2023-Q2-L13

2023-Q2-L13: Ablaze With God's Glory

Read for This Week’s Study: 1 Thess. 5:1-6; John 8:32; Rev. 18:1; Rev. 4:11; Exod. 33:18, 19; Rev. 5:6, 12; Rev. 13:8.

Memory Text: “After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory” (Revelation 18:1, NKJV).

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:1–6 (ESV): 5 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

John 8:32 (ESV): 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Revelation 18:1 (ESV): 18 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory.

Revelation 14:9–12 (ESV): 9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” 12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Scripture (Romans 3:4)

Romans 3:4 (AMP): Certainly not! Let God be found true [as He will be], though every person be found a liar, just as it is written [in Scripture], “That You may be justified in Your words, And prevail when You are judged [by sinful men].”

Romans 3:4 (ESV): By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”

Romans 3:4 (LSB): May it never be! Rather, let God be true and every man a liar, as it is written, “That You may be justified in Your words, And overcome when You are judged.”

Romans 3:4 (NIV): Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.”

Commentary (1): when thou art judged—so in Ps 51:4, according to the Septuagint; but in the Hebrew and in our version, "when thou judgest." The general sentiment, however, is the same in both—that we are to vindicate the righteousness of God, at whatever expense to ourselves.

Commentary (2): The Syriac renders it, "when they (that is, people) shall judge thee." The meaning, as expressed by David, is, that God is to be esteemed right and just in condemning people for their sins, and that a true penitent, that is, a man placed in the best circumstances to form a proper estimate of God, will see this, though it should condemn himself. The meaning of the expression in the connection in which Paul uses it, is, that it is to be held as a fixed, unwavering principle, that God is right and true, whatever consequences it may involve; whatever doctrine it may overthrow; or whatever man it may prove to be a liar.

Psalm 51:4. the Hebrew may be more correctly rendered, as in the Authorized Version, "be clear when thou judgest."

Psalm 51:4 (KJ21): Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in Thy sight, that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest.

Commentary (3): There is some little difference between these words as they stand in the Hebrew text of Psalm 51:4; and as they are cited and rendered by the apostle, in the last clause of them; in the former it is, "that thou mightest be clear"; in the latter, "that thou mightest overcome". Now to vindicate the apostle's version, let it be observed, that the Hebrew word signifies to "overcome", as well as to "be clear"; of which instances may be given out of the Jewish writings. Says (l) Rabba; concerning an argument used by R. Chanina, in a controversy with other Rabbins, by this R. Chanina ben Antigonus, "hath overcome" them: and in another place (m), whosoever "overcomes" a king, they cast him into an empty ditch; where the gloss upon it is, he that overcomes a king by words, that is, by disputing with him, which is a disgrace to a king. So the word is used in the Syriac language in John 16:33. Moreover, the sense is the same, be it rendered either way; for as a man, when he overcomes his adversary, and carries his point against him, is clear of his charges and cavils, so God, when he overcomes in judgment, is clear of the imputations of wicked men. Another difference in the citation is, that what in the psalm is rendered "when thou judgest", is by the apostle, "when thou art judged", Psalm 51:4, the word, which is used by the Psalmist, may be rendered either way; either "when thou judgest", as a word of the same form is rendered, when "thou speakest", in Psalm 51:4; or "when anyone judges of thee", or "when thou art judged": a like instance is in Psalm 46:2; and so it is rendered by the Septuagint, and followed by the apostle, though the word he uses may be considered in the middle voice, and may have an active signification in it; and the phrase, , may be rendered, "when thou judgest", and then both agree.

Notes

The glory of God is his character.

The glory of God is linked to the 3rd angel's message.

How? Law basis (Satan's character as God). Bible self-interpretation. Spirit enlightenment.

Three-stage message.

1 angel: What is the eternal gospel? Is Christ's death/resurrection PART OF the eternal gospel?

Good news is the revelation (and establishment, "proof") of God's eternal character (and knowledge) of love.

Was Christ's work to change God's attitude toward us or was it our attitude toward God?

Take the heart of stone and put it a heart of flesh. Reborn. Forgiven and restored.

Not doing something to God but something to sinners.

God is judged by sinners!

Perverted law construct. The death of the innocent lamb for the sin(s) of a sinner is unjust. Therefore, God had to do something unjust to clear the sinner.

2nd angel. Babylon is the symbolic system of religious imperialism. Religious imperialism is using the power of the state to enforce religious dogma. Religious imperialism leads to persecution, to the Inquisition. Romanism is the belief that God's laws are arbitrary. The truth about God is the his laws are absolute and the basis of reality. That is, they are in the fabric of our existence. That they are built into the created order. That is, violating one of God's moral laws is like violating one of God's natural laws.

Thus, a person cannot truly be made righteous until their heart (their nature) is changed.

Substitutionary atonement.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (LSB): He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

3rd angel. God's wrath manifest. God sets people free to receive what they have chosen. This is when mercy stops and "justice" (i.e. reality) is manifest. When you are set free, you are put in the hands of the one you have chosen.

God's wrath. It is God "giving up" as in Romans 1. It is God letting go, letting loose, no longer restraining human passions.

The expression "God gave them over" (or "handed them over"), which appears three times in this passage (Rom. 1:24, 26,28), supports the idea that the sinful perversion of human existence, though resulting from human decisions, is to be understood ultimately as God's punishment which we, in freedom, bring upon ourselves.

In light of these reflections, the common notion that God punishes or blesses in direct proportion to our sinful or good deeds cannot be maintained...God loves us with an everlasting love. But the rejection of that love separates us from its life-giving power. The result is disintegration and death.

1SM 235.2: We are not to regard God as waiting to punish the sinner for his sin. The sinner brings the punishment upon himself. His own actions start a train of circumstances that bring the sure result. Every act of transgression reacts upon the sinner, works in him a change of character, and makes it more easy for him to transgress again. By choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God, cut themselves off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruin and death.

Isaiah 33:14: The sinners in Zion are afraid. Trembling has seized the godless ones. Who among us can live with the devouring fire? Who among us can live with everlasting burning?

Isaiah 33:15: He who walks righteously and speaks blamelessly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing to take a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from looking at evil—

The righteous dwell in the consuming fire, not the wicked. That is to say: The righteous will forever dwell in God's wrath. Because, God's wrath is God's glory.

God's glory is a consuming fire

Burning bush

Mount Sinai

Solomon's temple

Lucifer walked on burning coals. Ezekiel 27

Daniel 7:9-10

Hebrews 12:29. God is a consuming fire.

Song 8:6 (ESV): Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. [the flame of Yah]

Song 8:6 (CSB): Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death; jealousy is as unrelenting as Sheol. Love’s flames are fiery flames— an almighty flame!

Leviticus 10:1-5. Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu. "So fire came out from the presence of Yahweh and consumed them"

Revelation 14:10: he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.

Sulfur (G2303, theion; brimstone, divine incense, because burning brimstone was regarded as having power to purify and to ward off disease).

2 Thessalonians 2:8. At the 2nd coming, the wicked will be destroyed by the brightness of his coming.

Notes

Ostrich mentality.

AA 260.1: There are in the world today many who close their eyes to the evidences that Christ has given to warn men of His coming. They seek to quiet all apprehension, while at the same time the signs of the end are rapidly fulfilling, and the world is hastening to the time when the Son of man shall be revealed in the clouds of heaven. Paul teaches that it is sinful to be indifferent to the signs which are to precede the second coming of Christ. Those guilty of this neglect he calls children of the night and of darkness. He encourages the vigilant and watchful with these words: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”

Conviction, not argument.

GC 612.2: The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord's side.

Notes (2)

Truth + Spirit.

Sanctified by the word. God's truth versus "your" truth.

It's the Bible that sets us free.

Church + State + merchants. Global confederacy

Revelation 19:8 (CSB): She was given fine linen to wear, bright [Or dazzling, radiant] and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.

Revelation 19:8 (TLB): She is permitted to wear the cleanest and whitest and finest of linens.” (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God.)

Revelation 19:9-10: Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ ” He also said to me,“These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant of yoʋrs, and of yoʋr brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 10-11: Many who heard the first and second angels’ messages thought they would live to see Christ coming in the clouds of heaven. Had all who claimed to believe the truth acted their part as wise virgins, the message would ere this have been proclaimed to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. But five were wise and five were foolish. The truth should have been proclaimed by the ten virgins, but only five had made the provision essential to join that company who walked in the light that had come to them. The third angel’s message was needed. This proclamation was to be made. Many who went forth to meet the bridegroom under the messages of the first and second angels, refused the third angel’s message, the last testing message to be given to the world. 13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 10

A similar work will be accomplished when that other angel, represented in Revelation [18], gives his message. The first, second, and third angels’ messages will be repeated. The call will be given to the church, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” [Verse 4.] 13LtMs, Ms 92a, 1898, par. 11

SUNDAY. Preparing for the Final Crisis

Scriptures

1 Thessalonians 5:1–6 (ESV)

Matthew 24:42 (ESV): 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Matthew 26:40–41 (ESV): 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

EGW

Ellen G. White adds: “We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise.” — Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 28.

MONDAY. Knowing Truth

Scriptures

John 8:32 (ESV): 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 7:17 (ESV): 17 If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

John 17:17 (ESV): 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

From the lesson: The third angel’s message, which follows the first two angels, presents a warning against the mark of the beast. Throughout the prophecies of the Bible, a beast represents a political or religious power. The sea beast of Revelation 13 and 14 arises out of Rome as a worldwide system of worship. Eventually this Roman power extends its influence over the whole world and will lead out in a movement to unite church and state. The goal will be to achieve world unity at a time of economic upheaval, natural catastrophes, social turmoil, international political crisis, and global conflict.

EGW

“Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 588.

TUESDAY. The Reformation Continues

Scriptures

Revelation 18:1 (ESV)

Habakkuk 2:14 (ESV): 14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

WEDNESDAY. God's Glory Fills the Earth

Scriptures

Revelation 4:11 (ESV): 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Revelation 5:12 (ESV): 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

Revelation 19:1 (ESV): 19 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,

Exodus 33:18–19 (ESV): 18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.

From the lesson: God’s glory is His character. The earth will be filled with the glory of God when we are filled with the love of God and our characters are changed by redeeming love.

EGW

6T 19.1: The Lord God of heaven will not send upon the world His judgments for disobedience and transgression until He has sent His watchmen to give the warning. He will not close up the period of probation until the message shall be more distinctly proclaimed. The law of God is to be magnified; its claims must be presented in their true, sacred character, that the people may be brought to decide for or against the truth. Yet the work will be cut short in righteousness. The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel.

THURSDAY. The Lamb, the Slain Lamb

Scriptures

Revelation 5:6 (ESV): 6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

Revelation 5:8 (ESV): 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 5:12 (ESV): 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

Revelation 7:17 (ESV): 17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Revelation 14:1 (ESV): 14 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.

Revelation 15:3 (ESV): 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds,
O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!

Revelation 19:7 (ESV): 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;

Revelation 21:22–23 (ESV): 22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Revelation 22:1–3 (ESV): 22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.

Notes

Idolatry. a false conception of God and his attributes can lead to idolatry.

Baa. "Son of El."

FRIDAY. Further Thought: GC 612.2: The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God.

APPENDIX

Fornication is an illicit union. There are three groups who unite in this illicit union, or end-time confederacy: Babylon (all false religions of the world, including spiritualism, in league with the papal power), the kings of the earth (political/state powers), and the merchants of the earth (economic forces). Speaking about the union of church and state that is coming, Ellen G. White warns us that “when Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near.” —Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 451. God will meet the “marvelous working of Satan” with the greatest manifestation of heaven’s power since Pentecost: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. The earth will be ablaze with the glory of God. The gospel will be preached to the ends of the earth by people who will be living witnesses of its transforming power. Tens of thousands of honest-hearted men and women will flee Babylon and unite with Christ’s followers. Then Jesus will stream down the corridor of the skies in glory and take His children home.