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

Read Matthew 5:17–18; Psalm 111:7–8; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14; 1 John 5:3, and Proverbs 28:9. What do these verses teach us about the Christian’s relationship to the law?

The mentioned verses provide clear insight into the Christian’s relationship to God’s law:

1. Matthew 5:17–18: Jesus explains that he has not come to abolish the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them. The law remains valid until all is fulfilled.

2. Psalm 111:7–8: The psalmist attests to the immutability and eternity of God’s law. His commandments are firm and enduring.

3. Ecclesiastes 12:13–14: The fear of God and obedience to his commandments are considered the duty of man, as God will bring every deed into judgment, whether good or evil.

4. 1 John 5:3: Love for God is demonstrated through obedience to his commandments. His commandments are not burdensome to keep when one loves God.

5. Proverbs 28:9: God does not listen to the prayers of those who disregard his law. These verses teach that God’s law, especially the moral law, is immutable, eternal, and binding. It is a source of wisdom and guidance for the lives of believers. Seventh-day Adventists and Protestant reformers emphasize the importance of obeying God’s law, especially the Ten Commandments, as an expression of love for God and for maintaining moral order in society.

Compare Exodus 34:5–7 with Romans 7:11–12; Psalm 19:8–12; 89:15, and 119:142, 172. What do these verses tell us about the relationship between God’s law and God’s character?

The mentioned verses provide insights into the relationship between God’s law and his character:

1. Exodus 34:5–7: Here, God himself reveals his attributes by describing himself as merciful, gracious, patient, full of goodness, and truth. At the same time, he declares that he will not hold the guilty innocent and that he will visit the sins of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations. These attributes of God are reflected in his law.

2. Romans 7:11–12: God’s law is described as holy, righteous, and good. It illustrates that the law itself is not the cause of sin but rather sin uses the law to be revealed.

3. Psalm 19:8–12: The psalmist praises the perfection of God’s law and its ability to revive the soul, enlighten the eyes, and impart wisdom. He also emphasizes the need to guard against hidden faults and to remain pure from willful sins.

4. Psalm 89:15: Here, God is described as just and faithful, with righteousness and justice as the foundation of his throne. These characteristics are reflected in his law, which forms the basis of his rule and his relationship with his people.

5. Psalm 119:142, 172: God’s law is praised as eternal, true, and righteous. It is an expression of his character and faithfulness. Those who love his law and live by it experience joy and blessing in their lives.

These verses clearly show that God’s law is not just a list of commandments but an expression of his character and attributes. It is the foundation of his rule and relationship with his people. Therefore, the observance and obedience to his law are crucial for believers as it is a direct revelation of his divine nature.

What are often the arguments used to claim that we are no longer obligated to keep the Ten Commandments? What do you think lies behind this?

There are various arguments used to claim that we are no longer obligated to keep the Ten Commandments:

1. Abrogation of the law by the New Testament: Some argue that the New Testament, especially the teachings of Jesus, has abolished certain laws of the Old Testament, including the Ten Commandments. They emphasize that love for God and neighbor is the fulfillment of the law and that Christians are under grace, not under the law.

2. Fulfillment in Christ: Another argument is that Jesus Christ fulfilled the Ten Commandments, and thus they are no longer applicable to believers. They see in Christ the fulfillment of the law and argue that believers are freed from the obligation of the law through their faith in him.

3. Cultural changes: Some claim that the Ten Commandments were written in a specific cultural and historical context and are therefore no longer applicable to our modern society. They argue that moral standards have changed over time, and thus we are no longer bound by the commandments of the Old Testament.

4. Emphasis on grace: Some argue that the emphasis on grace and faith in Christ means that believers are no longer under the law but under grace, and thus they are exempt from keeping the Ten Commandments.

However, behind these arguments often lies a theological interpretation aimed at relativizing or minimizing the significance and role of the Ten Commandments in Christian life. Some see them as a restriction on freedom and grace in Christ, while others argue that morality should not be bound by commandments but should come from an inner sense of love and compassion. Ultimately, the perspective on the Ten Commandments depends heavily on the theological orientation and interpretation of the Bible.

The relationship between God’s law and everyday life as well as faith is profound and crucial for the spiritual life of a believer:

1. Guidance and direction: God’s law serves as guidance and direction for the daily life of a believer. It provides clear guidelines and principles for moral behavior, interpersonal relationships, and dealing with God.

2. Sanctification and growth: By obeying God’s law, the believer seeks sanctification and spiritual growth. Following God’s commandments helps to develop character traits such as love, patience, faithfulness, and mercy.

3. Relationship with God: Observing the law is an expression of love for God. By obeying his commandments, one demonstrates devotion and faithfulness to him. The law fosters a deep and trusting relationship with God by encouraging believers to obey his will.

4. Community and ethics: God’s law forms the basis for ethical behavior and a just society. Observing the commandments promotes a harmonious community where love, respect, and justice prevail.

5. Grace and forgiveness: Although God’s law makes demands on believers, it also emphasizes the need for grace and forgiveness. When we break the law, we can be restored through God’s grace and forgiveness, leading to a deeper understanding of his mercy.

Ultimately, obeying God’s law is not just an external duty but an expression of faith and love for God. It touches all aspects of daily life and shapes the identity of a believer as a disciple of Christ.

God’s law is a mirror of his character and a source of wisdom for our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-foundation-of-gods-government-9-2-the-immutability-of-gods-law/

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/