12.6 Summary
Faithfulness, Outpouring of the Spirit, and Worldwide Proclamation

The lesson “The Last Events of Earth” deals with end-time prophecy and the final events that will occur according to biblical teaching. It emphasizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the loud cry, and the last proclamation of the gospel. By examining Bible passages such as Revelation 18:1–4; Habakkuk 2:14; and Matthew 24:14, it is clarified that God’s work on earth will be completed through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The lesson emphasizes the important role that each individual plays in being open and receptive to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit by devoting themselves to prayer, repentance, Bible study, faith, fellowship with fellow believers, and evangelism. Overall, the lesson teaches that as believers, we can actively contribute to overcoming the obstacles that restrain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and that we are part of a greater divine plan aimed at renewing the world and spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.

The connection between Lesson 12 and our everyday life and faith is profound and practical. The teachings of this lesson remind us that we live in a time characterized by spiritual significance and divine providence. Here are some aspects that illustrate the connection:

1. Prayer: The lesson emphasizes the importance of prayer as an essential part of our spiritual life. By giving priority to prayer and staying in constant communication with God, we prepare our minds and hearts to be filled by the Holy Spirit. In daily life, we can consciously set aside time for prayer to strengthen our spiritual connection and prepare for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

2. Repentance and Cleansing: The lesson encourages constant self-examination to recognize and confess sin. By cleansing our lives and turning away from things that separate us from God, we open ourselves to the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. In daily life, this means becoming aware of actions or attitudes that contradict God’s will and working to rid ourselves of them.

3. Bible Study and Meditation: Regular study of the Bible and meditation on God’s Word can sharpen our spiritual perception and allow us to delve deeper into God’s plan. In everyday life, we can make time for reading and studying the Bible and reflect on how we can apply God’s Word in our daily lives.

4. Faith and Expectation: A spirit of faith and expectancy enables us to be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit. In daily life, we can work on strengthening our faith by firmly trusting that God will do His work and actively striving to do His will.

5. Fellowship with Fellow Believers: By engaging in a supportive and encouraging Christian community, we can strengthen each other’s faith and be jointly prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In daily life, this means actively participating in church life and encouraging and supporting each other in faith.

6. Service and Evangelism: When we actively strive to spread the gospel and tell others about God’s love, we open ourselves to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the world around us. In daily life, we can seek opportunities to tell others about our faith and encourage them to turn to God.

These aspects show that the teachings from Lesson 12 have direct implications for our daily lives and our faith. By preparing for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and consciously opening ourselves to God’s work, we can actively contribute to renewing the world and spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Defending God’s truth may be difficult, but we must stand firm, even when it’s unpopular.

1.Why is an understanding of end-time events very important for the coming crisis? How does the Holy Scriptures protect against deception?

An understanding of end-time events is extremely important for the coming crisis as it helps us recognize the signs of the times and prepare for what lies ahead. The Holy Scriptures serve as protection against deception by providing us with clear instructions and prophetic insights that help us distinguish truth from falsehood. By adhering to God’s Word, we can recognize deceptions and guard ourselves against them.

2.Democratic societies around the world have been a bulwark of religious freedom for centuries. How might that quickly change?

Democratic societies have been a bulwark of religious freedom for centuries, but these freedoms could quickly change, especially in times of increasing global tensions and political upheavals. Laws could be enacted to restrict or even abolish religious freedom, especially when religious beliefs conflict with state interests or political goals. These changes could be brought about through political decisions, societal pressure, or the rise of authoritarian regimes.

3.Consider the above statement by Ellen White. What decisions are you making today that could lead you to be among those confessing Adventists tomorrow?

The decisions we make today could lead us to be among the confessing Adventists who stand up for their faith amid the end-time crisis. These decisions include:

1. Decision for Obedience: We can choose today to be faithful to God and His Word by consciously deciding to obey His commandments, including the Sabbath, as a sign of our dedication to God.

2. Study of the Holy Scriptures: By seriously engaging with the Bible today and understanding the teachings of Scripture, we can be better prepared tomorrow to face the challenges of the end-time crisis and defend our faith.

3. Prayer and Spiritual Community: We can develop the habit of praying regularly today and engaging in spiritual fellowship with other believers. By doing so, we strengthen our spiritual connection to God and build a network of support and encouragement.

4. Decision for Integrity: We can decide today to live a life of integrity that aligns with our faith. By living according to moral and ethical principles in all areas of our lives, we prepare ourselves to stand firm in difficult times.

5. Preparation for Resistance: We can start today to prepare for possible resistance and trials that we may encounter tomorrow. This means strengthening our convictions, mentally and emotionally fortifying ourselves, and being aware that our faith could present us with challenges. By making conscious decisions today that align with our faith and dedication to God, we can prepare ourselves to be among the confessing Adventists who remain steadfast amid the end-time crisis.

4.How does the message of the second angel change under the loud cry, and what personal preparations can we make to receive the latter rain, which is to complete God’s work on earth?

The message of the second angel intensifies under the loud cry, becoming more urgent and intense. During this time, the warning against receiving the mark of the first beast, which calls for the worship of the false Sabbath, is emphasized. People are admonished to remain faithful to the true God and to turn away from the false teachings and traditions of the world. Personal preparations to receive the latter rain, which is to complete God’s work on earth, could include:

1. Prayer and Spiritual Dedication: We can engage more intensely in prayer and develop a deep spiritual dedication to open our hearts and minds to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

2. Repentance and Cleansing: It is important to examine our hearts and turn away from all sins. Through repentance and cleansing, we prepare ourselves to be filled by the Holy Spirit.

3. Deepening Bible Study: We can intensify our Bible study and delve deeper into God’s Word to better understand His truth and be firmly rooted in our faith.

4. Faith and Expectation: A strong trust in God and the firm expectation that He will complete His work prepares us to receive the blessing of the latter rain.

5. Fellowship with Fellow Believers: By actively participating in a supportive Christian community, we can strengthen each other’s faith and jointly prepare for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

6. Service and Evangelism: We can actively strive to spread the gospel and tell others about God’s love. By engaging in service to others, we open ourselves to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the world around us.

By making these personal preparations, we can be prepared to receive the blessing of the latter rain, which will complete God’s work on earth.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-earths-closing-events-12-6-summary/

12.5 The Loud Cry
The Final Proclamation of the Gospel

Read Revelation 18:1–4; Habakkuk 2:14; and Matthew 24:14. How is God’s work on earth said to be completed according to these verses?

In Revelation, the angel announces the fall of Babylon and proclaims the glory of God in a way that illuminates the whole earth. This angel represents human messengers commissioned by the divine power and authority of Christ to proclaim the gospel. Similar to the disciples in New Testament times, to whom Christ had given authority over the powers of hell, the messengers of the end times will, with the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, illuminate the whole world with the glory of God.

The Greek word “exousia” in the New Testament often refers to Christ’s triumph over the powers and authorities of hell. In Matthew 10:1, Jesus gives his disciples authority over these powers. In Matthew 28:18, He sends them out again with “all authority in heaven and on earth.” Just as the New Testament church proclaimed the gospel in a few years, the end-time church, filled with the Holy Spirit, will proclaim the gospel with unprecedented power.

In the end times, the Holy Spirit will be poured out with unprecedented power, and the gospel will spread rapidly to the ends of the earth. Thousands will convert in a day, and God’s grace and truth will impact the entire planet. In this way, the world will be warned, and the gospel and the hope it offers will be spread worldwide.

The prophet Hosea says: “Let us strive to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:3). This shows that God’s work on earth will be completed through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The early rain, which causes the seed to sprout, symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the apostolic age, while the latter rain, which ripens the harvest, points to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end of days to prepare the harvest of souls.

Overall, the great work of proclaiming the gospel will conclude with no less unfolding of God’s power than at its beginning. The prophecies fulfilled at the outpouring of the early rain will be fulfilled in the same way at the outpouring of the latter rain at the end. God’s servants, with faces shining with holy dedication, will hurry from place to place to proclaim the heavenly message. Thousands of voices will spread the warning across the entire earth, and miracles will happen, the sick will be healed, signs and wonders will follow the believers.

What holds back the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the latter rain, and the loud cry? However small our role as individuals may seem, what role can we play to be open and receptive to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?

The powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the latter rain, and the loud cry may be hindered by obstacles such as sin, indifference, worldly distractions, and lack of prayer. Our own weaknesses, doubts, and tendency to be overwhelmed by life’s challenges can also contribute to delaying this outpouring. Yet, despite these hindrances, as individuals, we can play an important role in being open and receptive to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

By:

1. Prayer: By giving priority to prayer and remaining in constant communication with God, we prepare our minds and hearts to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

2. Repentance and Cleansing: We should constantly examine ourselves to recognize and confess sin. By cleansing our lives and turning away from things that separate us from God, we open ourselves to the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Bible Study and Meditation: Through regular study of the Bible and meditation on God’s Word, we can sharpen our spiritual perception and delve deeper into God’s plan. This enables us to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit more clearly.

4. Faith and Expectation: A spirit of faith and expectation allows us to be open to the workings of the Holy Spirit. By firmly trusting that God will do His work and actively striving to do His will, we pave the way for a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

5. Fellowship with Fellow Believers: By engaging in a supportive and encouraging Christian community, we can strengthen each other in faith and be prepared together for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

6. Service and Evangelism: When we actively seek to spread the gospel and tell others about God’s love, we open ourselves to the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the world around us.

While our role as individuals may seem small, through our dedication, prayer, and faith, we can help overcome the obstacles that hinder the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. By willingly making our contribution and preparing ourselves for the work of the Holy Spirit, we can be part of a larger divine plan aimed at renewing the world and spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.

The connection between these prophetic events and our everyday lives lies in the readiness for repentance, dedication to God’s work, and active participation in spreading the gospel. We can overcome the obstacles to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the latter rain, and the loud cry by devoting ourselves to prayer, aligning our lives with the will of God, studying the Scriptures, strengthening our faith, and actively engaging in service and evangelism. Despite our individual weaknesses and limited abilities, through our dedication, faith, and willingness, we can contribute to the completion of God’s work on earth.

By prioritizing our prayer, purifying our hearts, and living in anticipation of the Holy Spirit’s work, we prepare the way for God’s powerful outpouring on earth.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-earths-closing-events-12-5-the-loud-cry/

12.4 The Early and Latter Rain
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Read Joel 2:21–24 and Acts 2:1–4, 41–47. Which prediction was fulfilled in the first century? How did this impact?

The fulfillment of Joel’s prediction of the early rain demonstrates the powerful effect of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and the powerful beginning for the Christian church. The book of Acts tells of one miracle of transforming grace after another. From just 120 believers who gathered for prayer, the number of believers quickly grew to about 5000. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of an amazing spread of the gospel.

Read Zechariah 4:6; 10:1; Hosea 6:3; and James 5:7–8. How is God’s work on earth said to be completed according to these verses?

According to these verses, God’s work on earth will be completed through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The early rain, which causes the seed to sprout, symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the apostolic age, while the latter rain, which ripens the harvest, points to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end of days to prepare the harvest of souls.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the fulfillment of Joel’s prediction of the early rain had a tremendous impact on the lives of believers in the first century and continue to hold significance for our faith and daily lives today. The powerful effect of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was the powerful beginning for the Christian church. From just 120 believers who gathered for prayer, the number of believers quickly grew to about 5000. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of an amazing spread of the gospel. It reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still active today and can bring powerful changes in our lives.

The verses from Zechariah, Hosea, and James point to the fulfillment of God’s work on earth through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The early rain, which causes the seed to sprout, symbolizes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the apostolic age. The latter rain, which ripens the harvest, points to the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the end of days to prepare the harvest of souls. This promise shows that the Holy Spirit continues to be effective in saving people and completing God’s work on earth.

In our daily lives, this means that the Holy Spirit is present and can work at every moment of our lives. He gives us strength, wisdom, and guidance to recognize and implement God’s will in our lives. By opening ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide us, we can lead a fulfilling and powerful life of faith and contribute to the completion of God’s work on earth.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit completes God’s work on earth, as the early rain caused the seed to sprout, and the latter rain will ripen the harvest.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-earths-closing-events-12-4-the-early-and-latter-rain/

12.3 Whom Do We Worship?
The Decision in the Great Conflict

In the last days, the battle for true worship will take place dramatically. Do we worship the Creator or do we worship the beast and its image? There is no middle ground. The first angel in Revelation 14 calls on men and women: “Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water!” (Rev 14:7). To further underscore heaven’s appeal, the third angel reveals the dire consequences of worshipping the beast: “He shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out undiluted into the cup of His anger” (v. 10). In contrast, those who worship the Creator are described as “those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus!” (v. 12).

Creation is the foundation of true worship (Rev 4:11). Since God “created all things through Jesus Christ” (Eph 3:9 SLT), Satan hates the Creator and has attempted through earthly powers to change the Sabbath, the memorial of creation (Dan 7:25). In the coming conflict over God’s law, the issue is authority. If Satan succeeds in eradicating Sabbath worship, he will declare that his authority is greater than God’s. To achieve this, Satan will try to convince or force the whole world to accept a counterfeit Sabbath.

As difficult as it may be to see this now—as we have already observed, the world is changing dramatically. The coronavirus crisis has shown us that our world can become a different place overnight. While we may not know the details leading to the mark of the beast, it is not very difficult to imagine. The world is very unstable, and with the amazing technology available today, what the Bible warns about could actually happen faster than we can imagine today.

Read Revelation 13:13–17. What specific penalties are imposed on those who do not accept the mark of the beast?

Those who remain faithful to Christ and do not accept the mark of the beast face severe consequences. In addition to economic penalties, they are also threatened with death. Humanity remains corrupt, power-hungry, and violent by nature. Although we do not yet know exactly how the final events will unfold, it is not difficult to imagine the persecution in the end times. Although written in a completely different context, these words of John say it all. Concerning Jesus, John writes that “He did not need anyone to testify about man, for He knew what was in man” (John 2:25 ESV).

Think about the corruption of humanity and the evil to which people are capable. Why does this show how easily the final events can occur? And, more importantly, what should this sad truth about guarding our own hearts teach us?

The corruption of humanity and the evil to which people are capable show how easily the final events can occur because they illustrate how quickly and widely the rejection of God and His commandments is prevalent in the world. Humanity is susceptible to manipulation, temptation, and sin. In a world where evil is so widespread, a crisis initiated by a manipulative and power-hungry system can easily lead to widespread persecution of believers. History shows that people are often capable of great evils when seduced by power and control over others. Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine that the warnings of the Bible about the end times could become a reality.

This sad truth about how corrupt humanity can be should teach us to guard our own hearts and be vigilant. We should be aware of how easily we ourselves can be influenced by the temptations and deceptions of this world. It is important to examine our hearts and minds daily and actively choose to follow God’s way and not submit to the temptations of evil. By aligning ourselves with God and His commandments, we can become more resilient to the temptations and corruption of the world. We must guard our hearts through regular prayer, study of the Bible, and a conscious decision to obey God in all things.

The connection between our daily lives and our faith is crucial, especially in times when the great conflict between true and false worship is becoming increasingly evident. Our daily lives are permeated with decisions that reflect our worship. Do we worship the Creator who made heaven and earth, or do we tend to follow the ways of this world and the seductive voices of evil? Revelation clearly shows that there is no middle ground. Our daily decisions, ranging from small habits to larger moral and ethical questions, reflect to whom we ultimately dedicate our worship.

The events described in Revelation could unfold much faster in our time than we can imagine. The current unstable world situation and technological advances make it clear that the warnings of the Bible no longer seem fictional. In such uncertain times, it is crucial to hold fast to our faith and follow the principles of Scripture.

When reflecting on the corruption of humanity and the evil to which people are capable, we should recognize how easily the final events can occur. History has shown us how susceptible humanity is to manipulation, abuse of power, and sin. This realization should encourage us to guard our own hearts and be vigilant. We must be aware of how quickly we can be influenced by the temptations and deceptions of this world.

To guard our hearts, we must turn to the Word of God daily, remain anchored in prayer, and consciously strive to follow God’s way in everything. By guarding our hearts in this way, we can become more resilient to the temptations and corruption of the world. It is our daily decision to guard our hearts through a firm faith, a conscious alignment with God’s commandments, and a deep relationship with Him.

Do we worship the Creator or do we worship the beast and its image? There is no middle ground.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-earths-closing-events-12-3-whom-do-we-worship/

12.2 Sealed for Heaven
The Sign of Faithfulness in the Final Conflict

In the upcoming crisis of worship, the faithful people of God will not succumb to worldly pressure. They will be sealed by the Holy Spirit and remain steadfast by adhering to God’s law and authority. In ancient times, seals served as marks of authenticity for official documents. As the final conflict revolves around worship and God’s authority, as revealed in His law, we would expect God’s seal to be embedded in His law.

Read Exodus 20:8–11. What elements of a seal are included in the Sabbath commandment?

In the Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8–11, we find three important elements of a genuine seal:

1. The Name: The seal belongs to the LORD our God.

2. His Title: He is the one who made – the Creator.

3. His Domain: Heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.

These elements of a seal are at the heart of the Sabbath commandment. The Sabbath is not only designated as a day of rest but also as a holy day that reminds us of God’s creation and reaffirms His sovereignty over the universe.

In the Bible, seals are sometimes also referred to as signs. These two terms are interchangeable. The Sabbath as God’s sign or seal is at the center of the final conflict over worship (Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Revelation 12:17). Observing it acknowledges God’s authority over our lives and serves as a reminder that He is our Creator and Lord.

Compare Revelation 7:1–3 and 14:1 with Revelation 13:16–17. Where are the seal of God and the mark of the beast received? Why do you think there is a difference?

In Revelation 7:1–3 and 14:1, the seal of God is placed on the forehead. The forehead symbolizes the mind and signifies a conscious decision. This indicates that those who receive the seal of God make a clear and conscious choice to submit to God’s will.

In contrast, the mark of the beast in Revelation 13:16–17 is received either on the forehead or on the hand. This suggests that people are intellectually convinced and of their own accord accept Satan’s lies or adapt to false worship to avoid being killed. It means that they either follow the beast and its false system in their thinking or in their actions.

The difference in the placement of God’s seal and the mark of the beast reflects the different states of the heart and decisions of people. Those who receive God’s seal do so from a clear understanding and a conscious dedication to God. They are firmly anchored in their faithfulness to Christ and hold fast to God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus. On the other hand, those who accept the mark of the beast do so either out of conviction or adaptation to the threats of the beast’s system.

Overall, the Great Controversy reaches its climax when the dragon (Satan) wages war against the faithful remnant, “those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). Despite the pressure and temptations, they remain steadfast in their faithfulness to Christ and steadfastly hold to God’s commandments.

Why is daily faithfulness to God the key to being prepared when the final crisis begins?

Daily faithfulness to God is the key to being prepared when the final crisis begins for several reasons:

1. Strengthening of Faith: Through daily communication with God, prayer, and the study of His word, our faith is strengthened. A strong faith is crucial to withstand the challenges of the final crisis.

2. Recognition of Truth: Through regular study of the Bible, we come to know God’s truth and distinguish it from the deceptions of the world. This enables us to remain firmly anchored in truth when lies and false teachings abound around us.

3. Character Strengthening: Daily faithfulness to God helps shape our character according to God’s standards. It helps us develop virtues such as patience, love, faithfulness, and self-control, which support us in times of crisis.

4. Communion with God: Daily relationship with God allows us to sense His presence and experience His guidance in our lives. This close relationship gives us peace and security, even amidst the greatest challenges.

5. Preparation for Spiritual Warfare: Daily faithfulness to God strengthens us in spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness. When the final crisis begins, we will need spiritual armor and resilience to withstand the attacks of evil.

Overall, daily faithfulness to God is crucial to being prepared when the final crisis begins because it strengthens us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, giving us the endurance and steadfastness needed to courageously face the challenges of faith.

The daily faithfulness to God, as depicted in the Sabbath commandment and in the conflict over the seal of God and the mark of the beast, has a direct connection to our daily lives and our faith.

1. Sabbath Commandment and Daily Life: The Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:8–11 emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath as a holy day that reminds us of God’s creation and His authority over our lives. The elements of a genuine seal contained in the Sabbath commandment are at the heart of this commandment. The Sabbath is not just a day of rest but also a day on which we consciously remember God’s creation and His authority over our lives. This recognition shapes our daily lives by permeating our actions and decisions, reminding us that God is our Creator and Lord.

2. Faith and Decisions: Revelation describes how the seal of God is placed on the forehead, while the mark of the beast is received either on the forehead or on the hand. This distinction reflects the states of the heart and the decisions of people. Daily faithfulness to God is the key to being prepared for the final crisis. This faithfulness is sealed by the Holy Spirit and gives believers the strength to resist worldly pressure. This affects their daily lives, decisions, and relationship with God.

3. Conflict over Worship and Daily Life: The conflict over the seal of God and the mark of the beast shows how faith is rooted in our daily lives. Daily faithfulness to God is the key to remaining steadfast in this crisis. This faithfulness is sealed by the Holy Spirit and gives believers the strength to resist worldly pressure. This affects their daily lives, decisions, and relationship with God.

Overall, the connection between the Sabbath commandment, the conflict over the seal of God and the mark of the beast, and our daily lives shows that daily faithfulness to God is crucial to remaining steadfast in times of crisis. It influences our mindset, decisions, and actions and strengthens our faith by reminding us that God is our Creator and Lord, whom we should faithfully follow.

Daily faithfulness to God is the key to being prepared when the final crisis begins, as it strengthens us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, giving us the endurance and steadfastness needed to courageously face the challenges of faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-earths-closing-events-12-2-sealed-for-heaven/