The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history.
The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments make up the Holy Scriptures. God has given us the Bible to reveal His will and to point us to salvation. Scripture is:

• The source of the knowledge essential for salvation. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
• The revealer of right doctrine and God’s will. John 17:17; Isaiah 8:20

• The record of God’s dealings with mankind. 1 Corinthians 10:11
• All Scripture is Christ-centred. John 5:39-40

Texts for further study: Psalm 119:81-136; Hebrews 4:12

The Bible is God’s inspired and infallible message to humanity and must be studied with His guidance. We must not add to or subtract from it.

• The Scriptures bear God’s authority, not man’s. 2 Peter 1:20-21
• Human beings need the Holy Spirit’s guidance to understand God as He is revealed in
• Scripture. 1 Corinthians 2:9-14
• We should study all parts of the Bible to find truth. Luke 24:27, 44
• Daily Bible study is important to keep us from deception. Acts 17:11

Texts for further study: Proverbs 30:5-6; I Thessalonians 2:13; Revelation 22:18-19

Personal Application

• Because God, the greatest Being in the universe, has taken time to reveal Himself to me, how much time each day should I commit to prayerful study of His Word?
• How should I react when I discover in Bible study that I need to make some changes in my life in order to come into harmony with God’s will?
• Which of my friends, family members, and neighbours would be helped by discovering that God has revealed Himself and His plans in the Bible?
• It is good to know that God has not just left me to drift aimlessly through life without any guidelines. Because I have the Bible to read, I can come to know God as a friend and helper, and can search out His wisdom and His will for my life.

Commitment

• Thank You, God, for revealing Yourself and Your will in the Bible. I will search its pages for
  truth, and, by Your grace, live my life in harmony with its teachings.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Used with permission

There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever Worthy of worship, adoration and service by the whole creation.

There is only one God, yet we know Him as three Persons who are revealed in Scripture as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible makes no attempt to resolve the riddle of the Trinity, the three in one.

• The Lord is one God. Deuteronomy 6:4
• All three Persons were involved in Creation. Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1,14
• All three Persons were evident at Jesus’ baptism. Matthew 3:16-17
• Christians are baptized in the name of all three Persons. Matthew 28:19-20
• The Apostolic Blessing acknowledges the three Persons. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Texts for further study: Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2

God is beyond our comprehension, but He has chosen to make Himself known to those who seek Him.

• We must seek God to know Him. Jeremiah 29: 13
• Seeking God should be our first priority. Matthew 6:33
• God’s ultimate revelation of Himself is in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:18, 14:9

Texts for further study: Colossians 3:1-3; Exodus 34:5-7

God is all-wise, all-sufficient, and is worthy of our worship. He is:

• Eternal—He has always existed and always will. Psalm 90:2
• Omnipresent—He is everywhere at all times. Psalm 139:7-10
• Omnipotent—He is all-powerful. Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:13
• Omniscient—He knows all, and is especially interested in humanity.Isaiah 46:9-10; Matthew 6:8
• Immutable—He does not change. James 1:17
• Interested in each person and the small details of life. Matthew 10:29-30
• Worthy of worship. Revelation 4:11

Texts for further study: Isaiah 57: 15′, Psalms 23:4, 147:4-5; Revelation 14:7; 1 Timothy 1:17; Isaiah
40:26-31

Personal Application

• Is it possible that one of the reasons God reveals Himself as three Persons is to help us
  understand His greatness?
• Is my worship of God more beneficial to God or to me?
• While I may not be able to fully comprehend God’s greatness, or how one God can be three
  Persons, I can worship Him for making Himself known to me. I rejoice in the knowledge that
  God fully knows and cares about me.

Commitment

God, because I have come to realize how very great You are and yet You care about me, I will gladly worship and serve You. With the Holy Spirit guiding me’ I will seek to know You better and to help others know You too.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Used with permission

God the Eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father.

God the Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Ruler of all creation. He is in no sense detached or aloof from His created beings and their needs but daily gives them life.

• He created all things. Genesis 1: 1; Revelation 4:11
• He is the source of all life. Acts 17:28-29; Psalm 36:9 a He sustains all life. Psalm 104:27-30
• He is Sovereign over all the universe for all eternity. 1 Corinthians 15:28
•  He abounds in love and faithfulness. Deuteronomy 7:9; Exodus 34:6

God’s holiness and justice which require that sinners be destroyed are mingled with His love,
mercy, and grace that make forgiveness and salvation available to all who will receive them.

• He is just, holy, and merciful. Exodus 34: 7
• He extends His grace to us. 1 John 1:9; John 3:16

Texts for further study: Romans 3:24-26; 1 Peter l: 15-16; Isaiah 6:3; 1 John 4:8; Psalm 97:2; 1 Timothy
1:17

The characteristics of the Father are also seen in the Son and Holy Spirit.

• The Father’s character is revealed by Jesus. John 14:9; Hebrews 1:2-3
• The Holy Spirit reveals the Father and Son to us. John 16:13-15

Personal Application

• What difference in my relationship to God does it make for me to think of Him as a Father rather than just as a remote Creator?
• Since God considers me His child, how should I treat His other children—my brothers and sisters?
• I am not an orphan left to make my own way through life without a heavenly Father. I want to learn to know my heavenly Father better, to be a worthy child of His, and to rightly represent His family in the world.

Commitment

•  I accept You, God, as my dear Father, and by Your grace—Your power—I choose to live as a worthy child of Yours.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

God the Eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s power and was attested as God’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things.

God demonstrated His concern for humanity by sending His Son, Jesus Christ the promised Messiah, to live on earth as a human being to save us.

• He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. Luke 1:26-27, 35
• He is truly God and truly human. Colossians 1:19, 2:9; Hebrews 2:14
• He is our Creator. John 1:1-3, 10, 14; Colossians l : 15-16
• He is our Saviour and our Judge. Romans 6:23; John 3:16; 5:22

Texts for further study: John 10:30; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 2:9-18; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

While on earth, Jesus gained the victory over Satan, revealed God’s true character, and died for us.

• He experienced temptation, but did not sin. Hebrews 4:15; 1 John 3:5
• He demonstrated the power of God. John 6:14, 20:30-31
• He perfectly exemplified God’s character. John 14:9
• He voluntarily died in our place for our sins. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Texts for further study: 1 Peter 2:22-23; Hebrews 1:3

Jesus rose from the dead, returned to heaven, and will come to earth again in glory to take His people to be with Him.

• His resurrection assures eternal life to all who accept Him as Saviour. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
• He is now serving as our high priest in heaven. Hebrews 7:25, 8:1-2, 9:24
• He will come again to deliver His people. Acts 1:10-11; John 14:1-3
• He will restore the earth to its original perfection. Revelation 21:1

Texts for further study: 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 1:7; 2 Peter 3:13; Matthew 24:30-31

Personal Application

•  What can I learn about God’s character from the fact that He was willing to leave heaven and
  live on earth just to save people like me?
• Why does Jesus want to come back to this earth?
• Because Jesus was tempted in all points like we are, He understands my needs and can help
  me. His life of perfect obedience is an example and encouragement to me to walk as He
  walked, and I can look forward to meeting Him when He returns.

Commitment

• I believe that You, Jesus,—God the Son—came to earth and lived and died to save sinners like
  me. I believe that you are now serving as my High Priest in heaven. I am anxiously and joyfully
  waiting for Your return in glory!

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

God the Eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ’s life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures, leads it into all truth.

The Holy Spirit is one Person of the Godhead. He was active in the world even before God created life on earth. He inspired the writing of the Bible.

• He was active in the work of Creation. Genesis 1:1-2
• He was active in the incarnation of Christ. Luke 1:35
• He played an active role in Christ’s redemptive work on earth. Luke 4:18
• He inspired those who wrote the Bible. 2 Peter 1:21

Texts for further study: Job 33:4; Romans 8:11-16; Acts 10:38

The Spirit is active today in drawing people to God and in assisting Christians.

• He attracts people to God. Revelation 22:17
• He convicts people of their sinfulness and need of God’s forgiveness. John 16:7-13
• He brings about the new birth. John 3:3-8
• He renews the image of God in people. 2 Corinthians 3:18
• He leads the church into all truth. John 14:26, 15:26-27
• The truth He leads to is in harmony with the Bible. Isaiah 8:20
• He is always with us, comforting and helping us. John 14:16-18
• He gives spiritual gifts to the church. Ephesians 4:11-12; I Corinthians 12:4-11
• He empowers the church to bear witness to Christ. Acts 1:8
• He can be grieved away if we ignore His promptings. Ephesians 4:30
• The Christian’s body is the Spirit’s temple. I Corinthians 6:19-20
• We are sealed by the Spirit as children of God. Ephesians 1:13-14

Texts for further study: Ezekiel 36:26-27; Galatians 5:22-23; Joel 2:28; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Luke 12:11-
12

Personal Application

• What spiritual gifts has God given me, and h ow can I use them to His glory?
• What safeguard has God given to help me check whether the impressions I receive are from the Holy Spirit or not?
• The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to me. He is an ever-present Friend who hears me and helps me. I need not be discouraged for I know that as I invite Him into my life He will renew me. He will guide me, and empower me just as He did Jesus while He was on earth.

Commitment

• Thank You, God, that You have promised to give me Your Spirit. I invite You today and every day into my life. Please make me like Jesus. Guide me as I read the Bible, meditate on it, and pray. I trust you to show me how to use the talents You have given me to help others.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made “the heaven and the earth” and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with the responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was “very good,” declaring the glory of God.

God created all things through the Son, and the Bible gives the authentic account of His activity during creation week. The Sabbath memorializes His work and the origin of our world.

• God created all things through the Son. Hebrews 1:1-2
• God created all things by His word. Psalm 33:6, 9; Hebrews 11:3
• All life on earth was created during the six-day creation week. Genesis 1 & 2
• Everything was perfect in God’s original creation. Genesis 1:31
• The Sabbath is a memorial of God’s completed creative work. Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11

Texts for further study: Psalm 19:1-6; Psalm 104

Human beings, made in the image of God, are the crowning work of God’s creation, and are placed on the earth to care for it.

• We are made in the image of God. Genesis 1:26-2
• We are given dominion over the world. Psalm 8

Personal Application

• Are any of my problems too big for the Creator of the universe to solve?
• What sort of activities could help me receive the full benefit from the day God has set aside as a memorial of Creation?
• Will I live differently when I totally accept the fact that God has placed me here and given me the responsibility to care for His creation?
• Knowing that God has created human beings as the most special part of His creation, and has made me a steward of the earth, helps me to respect myself and all life on earth. Knowing my origin gives me confidence for the future.

Commitment

I believe that You created the entire universe. I also believe that You had a special purpose in mind when You created me. I give myself to You to fulfil Your plan for me.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment.

Human beings are God’s special creation—made in His own image. Like God we have the power of choice. God wants us to choose to love Him and to care for our world and its inhabitants.

• We are created by God in His image. Genesis 1:26-27
•  God places the breath of life, or spirit, within us, making us living souls—a unity of body and
  spirit. We have no soul that can exist apart from this unity of body and spirit. Genesis 2:7
• God gives us the power of choice, but we remain dependent on Him. Acts 17:24-.28
• God wants us to learn to love as He loves. Matthew 22:35-40
• We should take good care of God’s creation. Psalm 8:4-8

Texts for further study: 1 John 4:7-8, 11, 20; Genesis 2:15

The image of God in mankind became marred when Adam and Eve sinned in Eden. We are now born with tendencies toward evil and are subject to sin and death.

• Adam and Eve’s wrong use of the power of choice resulted from trying to be independent of God. Genesis 3
• Because of their sin, all their descendants are subject to death. Romans 5:12-17
• Our natural inborn tendencies are toward evil. Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:3

Although we are born with sinful tendencies, God does not reject us. He sees what we can become through His grace.

• Jesus’ life and death reconciles us to God. Romans 5:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:19-20
• God gives us His Holy Spirit to restore His image in us. Psalm 51:10-11; Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:10; John 3:5

Personal Application

• How can I learn to love as God loves?
• What provision has God made to help me overcome my natural tendencies toward evil?
• I am created in God’s image! The potential for growth is limitless! I am thankful that He has made His Spirit available to renew His image in me.

Commitment

• Because I recognize that I am Your special creation, and am constantly dependent on You, I seek the renewing power of the Holy Spirit to restore me to Your image.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation.

The root cause of all the evil we see on earth today is Lucifer’s (Satan’s) rebellion against God, which has led to a universe-wide conflict.

• The conflict began in heaven. Revelation 12:4-9
• Satan was created perfect. Ezekiel 28:12-18
• Satan’s pride led him to want to be equal to God. Isaiah 14:12-14

When he was cast out of heaven, Satan came to earth and tempted Adam and Eve to join his rebellion. Their fall changed earth from a paradise to a battlefield. All the inhabitants of the universe have witnessed the results of Satan’s work here.

• When Adam and Eve followed Satan in rebellion, all of mankind became tainted by sin. Genesis 3; Romans 5:12-14
• Sin has distorted the image of God in mankind. Romans 1:19-32
• Sin caused God’s beautiful creation to become so vile that He had to destroy it in a flood. Genesis 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6
• All of creation watches events here, waiting for the final redemption of God’s children. Romans 8:19-22; Ephesians 3:8-10; 1 Corinthians 4:9
• God sends His Son, His Spirit, and His angels to help us in our struggles against evil. Romans 5:15-21, 8:26-27; Hebrews 1:14

In the end, all the universe will see that God’s way is right and Satan’s way wrong, and God will be vindicated as the only just ruler for the universe.

• Every knee will finally bow to Christ. Philippians 2:5-11
• All will acknowledge Christ as worthy of worship. Revelation 5:11-14

Personal Application

• After witnessing the results of Satan’s work on earth, do you think that anyone in the universe will want to rebel against Him after God puts an end to sin here?
• Who has suffered the most from sin’s effects, God or humanity?
• Understanding that all evil is the result of Satan’s rebellion helps me to “see behind the scenes” and understand that the evil I see in the world today is temporary, it is not God’s fault.

Commitment

• I recognize the great battle going on between You and Satan. I choose Your side and appeal to You for help in my personal battle against evil.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

In Christ’s life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. By dying, Christ took our
place, cancelled our guilt, reconciled us to God, and transforms us. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow.

Christ’s life, death, and resurrection reveal God’s righteous character and make eternal life available to all who accept it.

• Only Christ could accomplish redemption. Acts 4:12; Hebrews 7:26-27
• Those who accept Christ as Lord and Saviour receive eternal life. John 3:16
• Christ’s life and death show that God deals justly with us. Romans 3:23-26

Texts for further study: Isaiah 53; Romans 1:4; Hebrews 2:9

Through His death, Jesus provided atonement for us and demonstrated God’s great love for us. In His resurrection, He triumphed over Satan and death.

• He died in my place. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21
• He bore the penalty for my sin in my place. Romans 3:25-26, 4:25, 8:3; 1 John 2:2
• He triumphed over Satan at His resurrection. Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 3:21-22

Christ’s life of perfect obedience and His atoning death show that obedience is possible as the Holy Spirit empowers us. Christ’s resurrection provides assurance of eternal life for His children.

• Jesus obeyed God’s law. John 15:10; I Peter 2:21-22
• Jesus’ obedience and the Spirit’s empowering make our obedience possible. Romans 8:3-4
• Recognizing God’s great sacrifice on our behalf causes us to want to serve Him. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
• Jesus’ resurrection assures ours. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Personal Application

• Why does God want to give me eternal life?
• Why couldn’t anyone but God’s Son perform the ministry that Jesus did?
• I thank God daily for His marvellous gift. The thought that Jesus was willing to leave the glory of heaven to come and live on this earth to save a sinner like me fills me with love for Him. And His victory in life and death encourages me to “fight the good fight of faith.”

Commitment

• Because I see Your love revealed in Your great sacrifice for me, I give my life to You. I accept Your death in my place, and trust You to lead me to eternal life.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment.

All human beings need to be saved. We are sinful by nature and need to admit and repent of our sins, and receive Christ as our sinless Substitute.

• We have all sinned and come short of God’s glory. Romans 3:23 u Our sinfulness alienates us from God and alienation leads to further sin. Romans 8:5-8 u The Holy Spirit points out our need for repentance. John 16:7-8
• We need to recognize and admit our sinfulness. I John 1:8-10 u We need to repent. Acts 2:38
• We cannot save ourselves, we need a Saviour. Titus 3:3-7

Texts further study: Galatians 3:13-14; 1 Peter 2:21-22

Through faith we receive our Saviour Who forgives us for our past, gives us assurance of eternal life, brings about our adoption as sons and daughters of God, and gives us power to live holy lives.

• Faith and salvation are God’s gifts to us. Ephesians 2:5-10; Luke 17:5
• We receive faith through hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17
• By faith we accept Jesus as our Saviour. John 3:16
• By faith we receive forgiveness and justification. Romans 3:21-26
• By faith we are adopted as God’s children. John 1:12; Galatians 4:4-7
• By faith we are delivered from evil and given the assurance of eternal life. Galatians 1:4; 1 John 5:13
• By faith we are born again to a new life. John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23
• By faith we are changed to be more like God. Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; 2 Peter 1:3-4/li>
• By faith we receive power to live a holy life. Ezekiel 36:25-27; Romans 8:1-4
• God has promised to write His law of love on our hearts to help us obey “from the heart.” Hebrews 8:7-12
• God also promises to forgive us as we confess our sins. I John 1:7-9 Texts for further study: Mark 9:23-24; Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 5:6-10, 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26

Personal Application

• Why is the Christian life called a new life?
• Why is it impossible to live a holy life without God’s power?

Commitment

• I recognize that by nature I am alienated from You, God. It is only because You have provided a Saviour that I can receive eternal life. By faith I accept Your forgiveness, cleansing, and deliverance from sin. I accept Your gracious offer of adopting me into Your family and Your power for living a holy life. Father, I look forward to spending eternity with You.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

By His death on the Cross, Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil (Colossians 2:15). Without His sacrificial death, Satan and his demonic forces would not have been defeated, the problem of sin would not have been solved, death would not have been conquered, and the redemption of human beings from sin would not have been possible. Through His victory over sin and Satan on the Cross, Jesus made it possible for human beings to be saved and reconciled to God. It is this reconciliation that has made us God’s children. Being children, we have become inheritors of new life, and we are called to grow into maturity in Christ. As we grow in Christ, evil no longer enslaves us: Satan may tempt us to do evil, but the experience of growing in Christ ensures us to also experience the victory Christ obtained over Satan on the Cross. Hence, we are admonished to crucify self daily (Romans 6:6- 11) and experience the joy of growing new every day in Christ (Galatians 2:20,21).

Through His life, death and resurrection, Christ triumphed over Satan and his evil forces. Because of this the demonic forces have no hold on us who have accepted Christ.

• Throughout His life and ministry on earth, Jesus remained absolutely loyal to His Father, and overcame every attack of Satan in His life. Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:15.
• Through His death on the Cross, Jesus defeated Satan and his demonic forces and made them a cosmic spectacle of shame and defeat. Evil no longer holds power over those in Christ. Colossians 1:13, 14; 2:15; John 12:31.
• Through His resurrection, Christ triumphed over death, and because of this we need not have any fear over death, and indeed anticipate our own resurrection unto eternal life. Romans 6:4, I Corinthians 15:14-17.

By accepting what Christ has done for us on the Cross, we become a new creation.

• Our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God. Ephesians 1: 7; 2 Corinthians 5:19.
• Our old life dies, and a new life of righteousness begins. 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:6-11; Galatians 2:20,21.
• The new life is one of freedom from sin, fear, demonic possession. Romans 8: l; 8:15; Mark 16:17.

Personal Application

A born-again Christian is a growing Christian—growing in Christ to full maturity. How do I measure up to some of the biblical marks of spiritual growth in Christ?

• As a person saved from sin, how do I reflect my growth in the Spirit? John 3:5; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:19-23.
• Christian love and unity are essential marks of growing in Christ. How do I reveal this in my daily life? John 17:20,21; Ephesians 2:11-16.
• What is the role of Bible study, prayer and service in Christian growth, and what changes am I ready to make in my life to accommodate these essentials? Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119: 12; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 20:25-28.
• Can I grow in Christ without bearing fruits of righteousness? How is fruit bearing linked to spiritual maturity? Matthew 7:20; James 2:17; John 15:4.
• Christian growth is a series of daily battles. What should I do in order to be a victorious Christian? Ephesians 6:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Commitment

• Thank you, Lord, for saving me from sin and the snares of Satan. Thank you for making me a new person in and through Jesus. With the power of your grace, I will make Jesus the centre of my life in order that I may grow to be like Him.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God’s family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish.

When we become Christians, we become a part of Christ’s church. The church is described as Christ’s body, and He is the head. Church members need to keep in close contact with Christ and with each other through meeting regularly for worship.

• The church is Christ’s body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
• Christ is the head. Ephesians 1:22-23
• The church is also described as Christ’s bride which He is preparing for the great marriage in heaven. 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7-8
• Acceptance of Christ brings adoption into the family of God. John 1:12-13; Ephesians 2:19-22
• Acceptance of Christ leads to separation from worldly practices. 1 John 2:15; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
• God had a special congregation in Old Testament times too. Genesis 12:3; Acts 7:38
• Christians need to meet together for worship and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25
• We should invest our gifts, energies, and abilities in building up the church. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11-15

Texts for further study: Ephesians 3:8-11, 5:23-27; Colossians 1:17-18

Christ has given His church authority and a mission on the earth. Its authority is founded upon Himself as the Word of God, and upon His word, the Bible.

• In answer to the members’ prayers, Christ gives His church the ability to make decisions in harmony with His will. Matthew 16:13-20, 18:18
• My mission as a church member is to lead others from the world into Christ’s church. Matthew 28:19-20

Personal Application

• What part did the church have in helping me come to know Christ as my Saviour?
• Why is fellowship with other believers important?

Commitment

• Father, with joy I confess that Jesus Christ is my Saviour, and I rejoice that You have adopted me into the family of God. I want to unite with Your body on earth, be part of the family, share Your grace and church fellowship with others.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
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The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness.

In these last days God has a special people called the remnant. They may be described as those who remain loyal to Him in a time of terrible apostasy.

• Revelation predicts that the remnant will exist after the persecution of the dark ages. Revelation 12:13-17
• God calls out His special remnant in a time of terrible apostasy. Revelation 18:1-4
• The remnant are faithful to God’s commandments. Revelation 12:17, 14:12
• The remnant have the testimony of Jesus — the spirit of prophecy — the prophetic gift. Revelation 12:17, 19:10

The remnant proclaim an urgent message about the commencement of the time of judgment, salvation through Christ, and the nearness of His second coming.

• They point to salvation through Christ alone. Revelation 12:10-11
• They proclaim the message of the judgment hour. Revelation 14:6-12/li>
• This message is a reference to the judgment that takes place in heaven before Christ returns to earth. Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
• They proclaim the nearness of Christ’s return. 2 Peter 3:10-14

Texts for further study: Jude 3, 14; Revelation 12:1-14; 2 Corinthians 5:10

Personal Application

• Why does the remnant need especially strong faith?
• What is the relationship between the faith of Jesus and obedience to God?
• In what way can the Seventh-day Adventist Church be identified with the remnant of the last days?
• It is especially challenging to live in these last days, but the challenge brings with it the privilege of participating in spreading God’s last day message and helping people prepare to meet Jesus at His second coming.

Commitment

• Father, I want to be a part of Your remnant people in these last days. I am answering Your call and choose to follow Jesus in a life of faith and obedience. With You guiding me, I will tell others of Your special message for the end time.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ
in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children.

One of God’s gifts to His church is unity.

• Just as the Father, Son, and Spirit are one, so should the members of the church be united. John 17:20-23
• As God’s children, we are a united family. Ephesians 4:1-6

Texts for further study: Ephesians 4:14-16; Colossians 3:10-15

Despite their widely varied backgrounds, Christians are a new creation and are united in full equality in Christ.

• No matter what we were like before we accepted Christ, we become part of one body in Him. Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
• There are no class distinctions in God’s sight. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17; Acts 17:26-27
• In Christ all class distinctions dissolve and we become one people; joint heirs of God’s promises to Abraham. Galatians 3:27-29
• Love toward one another should characterize the members of Christ’s body. John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:14

Texts for further study: Matthew 28:19-20; Psalm 133: I

Personal Application

• How can I contribute to the unity of my church? (See Ephesians 4:1-3)
• Is it possible to maintain friendship with Christ while treating one of His children as an enemy? (See Matthew 5:44)
• It is a privilege to be a part of the family of God. Wherever I go in the world, I can meet with brothers and sisters who will love me and treat me as one with them in Christ.

Commitment

• Because I am grateful for Your work in recreating me as Your child, I will treat others as my brothers and sisters in Christ. I will seek Your help, Holy Spirit, to maintain peace, unity, and love in the church and wherever I am.

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By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings.

Baptism is the door to the church and is essential for all who want to unite with the body of Christ.

• We all need baptism. Acts 2:38
• Belief in Jesus should be followed by baptism. Acts 8:12, 16:30-33
• Believers receive the promise of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Acts 2:38
• Baptism symbolizes forgiveness and cleansing. Acts 22:16
• Baptism unites us with Christ in His death and resurrection. Romans 6:1-6; Colossians 2:12-13
• Baptism unites us with the body of Christ, His church. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Acts 2:41
• Baptism is by immersion. Acts 8:36-38; John 3:23

Instruction, affirmation of faith in Jesus Christ, and repentance are three prerequisites for baptism.

• Instruction is essential so that Christians have a common ground of belief. Matthew 28: 18-20
• Baptism should follow public affirmation of faith in Jesus as Saviour. Acts 18:8.
• Our lives must show fruit of repentance before baptism. Matthew 3:7-8

Personal Application

• What does it mean to die to sin?
• Can the power that raised Jesus from the dead raise me from spiritual death?
• What does it mean to be united with Christ?
• Baptism is a wonderful privilege. It is the doorway through which I unite with Christ’s church
  and can receive the power of His indwelling Spirit to live a victorious life.

Commitment

• Father, I confess Christ as my Saviour. I repent of my past. I want to die to sin and live a new, victorious life in Christ by the power of His indwelling Spirit. I want to unite with Christ’s body, His church, through baptism.

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The Lord’s Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christ-like humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The Communion service is open to all believing Christians.

Jesus instituted the Communion service as a special time for remembering His death for us and for partaking of His presence in a special way.

• Jesus instituted the Communion service at the Last Supper, which He celebrated with His disciples just before His crucifixion. Matthew 26: 17-30
• The bread and the cup represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
• Partaking of Communion expresses faith in Christ as our Lord and Saviour. John 6:48-63
• Communion is a special remembrance of Christ’s death for our sins and a proclamation of His soon return. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Before we take Communion, we should make things right with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ. The foot washing is a symbolic cleansing.

• Through self-examination, repentance, and confession we should prepare ourselves for the Lord’s Supper. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30.
• The Ordinance of Humility, or foot washing, is part of the Communion service; in it we follow Christ’s example of humility and service. John 13:1-17
• Seventh-day Adventists practice open communion and allow Christians of any denomination to partake of communion with them.

Personal Application

• Why is it important for me to remember Christ’s death?
• Why are repentance and confession important before partaking of the symbols of Christ’s body and blood?
• Why is humility important in the Christian life?
• Jesus instituted the Communion service to remind me of His great sacrifice for me. In it He provided a special time for starting over again with the past forgiven and my relationships with others healed.

Commitment

• Father, I am thankful that Jesus has provided a time for regularly recommitting myself to You and for making things right with You and others. I will make every effort to prepare for and participate in Communion whenever it is offered at my church.

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God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfil its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love.

Every member of Christ’s body receives special gifts and abilities from the Holy Spirit. While these gifts may be widely varied within the body, they all contribute to unity under Christ the Head.

• The Holy Spirit is the source of these gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:9-11
• The Holy Spirit inspires faith, hope, and love in all Christians. 1 Corinthians 13
• The various gifts are necessary to make the church a complete body. Romans 12:4-8
• The gifts glorify Christ by bringing greater unity and strength to His church. 1 Peter 4:10-11

The central purpose of all the gifts is the building up of the church into a body that can be of service in the world.

• The Spirit supplies all the gifts necessary for the church’s work, and no gift is insignificant. 1 Corinthians 12:20-25; Acts 6:1-7
• Some gifts are considered greater than others. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
• The gifts inspire concern for our world. 1 Timothy 2:1-3
• The gifts are to produce maturity and unity in the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:8, 11-16
• We are responsible to wisely use the gifts God distributes. Matthew 25:14-30
• The Spirit teaches truth and keeps the church from falling into error. John 16:13

Personal Application

• Is there any congregation so small that the Holy Spirit cannot enable it to fulfil its mission?
• How would God feel if I refused to accept and use His gifts?
• Why are there so many different types of spiritual gifts?
• God has promised to give me gifts of the Spirit, and I am eager to discover what He wants me to do in building up and strengthening His body here on earth.

Commitment

• I believe, Father, that You have given me spiritual gifts which You want me to use in strengthening Your church. I will seek to discover my gifts and use them to You glory.

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One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. White. As the Lord’s messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested.

Prophecy is an important gift of the Spirit, which God gives to guide His church. He has promised to continue to send prophets right down to the end of time and has especially promised the spirit of prophecy to His remnant.

• God sends prophets to tell us of His plans. Amos 3:7
• The gift of prophecy will exist until the church reaches full maturity and unity. Ephesians 4:11-13
• The Spirit brings comfort, guidance, and correction. John 16:7-14
• There will be prophets in the last days. Joel 2:28-29
• God’s remnant has the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 12:17, 19:10
• In Bible times not all prophets wrote books of the Bible. Some wrote books or delivered messages that did not become part of the Bible. 2 Samuel 7:3-11; Luke 2:36; 1 Chronicles 29:29; 2 Chronicles 9:29

The messages that Ellen G. White received in visions and dreams pass the biblical tests of confession of Christ, fulfilment, and harmony with Scripture. They have also borne good fruit for God’s kingdom.

• God’s prophets confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. 1 John 4:1-3
• Fulfilment is one test of the prophetic gift. Jeremiah 28:9
• God’s prophets receive visions and dreams. (This was Ellen White’s experience also.) Numbers 12:6; Acts 2:14-21
• A true prophet does not contradict God’s past revelation through prophets and through His Son, Jesus. Hebrews 1:1-3, Isaiah 8:20; Luke 24:25-27
• A true prophet’s message bears good fruit. Matthew 7:15-20

Texts for further study: 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21; 2 Chronicles 20:20

Personal Application

• Why would it be important to God to send a prophet in the last days?
• How can I know whether a person who claims to be a prophet for God really is one?
• How would people have to respond to a prophet’s message for the message to bring about unity?
• I am thankful that God has shown His continuing concern for His church and that He sent a special messenger to me, as part of His church, in these last days.

Commitment

• Father, I believe You still want to communicate with Your church through the gift of prophecy. I will study the writings of Ellen White and seek to understand Your message for Your remnant people.

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The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life
of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships
and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His
people and the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin
and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is
obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense
of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The
obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens
Christian witness.

God’s law is an eternal expression of His love and will. It is the basis both for His covenant of
salvation with mankind and for the judgment. Christ’s life demonstrates what perfect obedience to
God’s law is.

• His law is expressed in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:1-17
• His law expresses His love and will for people. John 15:12, Romans 13:8-10
• His law has not been done away with. Matthew 5:17-20
• The law is the basis of God’s old and new covenants. Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Hebrews 8:8-10
• The law is the basis of the judgment. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; James 2:8-12
• Christ’s life perfectly exemplified obedience to God’s law. John 15:10

Texts for further study: Matthew 22:36-40; Psalm 40:7-8

The law points out our sinfulness and points us to our need of a Saviour. We cannot be saved by
keeping the law, but when we realize that God has given us salvation, we will respond with
thankful obedience.

• The law points out our sinfulness. Romans 3:20, 7:7
• When we see our sin, we turn to our Saviour. Romans 7:24-25
• We receive salvation through our Saviour, not by our works. Ephesians 2:8-10
• God writes His law on our hearts, and this leads us to cheerful obedience. Hebrews 8:10
• Obedience develops Christian character and well-being. Psalm 19:7-14
• Through obedience we demonstrate God’s power and show our loyalty to Him. Romans 8:3-4; 1 John 5:3
• Our obedience is a testimony to the world. 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

Text for further study: John 16:7-10; Revelation 14:12

Personal Application

• What would the world be like if there were no laws?
• What light does the life of Jesus shed on God’s law?
• Why did God write the Ten Commandments in stone?
• God’s law gives me guidelines for my life to direct me away from the pit of sin. Even though it
  points out my sinfulness, it does not discourage me because it also points me to my Saviour.

Commitment

• Father, Your law has brought me to recognize my sinfulness. I accept Your law as binding
  today. I see my need of a Saviour to forgive me and empower me to live obediently. I commit
  myself to living for Jesus as a testimony to Your love and power.

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The beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts.

The seventh-day Sabbath was given by God to all mankind on the final day of creation week. One of the Ten Commandments, it was faithfully observed by Jesus.

• God sanctified the Sabbath during creation week. Genesis 2:1-3
• God reiterated and perpetuated the Sabbath by including it in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15
• God gave the Sabbath to everyone, not just the Jews. Isaiah 56:6-7; Mark 2:27
• God foresaw and predicted that the Sabbath would be especially attacked by His enemies. Daniel 7:25
• Jesus set a right example in Sabbath observance. Luke 4:16
• Jesus’ followers kept the Sabbath after He was crucified. Luke 23:55-56
• The Sabbath lasts from sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday. Leviticus 23:32; Mark 1:29-32
• To properly observe the Sabbath, we should abstain from doing business transactions or anything that might sidetrack us from delighting in the Lord. Nehemiah 13:15-19; Exodus Isaiah 58:13-14

The Sabbath is a sign of our special relationship with God as His redeemed people. Keeping it demonstrates our allegiance to Him and is a sign of His covenant with us. It is a time for communing with God and doing good.

• It is a sign of our special relationship. Exodus 31:13-17
• Keeping the Sabbath demonstrates allegiance to God. Ezekiel 20:12, 20
• It is a time for coming to know and delight in God. Isaiah 58:13-14
• Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, gave us an example of doing good works on the Sabbath. Matthew 12:1-12
• The Sabbath commemorates our spiritual rest in Jesus. Hebrews 4:1-11
• The restoration of the Sabbath truth is part of the last-day message of the church. Exodus 20:11; Revelation 14:7

Personal Application

• If Christians live every day for the Lord, what is special about the Sabbath?
• Why did Jesus go to the synagogue every Sabbath?
• The Sabbath is a gift of time that God has given to me, which I can joyfully return to Him in worship and doing good.

Commitment

• Father, I believe that You gave the seventh-day Sabbath to all mankind. I intend to follow Jesus’ example by worshipping and doing good on it.

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We are God’s stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness.

In today’s terminology a steward would be called a manager. A steward is a person who is in charge of another’s possessions. We are God’s stewards because He has entrusted this world to our care.

•  God has placed us in charge of His creation. Genesis 1:26-28, 2:15
• The things we call possessions actually belong to God. I Chronicles 29: 14
• Even my own body and spirit belong to God because Jesus has purchased my redemption with His blood. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19

True stewardship involves dedicating every aspect of our lives to God. We are responsible to care for our Master’s property and to be faithful in returning His portion to Him in tithes (ten percent of our income), in giving offerings proportional with God’s blessings, in supporting the spread of the gospel, and in sharing with those in need.

• We should offer ourselves to God as Christ offered up His life for us. Ephesians 5:2; Romans 12:1-2
• God does not need our gifts, but offers us the privilege of sharing and learning to trust Him to for us. Psalm 50:12-15
• We must take good care of our Master’s property. Matthew 24:45-51
• We are responsible for care of the Lord’s house. Haggai 1:3-11
• Failure to return tithes and offerings is robbing our Lord. Malachi 3:8-12
• We should support the spread of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:9-14
• We should be willing to share what God has entrusted to us with those who are in need. 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Romans 15:26-27
• We should give cheerfully, not grudgingly. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
• The real purpose of stewardship is that we may become more like God, whose very nature it is to give. John 3:16

Personal Application

• What is the difference between being a steward and an owner?
• What is the best way to overcome selfishness?
• Recognizing that I am God’s steward helps me realize how important I am in the universe. It makes me want to take good care of all He has entrusted to me. His great gifts to me make me want to become like Him in sharing.

Commitment

• Father, I recognize that You are the Owner of everything in the world, and that You made me manager of talents, time, and resources. I want to be Your faithful steward and give as You have given. I will faithfully return to You tithes and offerings of what You have placed in my care, and I will do all I can to aid in the spread of the gospel.

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We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards Of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple’ modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness.

As Christians our conduct in the world should be modelled after Christ.

• Our actions should give evidence that we are living for God, not for this world. Romans 12:1-
  2; 2 Corinthians 7:1
• We are God’s ambassadors to the world. 2 Corinthians 5:20
• Our lives should be like Christ’s life. I John 2:6
• Putting away worldly things and living for the Lord will produce good fruit in our lives.
  Ephesians 5:1-21
• Entertainment and the things we think about should be pure and uplifting. Philippians 4:8; 2
  Corinthians 6:14-18, 10:5
• We should set our minds on and seek heavenly, not earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2; Matthew
  6:31-33
• We should dress modestly and in simplicity, avoiding display and jewellery. 1 Peter 3:3-4; 1
  Timothy 2:9-10

Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be cared for in a way that glorifies God and
promotes health. We should partake moderately of that which is good and avoid all that is harmful.

• Everything we do should glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
• We should care for our bodies as God’s temple by eating and drinking only health-promoting
  foods and participating in healthful activities. (Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and misuse of or
  trafficking in narcotics or other harmful drugs and mind-altering chemicals have no place in
  the Christian life.) 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• Self-control is important in Christian living. I Corinthians 9:24-27
• God desires that we be healthy. (Adequate exercise, rest, and a good diet are important.) 3
  John 2
• God never intended for unclean animals to be eaten. Leviticus 11:1-47

The Bible makes many practical applications of the principle of putting God first in our lives.
Consider the questions that follow, look up the texts listed, and draw your own conclusions about
how God wants you to live.

• What sort of behaviour will the Holy Spirit produce in the Christian’s life? Galatians 5:22-23
• What difference does being Christians make in our attitude toward the world around us?
  Colossians 3: 1, 2; Matthew 6:19-21
• How should we treat others? Romans 12:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15
• How should I react to people who sin against me? Colossians 3:13; Matthew 18:15-17
• How should I treat people who oppose me? Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20
• Should Christians be selective in the movies or television programs they watch, literature they
  read, or music they listen to? Romans 13:14; 1 Peter 2:11
• Can I ask Jesus’ blessing on activities such as gambling, theatre going, or dancing? 1 John
  2:15-17
• Should Christians attend or allow their minds to dwell on violent sporting events or
  programs? Philippians 4:8
• Should Christians attend church regularly? Hebrews 10:24-25
• Should Christians worship idols? Exodus 20:4-6; 1 John 5:21
• Should Christians tell “dirty” jokes? Ephesians 4:29, 5:4

Note the following characteristics of Christian conduct in the world.

• Love. John 13:34-35
• Prayerfulness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Ephesians 6:18
• Christian testimony. 1 Peter 3:15; Revelation 12:17
• Honesty. Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:9
• Hospitality. 1 Peter 4:9-10; Hebrews 13:2
• Humility. Ephesians 4:1-2
• Enthusiasm and diligence. Colossians 3:23
• Peacefulness. Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:17-19
• Exemplary behaviour. Philippians 2:14-15</li>
• Modesty in dress and behaviour. 1 Timothy 2:9; Philippians 2:3
• Respect for authority. Hebrews 13:17; Titus 3:1
• Thankfulness. 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 13:15

The following passages list general principles for Christian conduct.

• Romans 13:13
• Colossians 3:12-17
• 2 Timothy 2:19-22
• 1 Peter 3:8-11
• 2 Peter 1:5-7

Good Christian behaviour is not intended to earn us God’s favour. Rather it is our response to His
goodness. He gives us the power to live in a way that will bear testimony to His goodness.

• He works out His will in the surrendered Christian’s life. Philippians 2:13
• He can keep us from evil. Matthew 6:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:3
• He can keep us from falling. Jude 24

Personal Application

• What part do Bible study and prayer have in helping me serve as God’s ambassador in the
  world
• What does maintaining good health have to do with representing God?

Commitment

• Father, I believe that You intend for me to experience healthful living and to rightly represent
  You in the world. I will carefully control my habits so that spiritually, mentally, and physically I
  will be prepared to fulfil Your goals for me. Fill me with Your grace to bring my life into
  harmony with Christ.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Used with permission

Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a ‘man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian, a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honour, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church.
Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message.

God established marriage, and Jesus gave His blessing to it. The relationship between a man and wife typifies Christ’s love for His church. Marriage is not intended to be broken by divorce.

• God established marriage in Eden. Genesis 2:18-25
• Jesus gave His blessing to marriage and reaffirmed it as a lifelong commitment. John 2:1-11; Matthew 19:3-9
• Divorce and remarriage is permissible only in cases of marital unfaithfulness. Matthew 5:31-32
•  In planning marriage, we should plan to marry one who shares our religious convictions. 2 Corinthians 6:14

Texts for further study: Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, 39

God is concerned with family relationships. Commitment to Christ forms a strong centre which draws families together. Parents are responsible to train their children to love and obey God.

• In the last days God sends a message that strengthens families. Malachi 4:5-6
• Centred on Christ, families draw together. Ephesians 5:21-33
• Cooperation and consideration are essential. Colossians 3:18-21
• Parents are responsible to discipline their children and to train them to love and obey God. Proverbs 22:6, 15; Ephesians 6:1-4

Texts for further study: Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:5-9; Hebrews 12:7-9

Personal Application

• God placed me in a family to increase my joy in life through fellowship. Even if 1 do not have a close family unit, 1 can rejoice in being part of the family of God.
• What part does family worship have in keeping the family centred on Christ?
• What is the relationship between learning to obey one’s parents and learning

Commitment

• Father, I believe and accept the principles of family as established by You.  I thank You for them and want to live according to Your plan.

 COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service I the sanctuary was cleansed with the
blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.

At His ascension, Jesus Christ began serving as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, a ministry which He continues today.

• God has a sanctuary in heaven, where Christ now serves as High Priest. Hebrews 1:3, 8:1-5, 9:23-28; 1 Timothy 2:5
• Christ is ministering today on our behalf, opening the way for us to receive the grace we need. Hebrews 2:16-17, 4:14-16, 9:15-22, 10:19-22

The earthly sanctuary’s two phases of ministry—intercession and judgment— illustrate the two phases of Christ’s ministry in heaven.

• As our High Priest Christ offers the merits of His own blood for our purification and justification. Hebrews 9:11-14
• The final judgment has three phases: investigative, millennial review, and executive. Daniel 7:9-14; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3; Revelation 20:4, 11-15
• According to prophecy, Jesus entered the investigative judgment phase of His ministry in 1844. Daniel 8:13-14, 9:24-27; Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6
• The investigation reveals who is abiding in Christ and ready to live with Him eternally. Revelation 20:12, 14:12
• The investigation clears God of charges of injustice. Rev. 14:6-7, 16:4-7
• The Day of Atonement ritual in the earthly sanctuary foreshadowed the final judgment and the eradication of sin and Satan. Leviticus 16
• At the end of the judgment probation closes and Christ will return to give the kingdom to His loyal followers. Daniel 7:9-27; I Thessalonians 4: 16-17; Revelation 22:11-12

Personal Application

• Will there be any question about God’s justice at the close of probation?
• Knowing that the investigative judgment is now in progress gives me hope that Christ will return soon to take me to live with Him eternally.

Commitment

• Jesus, I believe that You are my High Priest in the investigative judgment going on now, and I rely on You to forgive me, transform me, and prepare me for eternal life.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous die. The almost complete fulfilment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times.

Christ will return literally and visibly to reward the righteous and punish the wicked.

• Jesus promised to return. John 14:1-3
• Christians look forward to Christ’s return as the blessed hope. Titus 2:13
• Christ will return literally, and all mankind will see Him. Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 1:7; Matthew 26:63-64
• There will be no secret rapture which only some people know about or experience. Matthew 24:27; I Thessalonians 4:13-18
• His return means salvation for Christians. Hebrews 9:28
• The righteous, resurrected and living, will receive eternal life at His coming. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 2 Timothy 4:8
• The unrighteous will die. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 14:14-20, 19:11-21

Nearly all of the events that Christ and the prophets said would occur before the Second Coming have occurred. The present condition of our world gives further evidence that Christ will return soon. We should be ready at all times to welcome Him.

• The prophesied events have occurred. Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21
• As prophesied, evil has greatly increased. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
• We cannot know the specific time of Christ’s return. Matthew 24:36
• We should be prepared at all times for His return. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; 2 Peter 3:11-14; Matthew 24:44

Personal Application

• Why does Jesus want to return?
• How should I react to a modern teacher who claims to be Christ?
• What does it mean to “watch and be ready”?
• Because I trust in Jesus and abide in Him daily, I can look forward to His return as I would to the return of a long-time friend. The prospect of spending eternity with Him fills me with eager anticipation.

Commitment

• Father, I look forward to the second coming of Christ. Help me to live each day in expectation of Jesus’ return. How glorious it will be to live with You for all eternity!

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, theresurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later.

No human being is immortal. We all would suffer eternal death if God did not grant forgiveness and eternal life to those who seek to abide in Christ.

• Only God is immortal. 1 Timothy 6:15-16
• The wages of sin is death, but God’s gift is life. Romans 6:23
• Apart from Christ all would die eternally. John 15:6

All who die on this earth enter an unconscious state which the Bible calls sleep. The righteous dead will be resurrected at Christ’s second coming. They, along with the living righteous, will join Christ in the clouds. The wicked dead will be resurrected after the millennium.

• The death we witness on earth is a temporary sleep. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6; Psalm 146:3-4; John 11:11-14; Revelation 14:13
• Because the dead are asleep, they cannot return to communicate with us. God warns us against efforts to make contact with them. Leviticus 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:9-12
• Attempts to contact the dead may lead to deception by evil spirits. Leviticus 19:31; Isaiah 8:19-20; Revelation 16:14
• The righteous dead will be resurrected at Jesus’ second coming. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; Colossians 3:4
• The living righteous will also join Christ then. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
• The unrighteous will rise in a separate resurrection. John 5:28-29
• There will be a thousand years between these two general resurrections. Revelation 20:1-10

Personal Application

• Why does sin cause death?
• Why are there two resurrections?
• Why do we sleep in death instead of going immediately to heaven or hell?
• I need not fear death if I abide in Christ. I am confident that He will come again to raise me to eternal life.

Commitment

• Father, it is comforting to know that death is an unconscious sleep from which Jesus will awaken those who trusted in Him in this life. I plan to join Jesus in the clouds whether or not I live to see Him come.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever.

The 1,000 years begins with the general resurrection of the righteous and extends to the general resurrection of the wicked. During the 1,000 years, the righteous will live with Christ and reign in heaven, participating in the judgment of the wicked dead. Only Satan and his angels will be alive on earth during the millennium.

• The millennium is a 1,000-year period when the righteous will reign with Christ in heaven. Revelation 20:4
• Judging the wicked dead will be part of the work of reigning with Christ. Revelation 20:6; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3
• The millennial period is between the two resurrections. Revelation 20:4-6
• Satan will be confined to earth during it. Revelation 20:1-3, 7
• The earth will be desolate. Revelation 20: 1; Jeremiah 4:23-26 (compare with Genesis 1:2); Revelation 6:14-17, 16:17-21

After the millennium Christ and the righteous will return to earth in the Holy City. The unrighteous will be resurrected at this time and Satan will lead them in an attack on the City. Finally all sin and sinners will be destroyed.

• Christ and the righteous will descend with the Holy City. Revelation 21:1-5
• The unrighteous will be resurrected. Revelation 20:5
• They will join Satan in a war against the Holy City. Revelation 20:7-10
• Satan’s army will be defeated. Revelation 20:9
• The executive phase of the judgment will occur. Revelation 20:10-15
• Fire will cleanse the earth of all the results of sin. Once the fire has done its cleansing work, it will go out. 2 Peter 3:10-13; Malachi 4:1
• Satan and sin will be destroyed. Ezekiel 28:18-19

Personal Application

• Why does God want the righteous to have a part in the judgment of the wicked?
• Why must Satan be utterly destroyed?
• Do you think anyone will ever challenge God’s authority again after seeing the results of sin on this earth?
• I am glad that God has provided the millennium period for me to spend with Him in heaven reviewing the cases of those who were lost. It increases my confidence that He is dealing justly with everyone.

Commitment

• Father, grant me the joy of spending the millennium reigning in heaven with Jesus and those You made righteous.

 

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission

On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen.

God is planning a wonderful home for His children right here on this earth. There will be no unrighteousness or problems or unfulfilled needs there for God Himself will supply everything.

• Jesus is even now preparing a home for us. John 14:3
• The splendour of what God has prepared is beyond imagination. 1 Corinthians 2:9
• The Holy City, He is preparing, will descend from heaven at the close of the millennium and will be the capital of the new earth. Revelation 21:2-3, 10-27
• There will be only righteousness there. 2 Peter 3:13
• There will be no problems there. Isaiah 35, 65:17-25
• There will be no death, sorrow, or pain. Revelation 21:4-7
• God, Himself, will be there. Revelation 21:1-3
• Everything we need will be provided and we will continue to work, worship, learn, grow, and accomplish. Revelation 22:1-5; Isaiah 65:21-22

This ideal situation, with God reigning and providing for us, will endure forever.

• God’s kingdom is eternal. Revelation 11:15
• The righteous will inherit this kingdom and reign with Christ. Matthew 5:5, 25:34; Revelation 3:21; Daniel 7:27
• God Himself will be here on this earth with us. Revelation 22:1-4
• The whole universe will rejoice with the redeemed. Revelation 19:6-7

Personal Application

• Why will the whole universe rejoice when sin is eradicated from earth?
• Am I looking forward to living eternally with God? If so, why? If not, why not?
• I am glad Jesus is preparing a home for me. I am eagerly looking forward to living with Him. I do not want to disappoint Him or myself by failing to prepare to live there.

Commitment

• Father, I come to You to surrender my life totally into Your care so that I may live with You
  eternally.

COPYRIGHT 1996, 2007, Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Used with permission