Further Study:
“Shall we not then exalt the cross of Christ? The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan. Angelic perfection failed in heaven. Human perfection failed in Eden, the paradise of bliss. All who wish for security in earth or heaven must look to the Lamb of God. The plan of salvation, making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal safeguard against defection in unfallen worlds, as well as among those who shall be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Our only hope is perfect trust in the blood of Him who can save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. The death of Christ on the cross of Calvary is our only hope in this world, and it will be our theme in the world to come. Oh, we do not comprehend the value of the atonement! If we did, we would talk more about it. The gift of God in his beloved Son was the expression of an incomprehensible love. It was the utmost that God could do to preserve the honor of his law, and still save the transgressor.”—Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889.Discussion Questions:
Dwell on the implications of her words that even the angels are not secure except by looking at the Cross. What does that mean? What should that tell us about how central the Cross should be to our daily lives and walk with the Lord now? 
Though our ultimate hope is other-worldly, how should this hope impact how we live here; that is, in how we seek to better live for others here?
Think about what God offers us. How foolish, how incredibly short-sided, to squander that hope on anything that this life offers us. How can you learn to wean yourself away from the things of this world that could jeopardize your hope of a new life in God’s eternal kingdom?
Summary:
The Day of Atonement pointed to the consummation of Christ’s work of salvation. It will result in the cleansing of the universe from sin and evil. That consummation begins with the vindication of the people of God and their removal from the presence of sin and Satan. The cosmic impact of the problem of sin will be dealt with through the millennial judgment and will result in the extermination of the forces of evil. After that, there will be a permanent union with God and the heavenly family, all made possible only through the atoning death of Christ. God’s love will be triumphant.
I N S I D E Story
Tricked Into the Truth
by AUGUSTINA APPIAGYEI
Growing up in Ghana, I attended church with my family. Then my father said, "Augustina, I want you to attend the Adventist church."
I knew that Adventists had helped our community during a famine, and I had met some Adventists who had visited our house, but I had never attended their church. However, my father asked me to go, so I started worshiping with Adventists on Saturday. I did not know it at the time, but my stepmother had wanted me to stay home from church on Sunday to clean the house and prepare dinner for the family after church. My father wanted me in church, so he suggested the Adventist church.
I was welcomed warmly at the Adventist church, and I liked the way the people studied the Bible. The only thing I didn't understand was the Sabbath. If the Sabbath was still a binding commandment, then I wanted to obey.
My parents wanted me to work after church on Sabbaths, but as I realized that the Sabbath was truly God's binding appointment with His people, I finished my work on Friday before sundown and stayed at church all day on Sabbath. My parents didn't understand why I suddenly wanted to spend the entire day in church.
I didn't mind preparing my family's meals on Sunday, for it was no longer a special day to me. And I hoped that as they saw my willingness to work for them, they would allow me to keep the Sabbath in peace. The arrangement worked well most of the time.
I continued cooking and cleaning for my family until I was married a few years later to a fine Adventist man. Sadly, my husband died, leaving me with four young children. But my faith is strong, and I have the love and support of my church family to see me through. Church members are even paying the school fees for my two eldest children.
My parents tricked me into attending the Adventist church, but God turned the trick into a blessing. For in this church I found more than a message of truth; I found a family to love.
Your mission offerings help bring people to the feet of Jesus. Thank you for your generosity.
AUGUSTINA APPIAGYEI (left) lives in Kumasi, Ghana.
Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission
Web site: www.adventistmission.org
No comments:
Post a Comment