5:39: “You study the Scriptures, because you think that in them you will find eternal life. And these very Scriptures speak about me!”—Good News Bible* (John 5:39). Luke 24:44: Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.”—Good News Bible* (Luke 24:44). 1 Corinthians 10:1-4: I want you to remember, my brothers and sisters, what happened to our ancestors who followed Moses. They were all under the protection of the cloud, and all passed safely through the Red Sea. 2 In the cloud and in the sea they were all baptized as followers of Moses. 3All ate the same spiritual bread 4 and drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from the spiritual rock that went with them; and that rock was Christ himself.—Good News Bible* (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). [Bold type is added.]
6. Even in the Old Testament, we discover that God is slow to anger, (Psalm 145:8) faithful, with unfailing love, (Psalm 143:8) He delights in His followers, (Psalm 147:11) He has every intention of prospering His people and giving them hope, (Jeremiah 29:11) and He looks forward to the day when He will no longer need to rebuke His people but will rejoice over them with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) These are verses from the Old Testament. Preparation for the End Time #4 - page 2 of 6
7. Are we prepared to think of all the implications of the fact that Jesus is in no way different from the Father? If there really is no difference between Jesus the Son and God the Father, does Jesus really need to plead with the Father on our behalf? (See Romans 8:34 and John 16:25-27.) What does that mean? Jesus Himself said He will not plead with the Father for us because it is not necessary; the Father Himself loves us. (John 3:16)
8. However, we know that sin has created an enormous separation between us and our God. (Isaiah 59:2) Unless something is done about that separation, we are hopelessly lost. And God did what it took. (Romans 8:3) The Creator (John 1:1-3,14) became a Human Being and died the death of a traitor, even a common criminal. (Philippians 2:5-8) So, what do we learn from that? Could there be any question about God’s love any longer?
9. From the time Jesus came to this earth up to our present time, there have been those who do not believe that Jesus Christ could be fully human and fully divine at the same time. It is just too large a gap for them to wrap their minds around. In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. “He that hath the Son hath life.” 1 John 5:12. The divinity of Christ is the believer’s assurance of eternal life.—Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages* 530.3.
10. But, that same God came down to this earth and risked everything on behalf of God and heaven and the universe, becoming a baby Boy, born of a sinful, teenage human mother. And what did He prove by doing that? He came to the world to display the glory of God, that man might be uplifted by its restoring power. God was manifested in Him that He might be manifested in them. Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was.—Ibid.* 664.4. [Bold type is added.]
11. This means that the One who could speak the command and create a world (Psalm 33:6,9; Hebrews 1:3) allowed Himself to become a helpless baby Boy, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:16) Did Jesus actually realize that He could speak the word and create a world? Romans 8:38-39: 38 For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, 39 neither the world above nor the world below—there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.—Good News Bible* (Romans 8:38-39).
12. Is that really possible? Given this truth about God, why would anyone choose to be separated from the love of God?
13. The third Member of the Godhead known as the Holy Spirit or the Holy Ghost has been very much misunderstood down through history. But Scripture proves His personhood. Christians are baptized in His name along with the Father and Son (Matt. 28:19). The Spirit glorifies Christ (John 16:14). The Spirit convicts people (John 16:8). He can be grieved (Eph. 4:30). He is a Comforter (John 14:16), Helper (NKJV), and Counselor (RSV). He teaches (Luke 12:12), intercedes (Rom. 8:26), and sanctifies (1 Pet. 1:2). Christ said the Spirit guides people into all truth (John 16:13). Preparation for the End Time #4 - page 3 of 6 In short, the Holy Spirit is God, as are the Father and the Son. Together, they are One God.—Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide* for Tuesday, April 24.
14. The Holy Spirit does many wonderful things for us. For example, see Luke 12:12; John 16:8-13; and Acts 13:24.
15. The Holy Spirit has taken up the work left by Jesus when He was on this earth. That work is simply to reveal the truth about God and to lead us into that truth. We have been [137] brought together as a school, and we need to realize that the Holy Spirit, who is as much a person as God is a person, is walking through these grounds, unseen by human eyes; that the Lord God is our Keeper and Helper. He hears every word we utter and knows every thought of the mind.—Ellen G. White, Sermons and Talks,* vol. 2, 136.6-137.0; Ms 66,* 1899, 4 (Talk, April 15, 1899); 7MR* 299.2; Evangelism* 616.5. [Bold type is added.]
16. Perhaps, the greatest evidence of the personhood of the Holy Spirit and that He is God is the incarnation of Christ. We are told (Matthew 1:20) that Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit. While we cannot begin to understand how that actually happened, one thing is absolutely certain: It required divine power. Notice the interesting and almost conflicting things that the Holy Spirit did in connection with the ministry of Christ. First of all, He condensed all of divinity into some kind of a sequence of DNA that could be combined with the DNA of Mary, a poor, weak human being, to form a baby Boy who was both God and man! Then, He took that human Jesus and made Him available to us as Christians around the world. (John 8:24,28,58) Jesus told the Sanhedrin three times that He was God, and they wanted to stone Him! He also frequently called Himself “the Son of Man” (Matthew 8:20; 9:6; 10:23; Mark 2:28; Luke 17:20) which means that He was a Human Being. The Godhead was stirred with pity for the race, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit gave Themselves to the working out of the plan of redemption.—Ellen G. White, Counsels on Health* 222.2; AG* 190.2; 7SDABC* 442.1; RH,* May 2, 1912, par. 3; Pamphlet 148,* 5.3 (1901).
17. All three Members of the Godhead are working for us. What a comforting thought that is. So, what is the evidence? Romans 8:26-35: 26 In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express.... If God is for us, who can be against us? 32Certainly not God, who did not even keep back his own Son, but offered him for us all! He gave us his Son—will he not also freely give us all things? 33Who will accuse God’s chosen people? God himself declares them not guilty! 34Who, then, will condemn them? Not Christ Jesus, who died, or rather, who was raised to life and is at the right-hand side of God, pleading with him for us! 35Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ?—Good News Bible* (Romans 8:26-35). [Bold type is added.]
18. Many Seventh-day Adventists wonder if it is even possible for them to be saved. The instructions and the commands that God has given in the Bible seem to be just too much. (Matthew 7:14)
 19. But, to be prepared for the end time, people must have the assurance of their salvation in the present time. They must be convinced that God is working for them in every way necessary. And they must stand up to the Devil without being afraid.
20. Look at some passages suggesting how God works to preserve us. See Psalm 91:15-16; Joel 2:31-32; John 10:28; Romans 10:9-13; and 1 John 5:11-13. Do we really believe that all who ask the Lord for help will be saved? Do we believe that God has made salvation freely available to every person who will accept it? God will do everything necessary to help us if we are willing to work with Him and live the kind of lives that will prepare us for His second coming.
21. How “old” is the gospel? Read Revelation 14:6-7. Why do you think John under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit called the gospel an “everlasting” gospel?
22. First of all, it reminds us that God does not change. Before our world was created, God recognized that sin could arise, and He made all the necessary preparations. Ephesians 1:4-5: 4Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love 5God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his sons and daughters—this was his pleasure and purpose.—Good News Bible* (Ephesians 1:4-5).
23. Do you accept the fact that you were chosen? That you are predestined? That it was God’s purpose to adopt you into His family? See also 2 Thessalonians 2:13 and 2 Timothy 1:9. The only thing God asks of us is to accept His offer. Of course, that means that we are willing to take Him seriously and take His requests seriously. Why don’t we believe it?
24. However, we must not take the approach that we are “once saved, always saved.” As free as salvation is, God does not ask us to be presumptuous. See Matthew 7:21-23. Try to imagine the shock of those people who believe that they have done miraculous things in the name of God; and yet, God says to them: “Go away; I never knew you!”
25. They failed to do at least two things: (1) They sought to perform miracles probably for their own glory; and (2) Their emphasis was always on themselves. We need to look away from ourselves to Jesus Christ for all our needs.
26. Martin Luther is reported to have said: “When I look to myself, I don’t know how I can be saved. When I look to Jesus, I don’t know how I can be lost.” Could you honestly repeat those words?
27. If people are lost in the end, it will not be because God has failed to provide the necessary means; it will be because they made the wrong choices–repeatedly. Unless one has the knowledge of the great controversy that we have, many of these things might be hard to understand.
28. Do we adequately appreciate God’s love for us? Why does God love us? Are you fully familiar with the evidence from Scripture that God loves you? (1 John 4:8,16)
29. If you fully recognize that God loves you, does that automatically make you love your neighbor? Shouldn’t that love overflow to those around us? If God saves you, are you in any way responsible for the salvation of your neighbor?
30. Many religious groups describe some kind of emotional or mystical experience as part of their religion. Christianity is based on the beautiful history of the most amazing Life that has ever been lived on this earth. It is based in reality; the real “reality show”! Preparation for the End Time #4 - page 5 of 6
31. We may recognize that salvation is based on God’s free gift. But, then we must recognize that salvation will not be fully realized until the end of time when we are taken to heaven by Christ.
32. Considering what we expect to see happen at the end of time, how should our lives be different? How should we grow? The world in which we live is largely materialistic. Everything seems to be based on the here and now, sound bites, entertainment, and getting ahead at work.
33. How can we get people who are stuck in this rut to look beyond the here and now? They need to be shaken up about their need for salvation. See Revelation 3:14-22 where it talks about God’s end-time church. Do they understand God’s love for them? Many of them do not even believe the creation story. What do you say to that group? (1 Peter 3:15)
34. Personally, we need to recognize that God will never save us because we somehow earn salvation or merit it because of a certain thing or certain things that we do or have done. God saves us because He loves us, and it is for His own name’s sake. We are the trophies of His plan of salvation.
35. As we have already noted in Romans 8:26-35, love is the predominant characteristic of the Holy Spirit as well as of the Father and the Son. Both Christ and the Holy Spirit are referred to as Comforters/Advocates. (John 14:16,26; 1 John 2:1) The Greek word Paracletos or Comforter is translated in the Greek Septuagint (LXX) from the Hebrew word nakham, meaning “to console.” (Jeremiah 16:7; Hosea 13:14; Isaiah 57:18)
36. The reason why it is safe and certain that salvation is available is that it is an act of God. While it has implications for how we live our lives here and now, a long-term application is that we will live with God forever. We can look forward to the time when Jesus will appear (Luke 17:24) and the entire heavens will be full of bright shining angels so that every eye will see Him. (Revelation 1:7) No false christ will ever be able to duplicate such a coming.
37. Sometimes, it may seem like human life is just running around in mad circles. God provides a way out. And it is a glorious, wonderful way out!
38. Seventh-day Adventists have a two-part name. Some of us tend to put too much emphasis on the Seventh-day part, focusing on this world and how good we are at obeying God’s commands, all ten of the Ten Commandments. Others may want to overemphasize the Adventist part of our name and focus only on what is coming in the future. It is really important that we understand both aspects of our name and their implications and live accordingly.
39. We have covered an enormous amount of material in this lesson. Do you have any question about the fact that Jesus came primarily to teach us the truth about God? Do we really believe that Jesus is just like His Father? Or, that the Father is just like Jesus? Do we really believe that salvation is a free gift from God that we only have to accept? Do we understand what accepting means? Do our lives demonstrate that understanding the truth about God and His love is our first priority? © 2018, Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH.

Yesus Dan Kitab Wahyu.

Jesus and the Book of Revelation

Lesson #3 for April 21, 2018
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:1-11; Ephesians 1:20; Revelation 1:10-18; 3:21; 11:19; 12:1-17; 19:11-15.
1. The book of Revelation is a book full of symbolism, mysterious creatures, and many references tied to the Old Testament. Many other books in the New Testament also show a clear dependence upon the Old Testament. Jesus Himself frequently quoted the Scriptures–which, of course, in His day included only the Old Testament–saying they needed to be fulfilled. (See Matthew 26:54,56; Mark 14:49; John 13:18; 17:12. Compare Psalm 41:9.)
2. It is virtually impossible to read the book of Revelation and understand it without a fairly good knowledge of Old Testament symbolism. It is particularly closely related to the book of Daniel. That is why we often study those two books together.
3. In Revelation 1:1, we read that this book is a revelation of Jesus Christ. That could mean either that it is a revelation from Jesus Christ; or, it could mean that it is a revelation about Jesus Christ. Or, would it be more correct to say that it is both?
4. Much of the book of Revelation has to do with events scattered in the future from Jesus’s day all the way to the end of this world–even to the third coming and the new heavens and the new earth.
5. Critical scholars have done terrible things with the book of Revelation. Look at some of their comments. First of all, because a priori they believe that not even God can predict the future, they try to make the book of Revelation all about a pagan resurgence or resurrection of the worship of Nero as a god! They do not believe in the existence of a personal Devil; and, therefore, they do not admit anything like a cosmic conflict or great controversy.
6. With that background, they see the book of Revelation as a book about God’s retributive revenge against His enemies. Some regard the Holocaust against the Jews at the time of World War II as proof that God no longer cares about what happens on planet earth.
7. Martin Luther (1522) is famous for his statements about the book of Revelation. He said: I miss more than one thing in this book,... and it makes me consider it to be neither apostolic nor prophetic…. My spirit cannot accommodate itself to this book. For me this is reason enough not to think highly of it: Christ is neither taught nor known in it. Notice these comments from other so-called biblical scholars: “Revelation is a ‘hideous’ version of Christianity; It is ‘a repulsive work.’” “Resentment and not love is the teaching of the Revelation of St. John the Divine.” Revelation is a book “without wisdom, goodness, kindness, or affection of any kind.” “What we find in Revelation… is a projection into the future of what was unfulfilled in the past. Jesus did not destroy the wicked in His earthly life, but He would return with supernatural power to complete the task.” “We are bound to judge that in his conception of the character of God and his attitude to man, the book falls below the level not only of the teaching of Jesus but of the best parts of the Old Testament.” Preparation for the End Time #3 - page 1 of 6 “In the popular view,Apocalypse is about cataclysm, death, and destruction….” “God’s covenant curses on His enemies.” “The primary focus is on punitive judgment.” “Righteous judgments and vengeance upon those who viciously harassed and oppressed the faithful.”
8. I have chosen not to mention the names of the scholars who are quoted above. However, these are actual quotes, and some of them are from Adventist scholars. The exception, of course, is the name of Luther since his quotation is so widely known.
9. How incredibly different are these views from the views of those of us who believe in the great-controversy, trust, healing model of the plan of salvation! Aren’t you glad that we have a nicer picture of a God of love, a picture based on reading all 66 books of the Bible?
10. Ellen White painted a very different picture than do the above “scholars.” The whole Bible is a revelation; for all revelation to men comes through Christ, and all centers in Him. God has spoken unto us by His Son, whose we are by creation and by redemption. Christ came to John exiled on the Isle of Patmos to give him the truth for these last days, to show him that which must shortly come to pass. Jesus Christ is the great trustee of divine revelation. It is through Him that we have a knowledge of what we are to look for in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. God gave this revelation to Christ, and Christ communicated the same to John. John, the beloved disciple, was the one chosen to receive this revelation. He was the last survivor of the first chosen disciples. Under the New Testament dispensation he was honored as the prophet Daniel was honored underthe Old Testament dispensation. The instruction to be communicated to John was so important that Christ came from heaven to give it to His servant, telling [954] him to send it to the churches. This instruction is to be the object of our careful and prayerful study; for we are living in a time when men who are not under the teaching of the Holy Spirit will bring in false theories. These men have been standing in high places, and they have ambitious projects to carry out. They seek to exalt themselves, and to revolutionize the whole showing of things. God has given us special instruction to guard us against such ones. He bade John write in a book that which should take place in the closing scenes of this earth’s history (Manuscript 129, 1905).—Ellen G. White, 7SDABC* 953.7-9.
11. Both the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation are divided into two basic sections: 1) A historical section, and 2) An eschatological section dealing with end-time events. But, even the historical sections give us hints about things that will likely happen at the end of this world’s history. Thus, Old Testament history gives us some hints about what is coming in the future.
12. There are many passages in the New Testament suggesting that we should learn from the Old Testament. For example, see 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Last week we discussed how the stories of Daniel 3 and Daniel 6 might have parallels at the end of time. Will the lives of the righteous be threatened in the end times? (Revelation 13) Rememberthat Revelation teaches that what is coming in the future will be worse than anything that has happened in the past. Fortunately, we are assured that, ultimately, God’s cause will be victorious.
13. Revelation is divided between the historical portion in Revelation 1-11 and the end-time Preparation for the End Time #3 - page 2 of 6 portion in Revelation 13-22. So, what about Revelation 12 in the middle? Revelation 12 is a brief panoramic view of the history of the great controversy from its start in heaven beside the throne of God to nearly its end as the dragon fights to destroy God’s church. Once again, we are reminded of the incredible battles which are key events in the great controversy. How could Lucifer the highest of the created angels standing next to the throne of God even think about rebelling against God? And then, after 4000 years of human history, God sent His Son as a helpless baby Boy into the heart of the Devil’s territory here on planet earth to win the great controversy! Could there be any greater contrast between good and evil than that?
14. So, what have we learned by studying the history of the great controversy? Let it never be said that Adventists are no better than others in the world; we must learn from history and not be like those who never learn from history!
15. If you scan through the book of Revelation, you will discover that Jesus is given many different names and descriptions. For example, see Revelation 1:5,18; 5:8; 19:11-16; and 21:6 in the Good News Bible.* He is called “the faithful witness,” (Revelation 1:5) “the first to be raised from death and who is also the ruler of the kings of the world.” (Revelation 1:5) He is “the living one” (Revelation 1:18) who has “authority over death and the world of the dead.” (Revelation 1:18) He is “the Lamb,” (Revelation 5:8) the “Faithful and True,” (Revelation 19:11) the One who “judges and fights his battles.” (Revelation 19:11) “His eyes were like a flame of fire.” (Revelation 19:12) “He wore many crowns on his head.” (Revelation 19:12) “He had a name written on him, but no one except himself knows what it is”! (Revelation 19:12) That name includes “‘The Word of God.’” (Revelation 19:13) He is followed by “the armies of heaven.” (Revelation 19:14) “Out of his mouth came a sharp sword.” (Revelation 19:15) “He will defeat the nations” (Revelation 19:15) and “rule over them with a rod of iron.” (Revelation 19:15) “He will trample out the wine in the wine press of the furious anger of the Almighty God.” (Revelation 19:15) And finally, He will be “King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:16) When the real Jesus returns, the entire sky will be full of bright, shining angels. These are only a few of the many texts in Revelation that depict Jesus in various roles and functions. He is the Lamb, which points to His first coming, in which He offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:7). He was also the One who “was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore”(Rev. 1:18), a clearreference to His death and resurrection from the dead. “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day” (Luke 24:46, ASV). Finally, in Revelation 19:11-15, He is depicted in His role at the Second Coming, when He will return to the earth in power and glory and judgment. “ ‘For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works’ ” (Matt. 16:27, NKJV).
16. Is the life, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus a central focus in your life?
17. One of the other interesting aspects of the book of Revelation is the focus on the sanctuary motif.Whenwe see Jesus walking among the lampstands,(Revelation1:13) we are reminded of the holy place in the sanctuary of old.
18. Read Revelation 4:1-2. What is being pictured in these verses? It is the throne room of God in heaven. Where is this open door located? See also Acts 2:33; 5:31; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 10:12-13; Psalm 110:1; and Revelation 12:5. In these verses, we see pictured Jesus, sitting at the right hand of God, carrying out His ministry in the first compartment of the Preparation for the End Time #3 - page 3 of 6 temple. We need to recognize, of course, that this is not about location. Wherever God–either the Father, the Holy Spirit, or the Son–is, is a most holy place. The first compartment of the temple represents a certain aspect or function of His ministry.
19. Now read Revelation 11:19. What is pictured? John sawthe covenant box located in the most holy place. Could this be a reference to the fact that at the death of Jesus, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, opening the way into the most holy place? No one disputes the fact that this is a reference to the most holy place in the sanctuary in heaven.
20. These references suggest to us that there are two different aspects to the ministry of Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. Ellen White reminded us that: All heaven is engaged in the work of preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord’s preparation. The connection of heaven with earth seems very close.—Ellen G. White, Letter 45,* 1892; My Life Today* 307.2.
21. Is it fair, then, to say that every aspect of the book of Revelation is intended to be a revelation of Jesus Christ? Surely, God would not call it a revelation of Jesus Christ if it is a sealed or shut book–as many claim.
22. Read again Revelation 1:1-8. Jesus made it very clear in these verses that He is revealing the truth to us through John, and He is coming back. The fact that Jesus Himself came to reveal this information to John while he was in exile on the Isle of Patmos makes it very clear to us that God is intimately involved in everything that happens on this earth.
23. Read Revelation 1:7. This is one of the most precious promises in Scripture. Jesus is coming back, and everyone will see Him. The manner of His coming cannot be duplicated because when He comes, the entire sky will be filled with bright, shining angels. (GC 640.3)
24. Read Revelation 1:12-18: 12 I turned round to see who was talking to me, and I saw seven gold lamp-stands, and among them there was what looked like a human being, wearing a robe that reached to his feet, and a gold belt round his chest. His hair was white as wool, or as snow, and his eyes blazed like fire; his feet shone like brass that has been refined and polished, and his voice sounded like a roaring waterfall. 16He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came out of his mouth. His face was as bright as the midday sun. When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the first and the last. 18I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive for ever and ever. I have authority over death and the world of the dead.”—Good News Bible* (Revelation 1:12-18). [Bold type is added.] Compare the sword described in Hebrews 4:12.
25. Why do you think John fell on his face when he heard those words and saw Jesus? We have seen that response from various people in the Old Testament–see, for example, Joshua, (Joshua 5:14) Ezekiel, (Ezekiel 1:28) and Daniel. (Daniel 10:9) Jesus made it very clear that He has always existed. He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.
26. Jesus delayed His arrival at Bethany until Lazarus had been dead for four days. He did that on purpose because in those days many believed that the spirit somehow hovered over the body for three days just in case the person came back to life. But, after four days, no one questioned whether or not Lazarus was dead. Preparation for the End Time #3 - page 4 of 6.
27. Read John 11:25-26: 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; 26and all those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?”—Good News Bible* (John 11:25-26).
28. In the book of Revelation, Jesus repeated that wonderful promise. Read Revelation 22:7,12- 13. Once again, at the end of the book, He revealed to us that He is the First and the Last; but then, He repeated the promise, “I am coming soon.” Christ Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Genesis of the Old Testament, and the Revelation of the New. Both meet together in Christ. Adam and God are reconciled by the obedience of the second Adam, who accomplished the work of overcoming the temptations of Satan and redeeming Adam’s disgraceful failure and fall.—Ellen G. White, Ellen G. White Comments in The SDA Bible Commentary,* vol. 6, 1092.8-1093.0.
29. The wonderful love of Jesus is seen in every step of the great controversy. The fact that He allowed that rebellion to develop in heaven without cutting short anyone’s freedom, and then, was willing to come Himself to this earth–to the center of Satan’s rebellion–and appear as a helpless baby Boy all the way through to the time when He died a criminal’s death reveals a God who will go to any length to demonstrate the truth. But, that is not the end of the story. He promised in Revelation that He will come again and take the righteous with Him to heaven; and after the thousand years of the millennium, He will come down with the city of God and make this earth the headquarters for God and the universe. What an incredible story. In the Revelation are portrayed the deep things of God. The very name given to its inspired pages, “the Revelation,” contradicts the statement that this is a sealed book. A revelation is something revealed. The Lord Himself revealed to His servant the mysteries contained in this book, and He designs that they shall be open to the study of all. Its truths are addressed to those living in the last days of this earth’s history, as well as to those living in the days of John. Some of the scenes depicted in this prophecy are in the past, some are now taking place; some bring to view the close of the great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven, and some reveal the triumphs and joys of the redeemed in the earth made new.—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles* 584.1.
30. We have already seen a number of passages in the book of Revelation referring to Jesus and telling us different aspects of His ministry. For more references about Jesus, read Revelation 3:4; 5:5-6; 7:14; and 19:11-16. 31. Why do you think there are so many references in the New Testament to passages and stories and ideas from the Old Testament? In the early centuries after Jesus returned to heaven and Jerusalem was destroyed, there was a great conflict between Jews and Christians. The Jews wanted the Greek version of the Old Testament to reflect only the fact that it was a history of the Jews. Very few of them could still read the ancient Hebrew. The Christians said: “No, the Old Testament is half of the revelation of God and must be matched with the New Testament which is the other half of the revelation of God.” 32. Which version of those ideas do you find most convincing? 33. Do you see clear connections between the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation? How many different connections can you easily think of? Is it possible for us to understand the book of Revelation without the background in the Old Testament clearly in mind? Is that Preparation for the End Time #3 - page 5 of 6 perhaps why some New Testament scholars have so much trouble with the book of Revelation?
34. It is interesting to note a few important points that pop up when you understand something of the Greek and Hebrew behind the book of Revelation. Almost immediately in chapter 1, we are urged to “read,” “hear,” and “keep.” The Hebrew word for hear has a double meaning. Remember that Revelation was written in Greek, but it is likely that John was thinking in Hebrew. The Hebrew verb hear means to understand. (See 1 Kings 3:9; Nehemiah 8:3; Revelation 2:7.) This is not just a casual reading. It means we are to search until we understand; but, the Hebrew word goes deeper; it also means to obey. Are we willing to follow our understanding with our obedience?
35. It is interesting to notice also that the verb read is in the singular in the Greek while the other two verbs that follow it are in the plural. Why would that be? Copies were very expensive. This is because only a few people in John’s day were able to read. So, Revelation 1 talks about someone who would stand up and read the book out loud. All the other church members would be listeners. What should that imply for us? If reading the book of Revelation alone, it is very easy to come up with some wild ideas about its interpretation. Reading it and studying along with others may warn us when we are making such a mistake.
36. So, in this lesson we have suggested several important principles: 1) There is an important connection between the book of Revelation and the Old Testament–especially the book of Daniel. (2) The general structure of the book reminds us of Daniel and helps us to understand how to read it. (3) The entire book focuses on the person of Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation could be considered the book of the New Testament closest to the Old Testament. We may count 2,000 allusions to the Old Testament, including 400 explicit references and 90 quotations of the Pentateuch and the Prophets. This book is so anchored in Hebrew that it has been said that it can “barely be understood by anyone who isn’t proficient in Hebrew.” John opens his message to the seven churches with a greeting originating in the God of the Old Testament. The shalom comes from “Him who is,” a phrase that defines the God Yahweh, who reveals Himself to Moses at the burning bush (Exod. 3:14, NKJV).
37. As we continue to study the time of the end, we will see many relationships between the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation. John clearly had in mind also the sanctuary as presented in the Old Testament. God apparently revealed to him these aspects of the sanctuary to do two things: (1) Remind us that God is talking to us about our worship; and (2) Remind John and us that there are two aspects to Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.
38. So, after taking this brief look at the book of Revelation, what would you say is the most important symbol used in the book of Revelation to represent Jesus Christ? Would it be Priest? Lamb? Savior? Conqueror over death and sin? King?
39. As mentioned earlier, the book of Revelation is full of blood. It seems to present God as a vengeful God. We know that that is not a correct picture. That was almost certainly part of the reason why Luther rejected the book of Revelation. So, how do you see the book of Revelation? Do you see it as a revelation of Jesus Christ? Or, a terrible picture of God’s plan of retribution against sinners? © 2018, Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH.

Pertanyaan Manusia Yang Terbesar.

Pendahuluan:

   Ilustrasi/Cerita  pertama:

   Setiap tahun Persatuan Biro Wisatawan Internasional di Amerika Serikat menerbitkan sebuah artikel berjudul: “Sepuluh pertanyaan paling aneh dari para wisatawan”.

i.            Salah satu adalah pertanyaan dari seorang wisatawan yang berkunjung ke Florida: “Pantai mana yang paling dekat dengan air?”.  Hal ini ditanyakan karena wisatawan itu terlalu lama berjemur di pantai Florida.

ii.          Kemudian pertanyaan dari beberapa guru ke biro wisatawan New Orleans, tempat asalnya Jazz Amerika.  Pertanyaan itu ialah : “Dimana kami dapat menemukan daftar acara penguburan dengan iringan Jazz bulan ini?. Kami ingin membawa sekelompo murid untuk menghadirinya.  (Siapa yang bisa mengetahui acara penguburan bulan depan,..kecuali Tuhan!),

iii.        Dan yang berikutnya, pertanyaan dari seorang yang datang ke biro wisatawan di Denver, Colorado. Pertanyaannya adalah: “Kapankah waktu yang terbaik disepanjang tahun untuk melihat rusa bertumbuh tanduk”. Saya ingin sekali berada disana untuk mengambil foto waktu tanduk-tanduk kecil itu tiba-tiba muncul.

   Tentu semua pertanyaan itu adalah pertanyaan-pertanyaan yang aneh dan bodoh.  Tetapi pada saat ini kita dihadapkan dengan suatu pertanyaan yang sangat lain dari yang lain.  Suatu pertanyaan tunggal yang pasti merupakan pertanyaan paling penting yang pernah ditanyakan oleh manusia, yaitu Anda dan saya.  Dan jawabannya digambarkan dalam tiga peristiwa dramatis yang terdapat dalam Alkitab.

Ilustrasi/Cerita kedua:

   Ada seorang pria dalam Alkitab. Ia hampir bunuh diri. Dua detik lagi, maka ia akan mati di tangannya sendiri.

   Di Amerika Serikat, setiap 24 jam ada 13 orang yang bunuh diri antara usia 15 dan 24 tahun. Setiap 2 jam ada 1 orang muda yang melakukan bunuh diri.  Angka itu tidak terlalu berbeda dari negara-negara lain seperti Australia, Norwegia, Jepang, dll.  Dan statistik yang paling mengagetkan ialah bahwa angka bunuh diri tertinggi adalah pada usia antara 80-84 tahun, yakni sampai 5 – 6 kali lipat lebih banyak dari kaum remaja.

   Saudaraku,...

   Kalau saja orang-orang yang bunuh diri tersebut dapat menemukan jawaban atas pertanyaan dari seorang pria yang hampir mengakhiri hidupnya, tentu mereka juga dapat dicegah dari tindakan menghancurkan diri sendiri itu.

   Apakah ada seseorang saat ini yang sedang perpikir ingin bunuh diri?.  Mungkin Anda tidak mendapat jawaban atas kekacauan yang terjadi dalam kehidupan Anda.

   Harapan Anda telah sirna, kesehatan memburuk, hati sedang depresi.  Dan mengakhiri hidup Anda kelihatannya menjadi satu-sautnya pilihan yang ada. 

   Siapapun Anda saudaraku,...Saya memiliki kabar baik bagi Anda.  Karena ada satu jawaban bagi hidup Anda sekarang ini, seperti yang ada bagi pria yang kita bahas dalam Kisah para rasul Fsl.16:22 – 28.  Ini adalah satu jawaban yang dapat mengubah hidup Anda selamanya.

   Mari kita buka Kisah 16:22-28.

   Ayat 22 – Disini Paulus dan Silas ditangkap sebab: Mengajar Injil, dan menyembuhkan dalam nama Yesus.

   Ayat 23- Hukum Roma menuntut penjaga penjara bertanggungjawab atas keamanan para narapidananya.  Dan jika ada seorang yang melarikan diri, hukum menuntut: Kematian dari penjaga penjara.  Itu sebabnya kepala penjara diperintahkan menjaga mereka dengan sungguh-sungguh.

   Ayat 25- Paulus dan Silas berdoa dan menyanyikan puji-pujian kepada Allah.  Karena persahabatan mereka demikian akrab dengan Allah, sehingga sekalipun ditengah masalah dan penderitaan—keyakinan mereka pada-Nya tetap tidak tergoyahkan atau tetap teguh.  Demikian juga halnya dengan Anda—hal itu dapat membawa Anda melewati bagian gelap dalam hidup Anda. Dan karena itulah mereka bernyanyi.

   Ayat 26—Jelas bahwa peristiwa ini lebih daripada satu peristiwa alami saja. Sesuatu yang SUPRA ALAMI sedang terjadi—yang membuat rantai setiap narapidana terlepas pada saat itu.

   Ayat 27- Tidak seorangpun tertidur selama gempa bumi.  Bila tempat tidur Anda terguncang, apakah Anda bisa tertidur juga?.

   Kepala penjara itupun terjaga dari tidurnya pada saat gempa terjadi.

   Ayat 28- Kepala penjara itu hampir saja melakukan apa yang disebut oleh orang Jepang dengan “Hara Kiri” (Bunuh diri).  Namun suatu suara berteriak di kegelapan malam itu mengatakan: “Jangan lakukan itu”!.  Paulus berseru dengan suara nyaring: “Jangan celakakan dirimu, sebab kami semuanya masih ada disini”.

   Ayat 30 Kepala penjara berkata: “Tuan-tuan, apakah yang harus aku perbuat, supaya aku selamat?”.

   Saudaraku,..Inilah pertanyaan yang paling penting yang dapat ditanyakan oleh manusia dalam kehidupan ini : “Apa yang harus saya lakukan agar selamat?”.

   Saudaraku yang kekasih,...Setiap orang ingin hidup, dan hidup selama mungkin, kecuali mereka yang paling putus asa diantara kita, kalau ada.

   “Bagaimana saya dapat luput dari kematian?. Apa yang harus saya lakukan agar selamat?”.  Departemen Kesehatan tentu berusaha meneliti setiap kemungkinan secara ilmiah dan kedokteran serti gizi/pola hidupàAgar dapat memperpanjang satu atau dua, atau tiga tahun saja dari kematian yang tidak dapat dihindari.

   Setiap orang, setiap bangsa di bumi ini berusaha untuk memperpanjang hidup manusia secara tidak terbatas, untuk menghindari kematian yang membinasakan.

   Pertanyaan putus asa dari penjaga penjara ini :”Apakah yang harus aku perbuat supaya aku selamat?”.  Jadi, kita harus memperoleh kebenaran yang paling meyakinkan atas pertanyaan yang paling penting dari semua manusia.  Sebentar kita akan kembali nanti kepada ceritera tengah malam Narapidana itu.

   Tetapi ada satu hal penting yang harus diselesaikan segera, dan itu adalah kebenaran tentang Macan Tutul yang terdapat dalam Yeremia 13:23 (separuh pertama) : “Dapatkah orang Etiopia mengganti kulitnya atau macan tutul mengubah belangnya?”.  Disini Nabi Yeremia bertanya: “Dapatkah seekor macan tutul, dengan aumannya, dengan amarahnya, dengan berontaknya, dapat mengubah satu saja dari lingkaran hitamnya?.  Suara : “Aum....usirlah belangku!...Tidak mungkin!. Ini tidak dapat terjadi. Apakah maksud Alitab?. Mari kita baca separuh kedua dari Yeremia 13:23...”Masakan kamu dapat berbuat baik hai orang-orang yang membiasakan diri berbuat jahat?”.  Maksudnya disini, bahwa Anda tidak dapat mengubah sifat alami manusia.

   ILUSTRASI:

   Disebuah kota besar di Amerika, satu organisasi profesional para penata rambut sedang mengadakan Konvensi.  Disana ada seorang yang mengajukan satu pendapat yang hebat.”Bagaimana jika ditunjukkan pada kota: Perubahan yang dapat dihasilkan dengan mengubah potongan rambut dan rias wajah yang baik?.

   Jadi mereka pergi ke kota dan menemukan seorang gelandangan. Wajahnya kotor, jenggot panjang, kumal, pakaian bertambal, tubuh dan nafasnya berbau alkohol dan keringat.  Kemudian dibawa ke hotel tempat konvensi itu.  Fotonya diambil, dimandikan, rambutnya dicuci dengan shampo terbaik, jenggotnya dicukur, menggunting dan menata rambutnya dengan baik, menyemprotnya dengan minyak wangi, mengenakannya dengan sebuah jas, kemeja dan dasi yang baru.

   Setelah itu benar-benar kelihatanlah satu kontras perbedaan yang hebat antara keadaan sebelum dan sesudahnya.

   Dua minggu setelah Konvensi itu, seorang reporter menemukannya kembali ke jalan yang sama, disisi selokan yang sama.  Rambut-rambut kasar kembali menumbuhi wajahnya yang kembali kotor.  Jas dan kemejanya yang baru telah dikotori oleh makanan dan alkohol serta tanah dijalanan kota dimana ia berbaring mendengkur!.

   Saudaraku,...Apa yang salah?.  Anda boleh kembali membaca Yeremia 13:23.  Konvensi para Penata Rambut itu telah mengubah pria itu secara luar, tetapi mereka lalai mempengaruhi suatu perubahan di dalam.  Mereka tidak dapat mengubah sifat alaminya—mereka tidak mampu mengubah hatinya.  Dan jika hati tidak diubah—maka kehidupan tidak berubah.

   Konklusi:

   Saudaraku,..Kita tidak dapat mengubah sifat alami kita, hati kita, apalagi hati orang lain?.  Itulah kebenaran Macan Tutul itu: Anda tidak dapat merubah diri sendiri, Anda tidak dapat menyelamatkan diri sendiri.  Mari kita dengar bagaimana Paulus dari penjara menerangkan tentang kebenaran macan tutul dalam Roma Fsl.7: 15, 18, 19, dan ayat 24, 25.

   Jawabannya ialah: Terima Yesus sebagai Juruselamat pribadi.

KITAB DANIEL DAN AKHIR ZAMAN.

Daniel and the End Time Lesson #2 for April 14, 2018

Scriptures: Luke 16:10; Daniel 1; 2; 3:1-6,13-18; 4; 6; Revelation 13:11-15; John 3:7.
1. It is no surprise to those who have studied the Bible that ancient Israel did not fulfill God’s plan for it. After spending about 200 years in Egypt with about 100 years in slavery and then being miraculously delivered from Egypt by God’s power, instead of faithfully representing God, the Israelites fell back into their evil ways soon after being established in Palestine. Eventually, they were conquered by Nebuchadnezzar and the armies of Babylon three times.
2. This was a serious problem for the children of Israel. Being in captivity and even in slavery in Babylonia caused a lot of concern among the Jews. We need to remember that in ancient times people believed that the nations were divided up among the different “gods” so that each god had his/her own territory. So, if you wanted to worship that god, you had to worship him/her on his/her own territory. (See 2 Kings 5, especially verses 16-18.) So, their concern was: Would God still hear their prayers as they were in Babylonia?
3. But, fortunately, Daniel and his three friends after arriving in Babylon were not concerned about God’s ability to hear their prayers way over in that foreign country. Thus, they became witnesses to the nations in a way that the entire nation of Israel should have been hundreds of years earlier.
4. While we recognize that Daniel and his three friends lived in very different times and circumstances than we do, what can we learn from their stories?
5. Read Luke 16:10 and Daniel 1. There were at least two reasons why Daniel and his friends refused to eat the king’s food. Not only was it less healthy than the water and vegetables that they were given but also the king’s food had been offered to his gods before it was served. Thus, if Daniel and his friends had eaten the king’s food, it would have been believed that they were so successful because of the blessings from the king’s gods. Proof that Daniel did not always avoid the eating of meat is seen in Daniel 10:2-3 where Daniel specifically said that he did not eat any meat or drink any wine for a short period of time until the three weeks was over.(The ancient word used for wine could mean eitherfresh grape juice orfermented drink.)
6. So, by refusing to eat the king’s meat or drink the king’s wine, they were not only choosing a healthier diet but also they were rejecting the king’s gods!
7. Fortunately for Daniel and his friends, the vegetables were not offered to the gods. It is interesting to note that the root word–translated vegetables in most modern translations– actually means things that “grow from seeds.” That is the same word used in Genesis 1 to describe the Edenic diet. But, Adam and Eve’s diet was fruits, nuts, and grains and did not include vegetables! Vegetables were not added to their diet until after sin. (Genesis 3:18)
8. God obviously worked closely with Daniel and his three friends repeatedly on different occasions. Would He not have worked with the entire country/nation of Israel back in Palestine if they had been as faithful? Of course, He would have!
9. So, what about us in our day? Are we carefully adhering to the truth revealed in the Bible and the writings of Ellen White? Are we being good witnesses to those around us?
10. Those who clearly follow the biblical advice and the additional advice given us by Ellen White have been shown by the Adventist Health Study to have benefitted by having less cancer, less heart disease, more energy, and to live up to 10 years longer than the average population around them. That is why Loma Linda was one of the four locations in the world to be Preparation for the End Time #2 - page 1 of 6 declared a “blue zone” where people live longer and healthier lives than their peers.
11. Seventh-dayAdventist evangelists have used the storyof Daniel 2 many, many times to begin evangelistic series. Thousands of people have come to believe in the Bible through those meetings. If one is willing to admit that God can predict the future, then Daniel 2 is powerful evidence even for God’s existence.
12. Read Daniel 2. How would you compare theEurope of today with the prophecy in Daniel 2:40- 43?Howcould anyhuman being acting alone 2600 years ago have accuratelydescribedwhat would be happening in Europe today?
13. Daniel 2 and, later, Daniel 7-12 prove that God is able to predict the future far in advance. In Isaiah 40-55, (See Isaiah 40:25-26; 41:21-29.) God repeatedly challenged the other “gods” to do that. In the book of Isaiah, God told Isaiah that there are two main criteria on which to base one’s judgment about who is a God: (1) The real God created everything; (2) The real God is able to predict the future far in advance, in one case over 2300 years in advance!
14. Try to imagine how you would feel as a young upcoming star student at the University of Babylon if a government official arrived at your door one day and announced that you were among a group who was to be executed! Do you think Daniel and his three friends were already known to Nebuchadnezzar? The officials who received Daniel’s reply seemed to trust him. How do you think you would have prayed that night? Would you have been able to sleep?
15. When Daniel appeared before Nebuchadnezzar, he reminded him that none of his human wise men, enchanters, or magicians was able to help him in any way. Daniel could have taken credit for what he was about to reveal; but, he did not. He stated clearly that only the true God could do what Nebuchadnezzar was demanding.
16. In our daily activities and especially when we seek to evangelize by sharing our faith, do we take a humble attitude? Do people see that we are witnessing for God? Do they praise God because of what they hear from us? (Matthew 5:16) Paul felt that he could only boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 6:14)
17. The story of the three Hebrews–Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego–on the plain of Dura as recorded in Daniel 3 has some interesting parallels to Revelation 13. Is it possible that sometime in the near future our lives could be threatened if we do not worship in the way and at the time demanded by a political power? Specifically, compare Daniel 3:16 and Revelation 13:11-17. What similarities do you see in these two passages? In both cases political powers were/will be seeking to force people to worship in the way and at the time they wanted/want them to worship.
18. What would you have said to Nebuchadnezzar if you had been called before him because of your defiance of his command to worship his idol? (See Daniel 3:13-18.) No doubt, Nebuchadnezzar was reminded about the vision that he had seen in the night, and the fact that he was trying to change God’s version of history to his own version of history. He became veryangrywhen those three young man defied him.But, incredibly, the three young men were preserved in the fire. More than that, Jesus Christ was seen walking in the flames with them.
19. But, what if they had not been preserved in the fire. Would it have still been the right thing to do to stand firm for their faith? Could such a challenge face some of us in the near future? We must come to be so convinced that God is right and that He is able to take care of us that even if we are killed and rest in the grave for a while, God will ultimately rescue us in the end. Do we have the courage to trust God that far?
 20. Daniel 3 ends with Nebuchadnezzar making a great confession about the true God. But, it Preparation for the End Time #2 - page 2 of 6 was not long thereafter when he made the statement found in Daniel 4:30. Daniel 4:30: he said, “Look how great Babylon is! I built it as my capital city to display mypower and might, mygloryand majesty.”—American Bible Society. (1992). The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation* (2nd ed., Daniel 4:30). New York: American Bible Society.
 21. We know what the result was. About a year later, Nebuchadnezzar was cast away from the habitations of human beings and lived as an animal for seven year.
22. Read John 15:5; Acts 17:28; and Daniel 5:23. These verses and many more that could be cited make it very clear that our lives are totally and completely dependent upon the God of heaven. When Nebuchadnezzar was restored to his position as king of Babylon, he finally admitted the truth. Do you expect to see Nebuchadnezzar in heaven? The once proud monarch had become a humble child of God; the tyrannical, overbearing ruler, a wise and compassionate king. He who had defied and blasphemed theGod of heaven, nowacknowledged the power of the Most High and earnestly sought to promote the fear of Jehovah and the happiness of his subjects. Under the rebuke of Him who is King of kings and Lord of lords, Nebuchadnezzar had learned at last the lesson which all rulers need to learn–thattruegreatness consists intrue goodness. Heacknowledged Jehovah as the living God, saying, “I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.”—Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings* 521.2.
23. Nebuchadnezzar had finally admitted the truth. See Daniel 4:35.
24. Daniel 4 tells an interesting story. A powerful Gentile, the Emperor of the world, was apparently converted to believe in the Hebrew God. Shouldn’t that have been the work of the children of Israel as they lived in Palestine hundreds of years earlier?
25. In the book of Daniel, we see that his wisdom and faithfulness led him to a top position in the government of Babylonia. Then, when Babylonia was conquered by the Medes andPersians, it was not long before he was in a top position in that government. That is an almost unheard of thing. So, what do we know about Daniel that might help us to explain why that was? Daniel 6:4-5: 4Then the other supervisors and the governors tried to find something wrong with the way Daniel administered the empire, but they couldn’t, because Daniel was reliable and did not do anything wrong or dishonest. 5They said to one another, “We are not going to find anything of which to accuse Daniel unless it is something in connection with his religion.”—Good News Bible* (Daniel 6:4-5).
26. Daniel’s enemies thought that they could trap Daniel by getting the king to sign a decree that everyone must worship only him for a month.
 27. Compare Revelation 13:4,8,11-17. Once again, the beast, and the dragon behind the beast, will try to force the entire world to worship according to their dictates.
28. When Daniel learned of this decree, he went about his activities as usual. Daniel could have done many different things to prevent his enemies from seeing his prayers: (1) He could have prayed somewhere else–out of sight. (2) He could have prayed at some other time of the day when no one was watching. (3) He could have offered his prayers silently and inconspicuously, even at work. There are other possible ways that Daniel could have avoided being arrested. So, why did he continue to pray as usual?
29. Daniel had a very close relationship with God. (Daniel 9:23) He had had numerous previous contacts with God in different ways. Repeatedly, he had stated that his God could care for him and that his God was more powerful than any of the pagan God’s that others were worshiping. By hiding at that point in time, he would have been suggesting that his God maybe was not able to take care of him as previously suggested. The prophet’s enemies counted on Daniel’s firm adherence to principle for the success of their plan. And they were not mistaken in their estimate of his character. He quickly [541] read their malignant purpose in framing the decree, but he did not change his course in a single particular. Why should he cease to pray now, when he most needed to pray? Rather would he relinquish life itself, than his hope of help in God. With calmness he performed his duties as chief of the princes; and at the hour of prayer he went to his chamber, and with his windows open toward Jerusalem, in accordance with his usual custom, he offered his petition to the God of [542] heaven. He did not try to conceal his act. Although he knew full well the consequences of his fidelity to God, his spirit faltered not. Before those who were plotting his ruin, he would not allow it even to appear that his connection with Heaven was severed. In all cases where the king had a right to command, Daniel would obey; but neither the king nor his decree could make him swerve from allegiance to the King of kings. Thus the prophet boldly yet quietly and humbly declared that no earthly power has a right to interpose between the soul and God. Surrounded by idolaters, he was a faithful witness to this truth. His dauntless adherence to right was a bright light in the moral darkness of that heathen court. Daniel stands before the world today a worthy example of Christian fearlessness and fidelity. For an entire day the princes watched Daniel. Three times they saw him go to his chamber, and three times they heard his voice lifted in earnest intercession to God. The next morning they laid their complaint before the king. Daniel, his most honored and faithful statesman, had set the royal decree at defiance. “Hast thou not signed a decree,” they reminded him, “that every man that shall ask a petition of any god or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”—Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings* 540.4- 542.2.
30. Do you think that Daniel prayed in Aramaic? Or, in Hebrew? Or, did he pray silently to himself and God? Did his enemies hear what he was saying? Did he pray about the king’s decree?
31. Read Daniel 6:16. Did these words from King Darius indicate that he already knew a lot about Daniel and his faithfulness? As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies recorded by Daniel demand our special attention, as they relate to the very time in which we are living. With them should be linked the teachings of the last book of the New Testament Scriptures. Satan has led many to believe that the prophetic portions of the writings of Daniel and of John the revelator cannot be understood. But the promise is plain that special blessing will accompany the study of these prophecies. “The wise shall understand” [Daniel 12:] (verse 10), was spoken of the visions of Daniel that were to be unsealed in the latter days; and of the revelation that Christ gave to His servant John for the guidance of God’s people all through the centuries, the promise is, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” Revelation 1:3.—Ellen G. White, Prophets and Preparation for the End Time #2 - page 4 of 6 Kings* 547.2-548.0. [Content in brackets is added.]
32. The book of Daniel is divided between two general types of material. Stories of miraculous protections and deliverances and, then, incredible predictions of future events.Whichof these two types of material from the book of Daniel is most appealing to you? In the last half of the book of Daniel, we are going to read some incredible prophecies stretching all the way to 1844. Could God somehow have known all that was going to take place that far in the future? Daniel is written in two different languages: Hebrew and Aramaic. Daniel 1-2:4 and Daniel 8- 12 are in Hebrew; Daniel 2:4 until the end of Daniel 7 are in Aramaic.
33. Somehow, Daniel got a copy of Jeremiah’s prophecies from Jerusalem. He must have rejoiced when he heard that the children of Israel were to return home after 70 years. (Jeremiah 25:8-14; 29:10; 2 Chronicles 36:21; Daniel 9:2) As the end of the 70 years approached, Daniel began fervent prayers to God to act on behalf of His people. It is very interesting to notice what we read in Daniel 9:1-19. Repeatedly, Daniel admitted that as the children of Israel, they were still far from God’s plan for their lives. Repeatedly, he mentioned that they had sinned, and he included himself among that group of sinners.
34. But then, as recorded in Daniel 9:15-19, he did something very remarkable. Essentially, he said: “God you need to act for Your own name’s sake. It is Your city and Your nation and Your people who are in trouble. So You need to act to restore respect for Your name among the nations.” Daniel 9:15-19: 15 “O Lord our God, you showed your power by bringing your people out of Egypt, and your power is still remembered. We have sinned; we have done wrong. 16You have defended us in the past, so do not be angry with Jerusalem any longer. It is your city, your sacred hill. All the people in the neighboring countries look down on Jerusalem and on your people because of our sins and the evil our ancestors did. 17O God, hear my prayer and pleading. Restore your Temple, which has been destroyed;restore it sothat everyone will know that you are God. 18Listen to us, O God; look at us, and see the trouble we are in and the suffering of the city that bears your name. We are praying to you because you are merciful, not because we have done right. 19Lord, hear us. Lord, forgive us. Lord, listen to us, and act! In order that everyone will know that you are God, do not delay! This city and these people are yours.”—Good News Bible* (Daniel 9:15-19). Daniel really cared about God’s reputation.
35. When Daniel received a copy of Jeremiah’s prophecy, how did he know that it was inspired? Remember that when Jeremiah was making those prophecies, he was surrounded by false prophets saying contradictory things. (Jeremiah 29:21-23)
36. Surely, the experiences of Daniel 3 and Daniel 6 should give us a clue about how we can prepare ourselves for what is coming. Are we prepared to stand firm and true to the truth? Are we tempted to compromise with the truth even in small ways in our lives today? If we are compromising now, will it be even easier to make larger compromises later?
37. Try to imagine what an incredible witness Daniel was. How many peoples’ lives were impacted? How many of them actually made decisions to follow the true God after witnessing all that Daniel did and said?
38. Read Luke 14:26-27. Did Jesus really want us to hate our parents? Or, was He trying to tell us how absolutely essential it is that we be witnesses for the truth no matter who else may do so?
39. How can we best witness to family and friends who may not believe as we do? If we live a loving, caring, honest, faithful life, will that make it more likely that others will listen to us when we talk to them about our God?
40. Sometimes, we might be tempted to think that God is far away in heaven and does not have time to be concerned about every little detail of our lives. But, clearly, God was with Daniel and his friends when they refused to eat the king’s diet. Do you think the environment in which Daniel and his three friends lived was more or less friendly than our environment today to Christianity?
41. If we truly believe the book of Daniel and all of the events pictured there as well as the prophecies, we are setting ourselves apart from all other religions and Christians. If you really understand the correct interpretation of Daniel 8 and 9 and work out the dates of those prophecies and really want to follow God’s plan for your life, you must be a Seventh-day Adventist.
42. As we study the books of Daniel and Revelation in this series of lessons, why not get a new version of the Bible with wording that is a little different from what we are familiar with and try to take a fresh approach to these prophetic books. Try to be careful not to pick a version which is particularly sponsored by a single religion or group of religions with particular views.
43. Read Daniel 12:9. Daniel was instructed to keep secret or seal up his book until the time of the end. Do you think we are living now in the time of the end?
44. It should be clear that you cannot antagonize and persuaded at the same time. Holy lives lived and visible to those around us are powerful sermons. The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only opposition; but a godly example has a power which it is impossible wholly to resist.—Ellen G. White, Sketches from the Life of Paul* 331.1 (1883); 3SP* 439.1; SR* 318.1.
45. Read Daniel 1:12. What did Daniel think would happen after only 10 days of eating vegetables–things that grow from seeds–and water to drink? Did he really think that the Babylonian officials would be able to recognize a difference in them that quickly?
46. There are several suggestions in Daniel 3 of characteristics of false worship as opposed to true worship. Compare Revelation 13:11-17 again. For example: (1) False worship is commanded by those who are not God. (2) False worship is done in public places for all to see. (3) The authorities are watching to see if you obey or not. (4) You are not given a choice as to whether you will worship or not! (5) Those in charge will try to kill you if you do not comply.
47. As you review the stories and prophecies from the book of Daniel, is it obvious to you how they are related to us in our day? In Daniel 7 we see a little horn making claims that he is to be worshiped. Is it clear who that is talking about?
48. Seventh-day Adventists have been quite successful at reaching the less-educated, poor, ordinary people with the messages of Daniel through evangelistic series. Why have we been so much less successful in reaching out to the powerful, wealthy, or the highly educated? Could we and should we do better? What could we do to make the gospel more appealing?
                                        © 2018, Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH.

PERTENTANGAN KOSMIS.

The Cosmic Vontroversy.

Lesson #1 for April 7, 2018 Scriptures: Ezekiel 28:1-2,11-17; Genesis 3:1-7; Revelation 12:1-17; 14:12; Romans 8:31-39.

1. Seventh-day Adventists are extremely blessed by the fact that we have been directed again and again–especially through the writings of Ellen White–to the idea of a great controversy. It is the great controversy which forms the background against which the entire history of our world is played out. But, the great controversy did not begin on this earth; it began in heaven right next to the throne of God! After a war in heaven, Satan and his evil host were cast out of heaven and down to this earth. (Revelation 12:7-12)
2. Fortunately, God has given us a glimpse into the key events in that great controversy. The cosmic conflict will end one day, and God will be victorious. And we have the opportunity to partner with Him in that victory. The rest of the universe has already been convinced that God’s case has been won. What about us? What help do we need in order to trust God?
3. How did the great controversy begin? Read Ezekiel 28:1-2,11-17; Isaiah 14:12-14; and Revelation 12:1-17. The passages in Ezekiel and Isaiah picture the fall of Satan in the context of speaking about the prince of Tyre and the king of Babylon. But, it is clear from reading the passages that they are not speaking only about earthly monarchs; it is clearly speaking about the power behind those earthly monarchs, that is, Satan himself.
4. So, what happened in heaven? First of all, we must understand that there was nothing wrong with Lucifer when he was created. God did not make some mistake in the creation of Lucifer. But, God who is love insists on operating His government based on love. And love is impossible without free will. It is impossible to explain the origin of sin so as to give a reason for its existence. Yet enough may be understood concerning both the origin and the final disposition of sin to make fully manifest the justice and benevolence of God in all His dealings with evil. Nothing is more plainly taught in [493] Scripture than that God was in no wise responsible for the entrance of sin; that there was no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace, no deficiency in the divine government, that gave occasion for the uprising of rebellion. Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it is to defend it. Could excuse for it be found, or cause be shown for its existence, it would cease to be sin. Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is “the transgression of the law;” [See 1 John 3:4. Compare Romans 14:23 and James 4:17.] it is the outworking of a principle at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government.—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy* 492.2-493.0. [Bold type and content in brackets are added.]
5. So, we see how sin and evil began. There was no excuse for it; there never can be. But, without free will, love is impossible; love is essential to the government of God. But, the Preparation for the End Time #1 - page 1 of 6 exercise of free will is the most dangerous thing in the universe!
6. To understand in considerably more depth what really happened in heaven, see the chapters “The Origin of Evil” in The Great Controversy 492-504 and “Why Was Sin Permitted?” in Patriarchs and Prophets 33-43. These are very important background chapters for understanding the great controversy.
7. Read Genesis 3:1-7. If possible, also read “The Temptation and Fall” in Patriarchs and Prophets 52-62. So, when did Eve begin to sin? Was it when she wandered away from Adam? When she approached the tree? When she began talking to the serpent? When she touched the fruit? When she took a bite of the fruit? Did Eve really understand the implications of what she was doing? Ellen White makes it very clear that Adam and Eve had regular conversations not only with God the Father and Christ but also with the angels who tried repeatedly to explain to them why they should stay away from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
8. What do you think was going through Eve’s mind when Satan said, “You will not surely die”? (Genesis 3:4, NKJV) Did she immediately recognize that those words were a direct contradiction of God’s words? It is very clear from what she said to the serpent that she knew what God had said. So, why did she choose to take the fruit? Why didn’t she run away? How good is Satan at deceit in our day? Satan perverts everything he can!
9. And what about us? Do we always make the right choices based on clear and convincing evidence? Is there any reason to doubt God? Why do we listen to Satan? What selfish motivations lead us to do wrong? Why do we like to sin? Does sin often “feel good”?
10. When our first parents sinned and were ushered out of the Garden of Eden, it plunged our world into becoming the headquarters for sin, evil, and death. All we have to do is look at the evening news or watch what is happening around us to see the ultimate effects. Who could deny that we live in the midst of a great controversy?
11. Read Revelation 12:1-17. Look at the different battles in the great controversy which are touched on in these verses: 1. War in heaven over who could best rule heaven and why and how–Christ won. 2. War between Christ and Satan. Christ won in the wilderness of temptation and on the cross even though He died. The real victory came when He arose from the grave using His own power. (DA 785.2) 3. War between Satan and the Christian church–Satan seemed to have won. 4. War between Satan and the last remnants of the Christian church. Who will win?
12. It is important for us to understand who the combatants are in this conflict. This is not a battle between two different “gods.” It is a battle in which a creature is trying to fight against his own Creator. See Hebrews 1:1-2 and John 1:1-4.
13. As we have stated repeatedly, the great controversy is over who is telling us the truth. Is Satan’s selfishness-based government better? Or, is God’s love-based government better? We may all be liars; but, God must always tell the truth. Romans 3:1-4: 1Have the Jews then any advantage over the Gentiles? Or is there any value in being circumcised? 2Much, indeed, in every way! In the first place, God trusted his message to the Jews. 3But what if some of them were Preparation for the End Time #1 - page 2 of 6 not faithful? Does this mean that God will not be faithful? 4Certainly not! God must be true, even though every human being is a liar. As the scripture says, “You must be shown to be right when you speak; you must win your case when you are being tried.”—American Bible Society. (1992). The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation* (2nd ed., Romans 3:1–4). New York: American Bible Society. [Bold type is added.]
14. Notice that “God must be true, even though every human being is a liar.” (GNB) But, even more important, notice that the Bible says when speaking of God: “You must win your case when you are being tried.” (GNB)
15. Satan was certain that when Jesus was born as a baby Boy, he would be able to get Him to sin. After all, there had never been a human being living on planet earth who had managed to escape sinning. But, Satan was wrong. Even in his incredible temptations in the wilderness, he failed in his battle against Christ. So, what did Satan do? Having failed in his controversy against Christ, he turned with rage against Christ’s followers, the Christians. And we can be assured that that anger will only escalate as the end approaches; Satan knows that if God’s people succeed in becoming pure and remaining pure, his demise is guaranteed.
16. Read Revelation 12:6,14-17. There are a couple of very interesting phrases in these verses. In verse 17 it says the Devil “went off to fight.” What does that imply? In Revelation 13-17, we notice that the Devil worked through human agencies pictured as terrible beasts. What kind of successes has he had in working against God’s people? Read Revelation 17:1-6. Is it possible that the pure woman dressed in “the sun” who fled to the desert or wilderness (Revelation 12:1,6) is the same woman who is later dressed in purple and scarlet and riding on the beast in Revelation 17:1-6? What happened to the nominal Christian church during those years?
17. A period of 1260 prophetic days (sometimes called 3½ years or 42 months) or years is mentioned repeatedly in Daniel and Revelation. See Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 11:2-3; 12:6,14; 13:5-6. This period of 1260 years–which began with the ascent of the papacy, controlling civil and military power in 538 A.D. and lasting until 1798 when the pope was taken captive–was a time of terrible persecution and danger for God’s faithful people. Of course, Christian persecution had begun long before that. These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the time of the martyrdom of Paul, continued with greater or less fury for centuries. Christians were falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declared to be the cause of great calamities–famine, pestilence, and earthquake. As they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion, informers stood ready, for the sake of gain, to betray the innocent. They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as foes of religion, and pests to society. Great numbers were thrown to wild beasts or burned alive in the amphitheaters.—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy* 40.1.
18. Despite the fact that Satan went after God’s faithful people to destroy them in every way he possibly could, he did not succeed.
19. Read Matthew 28:20 and Romans 8:31-39. These two passages make it clear that nothing can separate us from God’s love. However, despite that fact, Christians have been killed and have suffered pain, trials, and every kind of persecution the Devil could dream up.
 20. Read 2 Timothy 4:8. While Paul realized that he was about to face final judgment under Nero’s administration, he knew that there was a crown of righteousness which would be given to him on judgment day by the righteous Judge and King of the universe.
21. Seventh-day Adventists have an unusual name. But, our name is very significant. As Seventh-day members, we believe in the sanctity of the seventh-day Sabbath and the importance of keeping all of the commandments of God. As Adventists we proclaim that our major hope is the soon coming of our Lord and Savior. We need to remember that there was no reason for Him to come the first time and go through all that He went through unless He plans to come back again.
22. Read Jeremiah 44:23; Romans 3:20-26; and Romans 7:7. If you carefully read Romans 3:1-4,25-26, you will discover that God must be “shown to be right” or “to declare his righteousness” three times before Paul talked about what God does for us. Why do you think that is? The great controversy is about the righteousness and trustworthiness of God.
23. Are any of these points hard to understand? Is God’s victory in the great controversy clear? Do we understand why we should obey the law?
 24. We look forward to a time when the peace and love that was present before the first rebellion in heaven will be restored. Notice this passage. So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance of love, there was perfect harmony throughout the universe of God. It was the joy of the heavenly host to fulfill the purpose of their Creator. They delighted in reflecting His glory and showing forth His praise. And while love to God was supreme, love for one another was confiding and unselfish. There was no note of discord to mar the celestial harmonies. But a change came over this happy state. There was one who perverted the freedom that God had granted to His creatures. Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and was highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Lucifer, “son of the morning,” was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. He stood in the presence of the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the eternal God rested upon him. “Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.... Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” Ezekiel 28:12-15.—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets* 35.1.
25. As Seventh-day Adventists, we have been blessed with more truth in the Bible and the writings of Ellen White than any other people in history. Are we making proper use of all that goldmine of truth?
26. If we are willing to read carefully not only the biblical passages but also the appropriate materials from Ellen White, we must agree that the conflict is not about us or even our salvation–as important to us as that is–the conflict is about who is telling us the truth, God or Satan. The conflict did not even start here on earth; it began in heaven. Who can be trusted with our eternal well-being? How should that impact us? Only God is that trustworthy. Preparation for the End Time #1 - page 4 of 6 27. Do we want to be a part of God’s vast universe and live in agreement with God’s law of love? Or, do we want to persist in our selfishness and join the rebels? Do we understand clearly what the implications of our choices will be? How many humans understand this?
28. Have you experienced the effect of getting to know Jesus better and wanting to be closer and closer to Him? There are many promises in the New Testament suggesting that He hopes that we will come and be with Him for the rest of eternity. For example, see John 14:3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17.
29. Do the passages in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 raise any questions in your mind? While we cannot possibly give an excuse for the origin of evil, can we have a fairly clear picture of how it started? Can you imagine anything so foolish as what Satan did? Why would anyone in his right mind want to follow his example? Why it happened is surely a mystery–the Bible calls it the mystery of iniquity. (2 Thessalonians 2:7)
30. Read Revelation 12:7-9. What actually took place when there was war in heaven? There certainly were no guns or military equipment. What weapons do you think were used? How were Satan and his followers finally expelled? Why do you think God allowed Satan and sin to continue? Couldn’t God have destroyed Satan and his influence at any point? God could have destroyed Satan and his sympathizers as easily as one can cast a pebble to the earth; but He did not do this. Rebellion was not to be overcome by force. Compelling power is found only under Satan’s government. The Lord’s principles are not of this order. His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the presentation of these principles is the means to be used. God’s government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power.—Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages* 759.1. [Bold type is added.] 31. So, God chose to win the great controversy by sending a helpless baby Boy to the center of the enemy’s camp here on earth! Who would have thought that one could win a war by doing that! So, why was it that the life and death of Jesus managed to win the great controversy? All the questions and accusations of Satan had to be decisively dealt with by the life and death of Jesus before God could claim victory in the great controversy.
32. God had said that sin leads to death. Satan had called that a lie! God does not ask us to believe Him just because He has said so. He demonstrated the truth by sending Jesus. Satan had claimed that it was impossible for any human being to live on this earth in “his kingdom” without sinning. The life of Jesus proved him wrong. Satan had claimed that no human being would serve God perfectly just because he loved God. But, Jesus did! And we can too. Satan had claimed that sin does not lead to death; but, Jesus died the second death which is a direct result of sin and, thus, showed that sin does lead to death! Satan had claimed that he should be treated as equal with Christ because he stood next to God’s throne just as Christ did. Jesus proved that He was God by rising from the dead using His own power. Satan could never do that! (John 2:19; 10:18; DA 785.2; 5SDABC 1113.4-8)
1. The great controversy began in heaven before this earth was created. It involves the entire universe because the character and government of God were in question and were being attacked. So, the answers that were given must be appropriate for the angels and the beings in other parts of the universe as well as for human beings. (See Desire of Ages 758-764.)
2. The really important questions in the great controversy are not about us or our salvation;  they are about God and His character. If God cannot be trusted, then what is the point of salvation? Would you want to live forever with a capricious, vengeful, tyrant? Has God lied to us? We are all sinners. Everyone should know that. So, the questions are not about us; they are about God. And God runs a very open and transparent government. He makes all of His arguments perfectly clear and understandable for anyone who is willing to take the time to study them. Thus, God will ultimately win His case before the entire universe. (See Romans 3:1-4.)
3. Since God is determined to make His case very clear and transparent, all we have to do is study the evidence, believe it, and act on it. Can God be trusted? The evidence which has already won the loyalty of the onlooking universe can and will win our loyalty as well if we give Him a chance. That is why trust/faith is the only requirement for salvation. (Acts 16:31)
4. Satan’s case is based on lies and deceit. He is doing everything possible to keep us from discovering the truth about himself and about God.
33. Everything that God does must be done openly and transparently before the eyes of the entire universe. So, God never asks us to believe anything that is not ultimately for our own best good. God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith.—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ* 105.2. [Bold type is added.]
34. When we come to fully understand this, we will obey Him because it is the right thing to do. The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation merely–because he is required to do so–will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness [98] is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right–because right doing is pleasing to God.—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons* 97.3-98.0. [Bold type is added.]
35. Do we clearly understand the issues in the great controversy? Would we be ready to die rather than to misrepresent God?.
                                                                   Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH.