Lesson 1 – Some Principles of Prophecy

DAILY BIBLE READING – Revelation Chapter 7

Bible Text (King James Version)

1. And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth,
   holding the four winds of the earth,
   that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

2. And I saw another angel ascending from the east,
   having the seal of the living God:
   and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels,
   to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

3. Saying,
   Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees,
   till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed:
   and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand
   of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

5. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand.
   Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand.
   Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

6. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand.
   Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand.
   Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

7. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand.
   Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand.
   Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.

8. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand.
   Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand.
   Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

9. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude,
   which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,
   stood before the throne, and before the Lamb,
   clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

10. And cried with a loud voice, saying,
    Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

11. And all the angels stood round about the throne,
    and about the elders and the four beasts,
    and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

12. Saying,
    Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might,
    be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

13. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me,
    What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

14. And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.
    And he said to me,
    These are they which came out of great tribulation,
    and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15. Therefore are they before the throne of God,
    and serve him day and night in his temple:
    and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

16. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;
    neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,
    and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:
    and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Explanation & Classification

Introduction

Revelation Chapter 7 is an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals.
Chapter 6 ended with the dramatic question:

“For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Rev 6:17)

Chapter 7 provides the answer:
Two groups will be able to stand – the sealed and the great multitude.

Commentary

Verses 1–3: The Four Winds Are Held Back
Judgment is restrained until the servants of God are sealed.
The seal on the forehead represents divine protection and belonging.
The angel from the east (sunrise) is a symbol of hope.

Verses 4–8: The 144,000 Sealed
Symbolic number: 12 tribes × 12,000 = 144,000
They represent the fullness of spiritual Israel – God’s faithful people in the end times.
The list of tribes differs from the traditional one, emphasizing symbolic meaning.

Verses 9–12: The Great Multitude
A countless multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language.
White robes = purified by Christ
Palm branches = victory
They worship God and the Lamb with loud praise.

Verses 13–17: Who Is This Multitude?
They come out of great tribulation – they remained faithful under suffering.
Their robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb – redeemed through Christ.

Eternal promises:

• God dwells among them

• No more hunger, thirst, or pain

• The Lamb is their Shepherd

• God wipes away every tear

Summary

Revelation 7 describes two groups of the redeemed:

• The 144,000 Sealed – God’s faithful people, protected during the end times

• The Great Multitude – from all nations, saved through the blood of the Lamb

Both groups stand before God’s throne, in relationship with Him, in worship and eternal peace.

Message for Us Today

• God knows you. The sealing shows you are not forgotten.

• Salvation is for all. Background doesn’t matter – the Lamb offers His hand to everyone.

• Tribulation is not the end. Suffering turns into praise, tears into comfort.

• Jesus is the center. Everything revolves around the Lamb – redemption, guidance, and hope.

Whoever belongs to Jesus has nothing to fear – they are sealed, redeemed, and secure.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White – Steps to Christ
Chapter 11 – The Privilege of Prayer
Read online here

Explanation & Classification

Introduction

Prayer is more than a religious obligation or a cry for help in difficult times – it is the living connection between the human soul and the heart of God.
Chapter 11 of Steps to Christ shows us that prayer is not only possible, but a divine privilege – a channel of grace and communion with a loving, listening Father.
And yet – this gift is often neglected, to the great loss of our spiritual life.

Commentary

Paragraphs 1–4: The Necessity of Prayer

God speaks to us through nature, Scripture, providence, and His Spirit.
But without our response in prayer, the relationship remains incomplete.
Prayer is more than words – it is opening our heart to God and drawing near to Him.

Paragraphs 5–6: Jesus’ Example in Prayer

Jesus – though divine and without sin – felt the need for prayer.
He sought solitude, carried our burdens, and became our intercessor.
If the Son of God prayed, how much more do we need to pray!

Paragraphs 7–10: God’s Willingness to Hear

God longs to bless us – and yet we pray so little!
The angels can hardly understand this – for they know the joy of constant communion.
Without prayer, we disconnect from heaven and stand defenseless against temptation.

Paragraphs 11–18: Conditions for Answered Prayer

Prayer must be sincere – coming from a heart that longs for God.
Repentance, confession, and forgiveness toward others are essential.
Faith is key – even when we see no immediate answer.
God hears – and answers at the right time, according to our real needs.

Paragraphs 19–25: The Power of Personal and Constant Prayer

Private prayer – in stillness and solitude – has great value.
But prayer can also be a continual connection, a life lived with God.
Biblical examples like Enoch and Nehemiah show us: true prayer is a lifestyle.

Paragraphs 26–30: The Danger of Neglected Prayer

Neglecting prayer leads to spiritual weakness and distance from God.
True devotion includes prayer, fellowship, and service.
Those who isolate themselves or pray without action lose the joy and power of prayer.

Paragraphs 31–End: The Joy of Prayer and Praise

Thanksgiving and praise should be central to our prayer life.
God wants our worship to be joyful, trusting, and full of love – not fear.
Praise opens our hearts to God’s presence and prepares us to receive more blessings.

Summary

Prayer is a sacred gift of grace, through which we live in communion with God.
It is the “key in the hand of faith” that opens heaven’s treasure house.
Prayer is indispensable to the spiritual life – but its power depends on conditions: humility, faith, forgiveness, and perseverance.
Christ gave us the perfect example – and invites us to find strength, peace, and nearness to God through prayer.

Message for Us Today

In a world of noise, stress, and distraction – prayer remains our direct line to heaven.

“Ask, and it shall be given you…” (Matthew 7:7)
God waits for us – not as a distant judge, but as a loving Father.
Prayer does not change God – it changes us:
Our trust deepens, our thoughts become clear, and our hearts are opened to His Spirit.

What does this mean for you today?

• Take time for silent, personal prayer – not out of duty, but for peace and strength.

• Stay connected with God throughout the day – in thought, in whisper, in silence.

• Trust His answers – even when they come differently than expected.

• Forgive others – we cannot ask for grace while holding onto bitterness.

• Praise God! Gratitude transforms the heart and prepares us for more blessings.

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Prayer is not just speaking with God – it is living with God.
Let us live in the light of this grace-filled gift.