Lesson 9.The Foundation of God’s Government
The Fundamentals of Faith: Law, Sabbath, and End-Time Conflict

In the ninth lesson of our study series, we delve into the fundamental principles that form the foundation of God’s rule and sovereignty. This lesson is titled “The Foundation of God’s Government” and takes a deep look at the principles of worship and loyalty to the Creator.

In Revelation, particularly in Chapter 14, we find an urgent message urging us to make a clear decision – the choice between true worship of the Creator and the worship of false gods or systems. This decision has not only theological but also practical implications for our daily lives and our faith.

In our introduction, we will illuminate the central themes of this lesson: the significance of worshiping the Creator, the warning against false gods, and the connection between our everyday lives and our faith. By understanding these principles, we can delve deeper into the truth and align our lives accordingly to honor God and follow His will.

9.1 The Sanctuary and the Law
The Sanctuary and the Immutable Law of God

Read Revelation 11:19; Exodus 25:16; 31:18, and Revelation 12:17. According to these verses, what was inside the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary?

According to the mentioned verses, the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary was a central place of great significance. According to the scriptures, it contained the Ten Commandments of God, written on stone tablets. These symbolized the immutable and sacred law of God. The golden cover of the Ark of the Covenant, called the mercy seat, was the place where blood was sprinkled to cleanse sins and to manifest God’s presence.

Revelation describes how the apostle John saw the heavenly sanctuary and the Ark of the Covenant became visible. This depiction illustrates the continuity and the sacred nature of the divine law represented in the heavenly sanctuary.

The comments emphasize the significance of God’s law, especially regarding the Sabbath, and argue that despite the cross and redemption through Christ, it continues to endure. This underscores the theological perspective that God’s law was not abolished but rather plays a crucial role in God’s plan of redemption.

Overall, this reflection highlights the importance of the Ark of the Covenant and the divine law within the framework of the sanctuary and emphasizes the theological doctrine of the continuity and sanctity of God’s law.

Think about the Sabbath, which comes to us every week at 1600 km/h – without exception. What does this tell us about the significance of the doctrine of creation? What other doctrine has such a strong and recurring reminder function?

The Sabbath, returning with remarkable regularity every week, offers a fascinating perspective on the significance of the doctrine of creation. Through its unchanging recurrence, unaffected by human actions, the Sabbath continuously reminds us of God’s act of creation. It symbolizes God’s sovereignty over time and space, as well as His role as the Creator and ruler of the universe.

This regular reminder function of the Sabbath emphasizes the importance of the doctrine of creation as a fundamental theological truth. The creation story in the book of Genesis serves as the foundation of faith and reminds us that God is the origin and source of all life.

No other doctrine has such a strong and recurring reminder function as the doctrine of creation, symbolized by the Sabbath. While other beliefs and doctrines convey important principles and truths, the doctrine of creation offers a unique perspective on the relationship between God and His creation, as well as the fundamental principles of order and time.

Through the Sabbath, we are reminded week by week that we are part of a universe created by God and protected by His care. This regular reminder invites us to reflect on our role as stewards of creation and to deepen our relationship with God and His creation.

The connection between the Sabbath as a regular reminder of the doctrine of creation and the sanctuary with the immutable law of God lies in their common emphasis on God’s sovereignty, holiness, and constancy. Both the Sabbath and the Ten Commandments, preserved in the Ark of the Covenant in the sanctuary, symbolize God’s unchanging character and His authority over creation.

The Sabbath reminds us week by week of God’s act of creation and His rule over time and space. Similarly, the Ten Commandments of God in the sanctuary illustrate the holiness and immutability of God’s law. These teachings remind us that God reigns as Creator and Lawgiver over all aspects of our lives.

The regular recurrence of the Sabbath and the emphasis on the immutable law of God in the sanctuary have a strong and recurring reminder function in our daily lives and faith. They invite us to deepen our relationship with God by being aware of His sovereignty, holiness, and constancy. By observing the Sabbath and respecting the Ten Commandments as expressions of divine wisdom and love, we can strengthen our connection to God and recognize His greatness and glory in our lives.

God’s immutable law and the regular recurrence of the Sabbath remind us that we are part of a divinely created and protected universe, invited to deepen our relationship with God and His creation.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-foundation-of-gods-government-9-1-the-sanctuary-and-the-law/

Series THE GREAT CONTROVERSY with Pastor Mark Finley  |

Lesson 9.The Foundation of God’s Government  |
The Fundamentals of Faith: Law, Sabbath, and End-Time Conflict  |

In Lesson 9, we delve into the fundamental principles of God’s governance. We explore the significance of God’s law as an unchanging expression of His character and guidance for His people. The Sabbath is illuminated as a special sign of creation and redemption, symbolizing loyalty to God and true worship. Additionally, we consider the end-time conflict revolving around the question of worship and obedience to God’s commandments. This lesson leads us to a deeper understanding of the foundations of our faith and the importance of faithfulness in the last days.

Memory Text: Revelation 12:17 – “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Content:
9.1 The Sanctuary and the Law
The Sanctuary and the Immutable Law of God

The sanctuary and the law are deeply interconnected, as scriptures such as Revelation 11:19, Exodus 25:16, 31:18, and Revelation 12:17 demonstrate. In the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place lay the Ten Commandments of God inscribed on stone tablets. These laws symbolize God’s unchanging will and His holiness. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered to obtain atonement for the sins of the people through blood sacrifice, merging mercy and justice. Adventist believers recognized that the divine law continues in the heavenly sanctuary and was not annulled by the cross. This realization underscores the importance of the law and the Sabbath in Christian faith.

9.2 The Immutability of God’s Law
The Eternal Validity of God’s Law in Christian Faith

The verses cited in Matthew 5:17-18, Psalm 111:7-8, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, 1 John 5:3, and Proverbs 28:9 emphasize the eternal validity and significance of God’s law. They teach that the moral law, as contained in the Ten Commandments, is immutable and binding for all time. This law reflects God’s character and the enduring relationship between God and humanity. John Wesley emphasizes that Jesus abolished the ceremonial law but affirmed the moral law. Adventists see in the acknowledgment of the heavenly sanctuary a confirmation of the validity of God’s law and the Sabbath. These principles are central to the understanding and practice of the Christian faith.

9.3 The Sabbath and the Law
The Sabbath: Connection of Creation and God’s Law

The verses from Revelation 14:6-7, 4:11, Genesis 2:1-3, and Exodus 20:8-11 inseparably connect creation, the Sabbath, and God’s law. The Sabbath commemorates God’s work of creation and demonstrates our special position in His creation. It reminds us that we are not accidental but created by God’s plan and love. Observing the Sabbath is an expression of worship and gratitude to God, the Creator and Redeemer. It is a weekly pause to celebrate God’s care and receive His blessing. Thus, the Sabbath is a sign of loyalty to God and a symbol of the rest and grace we find in Him.

9.4 The Mark of the Beast
The End-Time Conflict: Loyalty to God’s Commandments versus the Mark of the Beast

Revelation 12:12, 12:17, and 13:7 reveal Satan’s wrath against God’s end-time people who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Satan is particularly furious because this people remain faithful to God’s law amidst the great end-time conflict. Revelation 13 discloses that Satan, through his allies, the beast from the sea and the beast from the earth, wages war against the saints. The central conflict revolves around worship: either worship of the Creator or the beast. In this context, the Sabbath plays a crucial role as a sign of true worship. Those who accept the false Sabbath receive the mark of the beast, while the faithful uphold God’s commandments, including the Sabbath.

9.5 The Three Angels’ Messages
The Choice between Worship of the Creator and the Beast

In Revelation 14:7, the first angel calls for worship of the Creator and reverence for God in view of the impending judgment. The second angel warns against fallen Babylon, a symbolic apostate system promoting false worship. People must choose between worshiping the Creator or the beast. Revelation 14:12 describes the faithful as those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the faith of Jesus. These two characteristics are crucial as they express true worship and deep, unwavering devotion to Christ. Amidst the greatest trials, this faith will carry believers through the final crisis until Jesus returns.

9.6 Summary
A Look at Law, Sabbath, and End-Time Conflict

Lesson 9 emphasizes the central importance of God’s law as the foundation of His government. The Ten Commandments, stored in the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary, are an expression of God’s unchanging will and character. The Sabbath plays a special role as a sign of creation and redemption, and its observance is an expression of loyalty to God. The end-time conflict revolves around true worship and obedience to God’s commandments. The Three Angels’ Messages call humanity to choose worship of the Creator over the mark of the beast, highlighting the importance of faith and loyalty in the last days.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-lesson-9-the-foundation-of-gods-government-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/

8.6 Summary
The Sanctuary: Center of Redemption and Intercession

Lesson 8, “Light from the Sanctuary,” emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ ministry as the High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. By considering Hebrews 10:9–14 and Hebrews 6:19–20, it becomes clear that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His subsequent intercession in the heavenly sanctuary are inseparably linked. While earthly priests had to offer repeated sacrifices, Jesus, through His single sacrifice, completely eliminated sin and paved the way for eternal reconciliation. His invitation to follow Him leads to a discovery of hope, security, and the significance of His mediatory service in the heavenly sanctuary. Judgment plays an essential role in the plan of salvation by revealing God’s justice and mercy and deciding the eternal fate of individuals. Overall, the lesson illustrates how Jesus’ service as our High Priest brings the light of salvation into our lives and reconciles us with God.

The connection between Jesus’ service for us in judgment and our daily lives and faith is fundamental. Jesus, as our High Priest, advocates for us by pointing to our repentance and faith and seeking forgiveness on our behalf. He presents us before God, arguing that we are marked and justified through Him, through His wounded hands and His sacrifice on the cross.

This reality should lead to humility and self-examination as we become aware that in God’s eyes, we are like people in dirty clothes. Those who truly seek cleansing and purification recognize their own sinfulness and place their hope in Christ as their only righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Therefore, our daily lives and faith are shaped by the acknowledgment of this truth. We should constantly be aware of the need to humble ourselves, confess our sins, and show genuine repentance while trusting in Christ as our sole advocate and Savior. This realization should lead us to a life characterized by humility, repentance, and trust in God’s grace as we rely on Christ as our mediator and redeemer.

God judges not by what we have been, but by what we could be if we follow His call.

1.What emotions are stirred by the thought of Jesus holding up His wounded hands for us before the Father? Why is this our only hope in judgment?

The idea of Jesus holding up His wounded hands for us before the Father evokes a variety of emotions within us. Firstly, we may feel gratitude as we consider Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice Himself for us and even present His own wounds before God. This notion can also evoke humility as we realize how much Jesus loves us and advocates for us, despite our imperfections and sinfulness. It can also inspire a sense of awe and admiration for Jesus’ sacrificial spirit and dedication.

This notion is our only hope in judgment because Jesus stands as our advocate before God. His wounded hands are a constant reminder of His love, His sacrifice, and His willingness to intercede for us. In judgment, we cannot rely on our own merits but only on the grace and mercy of God mediated through Jesus Christ. His intercession is our only hope that we can stand before God and experience His love and forgiveness.

2.We live on the Day of Atonement. Atonement is God’s work to save lost sinners. So why should a day dedicated to God’s work of saving sinners be good news?

The Day of Atonement is a day dedicated to God’s work of saving lost sinners. It is a day when God’s mercy and love are highlighted in a special way. This fact alone should be good news for us because it shows that God is actively working to save us and give us a new chance, despite our mistakes and sins.

The Day of Atonement is a reminder that God has not given up on us but is willing to forgive us and reconcile with us. It is a time of hope and comfort because we know that God loves us and offers us a chance to renew our relationship with Him.

Furthermore, the Day of Atonement shows that God’s saving work is an ongoing process that manifests even in our time. It is a day of promise and expectation that God continues to be with us to guide, teach, and redeem us.

Overall, the Day of Atonement is good news because it reminds us that God is faithful and never gives up on us. It is a time of hope and renewal that encourages us to hold onto God’s love and mercy, no matter how far we may have strayed from Him.

3.Consider what Ellen White wrote: “Christ alone can make an effectual plea for us. He is able to silence the accuser with arguments that are not to be repelled; for they are His own.” (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 2, 1908). How can you make this hope your own?

The hope expressed in this statement is crucial for our faith and personal relationship with God. To make this hope our own, we can take several steps:

1. Believe in Christ as our Advocate: We should firmly believe that Jesus Christ is our only advocate before God. His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection give us the assurance that He has the authority and power to intercede for us and protect us from accusations.

2. Trust in God’s grace and mercy: Instead of relying on our own merits, we should rely on God’s grace and mercy. We can trust that God forgives us out of love and accepts us when we come to Him in repentance and confess our sins.

3. Renew our relationship with Christ: By deepening our relationship with Christ and remembering His sacrifice on the cross daily, we can strengthen our hope in His intercession. Through prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers, we can strengthen our connection to Christ and trust in His power as our advocate.

4. Live in accordance with God’s will: Finally, we can make this hope our own by striving to live a life that aligns with God’s will. By turning away from sin and striving for holiness, we demonstrate our trust in Christ and His ability to protect us from accusations.

By following these steps and consciously choosing to place our hope in Christ as our Advocate, we can have the assurance that we are justified and loved in God’s eyes.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-light-from-the-sanctuary-8-6-summary/

8.5 Jesus, Our Advocate in the Judgment
The Immeasurable Grace: Jesus’ Intercession and Perfection

Read Hebrews 10:9–14. What difference between the service of the priest in the earthly sanctuary and the service of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary does this passage reveal?

Differences between the earthly and heavenly priesthood:

1. Singular Sacrifice vs. Repeated Sacrifices:

   • Earthly Priest: The priests in the earthly sanctuary must perform their service daily and offer the same sacrifices repeatedly, which, however, can never completely take away sins (Verse 11).

   • Jesus: Christ offered a single, perfect sacrifice that once and for all took away sins (Verse 12).

2. Atonement:

   • Earthly Priest: The repeated sacrifices of the earthly priestly service are incapable of truly atoning for sins (Verse 11).

   • Jesus: Through His sacrifice, Jesus has definitively removed sins and sanctified believers forever (Verse 14).

3. Position and Perfection:

   • Earthly Priest: The priests serve daily and perform their duties without a final conclusion.

   • Jesus: After His sacrifice, Jesus sat down at the right hand of God, a sign of completion and authority. He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet (Verses 12–13).

4. Sanctification:

   • Earthly Priest: The repeated sacrifices of the earthly priestly service could not ultimately sanctify people.

   • Jesus: Through His singular sacrifice, Jesus has perfected forever those who are being sanctified (Verse 14).

In summary:

The service of the earthly priests was characterized by repeated sacrifices that could not completely remove sins. In contrast, Jesus’ service in the heavenly sanctuary, through His singular sacrifice, has completely removed sin and sanctified believers forever. Jesus now sits at the right hand of God and acts as our advocate in judgment. This completion and ultimate sanctification through His sacrifice fundamentally distinguish Jesus’ heavenly priesthood from that of the earthly priests.

Read Hebrews 6:19–20. Why does Jesus invite us to follow Him? What do we discover when we follow Him?

Why does Jesus invite us to follow Him?

Jesus invites us to follow Him because He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Through His death on the cross and His resurrection, He opened the way to reconciliation with God and gave us the opportunity to enter into His presence. He invites us to follow Him so that through Him, we may obtain redemption and eternal life.

What do we discover when we follow Him?

When we follow Jesus, we discover the hope that serves as a sure and steadfast anchor for our lives (Hebrews 6:19). Through faith in Jesus, we have access to a holy place behind the curtain, which represents the way to the throne of God. There, we can discover the light from the cross at Golgotha and gain a clearer insight into the mysteries of redemption. Jesus, our forerunner, has entered the heavenly sanctuary as the High Priest forever, to intercede for us and present our sincere desires before God.

When we follow Jesus, we also discover the significance of His mediation in the heavenly sanctuary. Through His intercession, we can receive the blessings of the atoning sacrifice and experience the perfect redemption He obtained through His sacrifice on the cross. His service in the heavenly sanctuary enables us to commune with God and be part of His eternal plan of salvation.

How does Christ’s death on the cross relate to His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary, and why is judgment so necessary for the plan of redemption?

Christ’s death on the cross and His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary are closely connected and play a central role in the plan of redemption.

1. Connection between the Crucifixion and Heavenly Intercession:

   1. Crucifixion: Through His death on the cross, Jesus Christ defeated sin and death. His sacrifice was perfect and singular, enabling humanity’s redemption from the power of sin and the consequences of disobedience to God.

   2. Heavenly Intercession: After His death, Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary as the High Priest to intercede for us. His intercession means that He stands before God to represent our sins and grant us access to God’s grace and forgiveness. By constantly interceding for us, He mediates the blessings of His sacrifice on the cross and grants us the opportunity to be reconciled with God.

2. Necessity of Judgment in the Plan of Redemption:

   • Judgment is necessary to fulfill God’s justice and demonstrate His rule over sin and evil. It serves to give an account and reward those who have remained steadfast in faith in Christ, while also punishing those who have turned away from God.

   • Judgment reveals the final alignment of people’s hearts and determines their eternal destiny. It separates those who have faithfully served God from those who have chosen a life of rebellion against God.

   • Through judgment, the righteousness of God is revealed by justifying and redeeming those who believe in Christ and accept His offer of grace, while condemning those who turn away from Christ and reject His offer of grace.

   • Ultimately, judgment contributes to the full manifestation of God’s holy character and His immutable morality. It demonstrates His love for justice and His mercy toward those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Overall, Christ’s death on the cross and His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary are closely connected, and judgment is an essential part of the plan of redemption, revealing God’s justice, love, and mercy.

The connection between Christ’s death on the cross, His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary, and our daily lives and faith is fundamental:

1. Redemption and Forgiveness: The fact that Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins and now intercedes for us in the heavenly sanctuary has direct implications for our daily lives. We can live knowing that our sins are forgiven through Christ and that He represents us before God when we trust and believe in Him.

2. Hope and Security: When we follow and trust Jesus, we discover the hope and security that only He can offer. His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary gives us the assurance that we are justified before God and that our future is secure in His hands. This hope shapes our daily lives, providing us comfort and confidence amidst all challenges and difficulties.

3. Relationship with God: Through Jesus, we have access to an intimate relationship with God. His death on the cross and His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary enable us to live in communion with God and experience His love and mercy daily. This relationship shapes our daily lives, giving us direction and purpose.

4. Responsibility and Faithfulness: Knowing that Jesus died for us and intercedes for us before God, we are called to follow Him and remain faithful. Our daily lives should be characterized by gratitude and devotion as we strive to do God’s will and live a life that reflects His example.

Overall, the connection between Christ’s death on the cross, His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary, and our daily lives shows that our faith is not just an abstract belief but has a direct impact on our daily actions and our relationship with God. By following Jesus and trusting in His intercession, we can lead a life characterized by hope, security, and unconditional love.

The immeasurable grace: Jesus’ intercession and perfection demonstrate the difference between the earthly and heavenly priesthood.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-light-from-the-sanctuary-8-5-jesus-our-advocate-in-the-judgment/