Justification, Sanctification, and Righteousness: Sabbath School Lessons

3/88
JUSTIFICATION,
SANCTIFICATION,
AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
Sabbath School Lessons

Senior Division
Third Quarter 1988
JUSTIFICATION,
SANCTIFICATION,
AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
Lesson Title Page
1 The Plan of Redemption 5

2 The Work of Redemption 9
3 The Law of God 13
4 The Human Nature of Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5 The Divine Nature of Christ 20
6 Christ-Our Hope, Our Justification,
Our Righteousness 23
7 Justification Saves From the Curse of Sin 26
8 Justification by Faith Without Works 29
9 Faith That Justifies 32
10 The Glory of Man Laid in the Dust 35
11 Working Together With God 38
12 Sanctification 41
13 Clothed With the Righteousness of Christ 44
The Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Justification, Sanctification, and Righteous-

ness, for July-September 1988, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform
Movement General Conference, Sabbath School Department. It is printed and
distributed by Reformation Herald Publishing Association, P. O. Box 7240,
Roanoke, Virginia 24019-0240, U.S.A. PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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FOREWORD
The Sabbath school is to be the church at study, learning how to become
fit for heaven. To this end, every student should seek to heed the counsel of
Paul to the Philippians: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus" (Phil. 2:5). Then following this advice, what was the mind of Christ,
but "to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (John 4:34).
What is the work of God but to restore man to the image of God as he
was created in the beginning. This is only possible by the gospel which "is
the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth" (Rom. 1:16),
and by faith in the promise: "But as many as received him, to them gave he
power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"
(John 1:12). It is the plan of God that "as many as are led by the Spirit of
God, they are the sons of God" (Rom. 8:14).
At the present there is much agitation over the topic "Christ Our Righ-
teousness" especially in the professed church of God which had the oppor-
tunity to enter into this experience in 1888, and did not. Now there seems to
be a repetition of the history of ancient Israel, "Lo, we be here, and will go
up unto the place which the Lord hath promised: for we have sinned" (Num.
14:40).
As a people professing and endeavoring to be obedient to all that the
Lord requires, we must do all in our power to understand what has been re-
vealed. The enemy of souls has introduced all manner of counterfeits and er-
roneous ideas. Some would have us believe in instantaneous sanctification
and others that justification is entirely distinct and separate from sanctifica-
tion.
To help us understand what the Scripture plainly teaches, the servant of
the Lord has made the precious truth even more distinct and clear. We
should gather up every ray of revelation so that we may personally under-
stand and enter into the experience and let the image of God-fitness for
heaven-be recreated in us. We may have the witness of His Spirit with ours
that we are the children of God and may know for sure if we are His (Rom.
8:16). The proof is when we keep the commandments of God-His way-not
just some of them, and in our own way. When we can keep them in mind and
in deed, this is positive proof that we are children of God for it is only
through the power of Christ that we can learn to do right at all times and be
overcomers (1 John 2:3-6).
This series dealing with the important topics of Justification, Sanctifica-
tion, and Righteousness through Christ, needs to be properly understood so
that it is no longer merely a topic of discussion, but our own daily ex-
perience. Let all watch, study and pray.
The General Conference Sabbath School Department
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Thirteenth
for the Aust~.~c.n~L~~
Austria is a small country in the southeastern part of central Europe.
The language spoken is German. The majority of the population are Roman
Catholics. One of the greatest blessings now enjoyed by the Austrian people
is religious freedom.
Since the beginning of the Reform Movement in Europe, there have
been a few small groups of believers and some isolated members who have
stood firm for the truth. They remained loyal to God and His holy law also
during the time of persecution.
Up to this time our Austrian brethren have been holding most of their
general gatherings in an old and small house, which is inadequate for such
meetings. With a view to offering better facilities and more comfort to
members and visitors attending their Field conferences, they have lately
been renting a hall, where, unfortunately, they have not been free from con-
tinual disturbances.
Therefore, with the lapse of time, the need to erect a sanctuary big
enough to hold their conferences, became evident to our people in Austria.
In a quiet area, in Graz, they purchased a large building site, where they will
be able to have a vegetable, garden and also grow some fruit trees. This ac-
quisition was made possible through the generous donations made by some
of our members. One brother sold his little farm and gave the proceeds to
the Field in behalf of this project. This was a good start. But, for the comple-
tion of the mission house, more sacrifices will be needed. Since the financial
possibilities of our people in Austria are rather limited, they take this oppor-
tunity to make an appeal to our dear brethren and friends all over the world
for a liberal offering for the construction in Graz.
May the Lord pour His rich blessings upon the donors and donations, so
that, before long, the place of worship may be completed for the honor and
glory of God and for the salvation of souls. Thank you in advance for your
help.
The brethren of the Austrian Mission Field
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Lesson 1 Sabbath, July 2, 1988
THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION
When man - created in the image of God - became a sinner doomed to die,
God's infinite love provided a way for him to be restored.
KEY TEXT: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life." John 3:16.
D Sunday
IN THE BEGINNING June 26
1. How simply does the Scripture explain the nature of man at creation? In
what did he find pleasure? Genesis 1:26, 27.
"Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance and in character.
Christ alone is 'the express image' (Hebrews 1:3) of the Father; but man was formed
in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was
capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites and
passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the im-
age of God and in perfect obedience to His will."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45.
2. What state of affairs existed in the whole universe at the beginning? Genesis
1:31; Job 38:7.
"So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance of love, there was
perfect harmony throughout the universe of God. It was the joy of the heavenly host
to fulfill the purpose of their Creator. They delighted in reflecting His glory and show-
ing forth His praise. And while love to God was supreme, love for one another was
confiding and unselfish. There was no note of discord to mar the celestial harmon-
ies."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 35.
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o Monday
CONSEQUENCES OF THE FALL June 27
3. What was the consequence of sin upon man and nature? What has the trans-
gression of God's law brought to this world? Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 5:12.
"God made man perfectly holy and happy; and the fair earth, as it came from the
Creator's hand, bore no blight of decay or shadow of the curse. It is transgression of
God's law-the law of love-that has brought woe and death."-Steps to Christ, p. 9.
"By venturing to disregard the will of God upon one point, our first parents opened
the floodgates of woe upon the world. And every individual who follows their
example will reap a similar result. The love of God underlies every precept of His law,
and he who departs from the commandment is working his own unhappiness and ruin."
- Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 52.
4. Under whose power did both man and the earth fall? How did Christ refer to
him? Romans 6:16; Luke 4:5,6; John 14:30.
"Not only man but the earth had by sin come under the power of the wicked one,
and was to be restored by the plan of redemption. At his creation Adam was placed in
dominion over the earth. But by yielding to temptation, he was brought under the
power of Satan. 'Of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.'
2 Peter 2:19. When man became Satan's captive, the dominion which he held, passed
to his conqueror. Thus Satan became the 'god of this world.' 2 Corinthians 4:4. He
had usurped that dominion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam."
-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 67.
D Tuesday
THE RESULT OF SIN June 28
5. What change came in the nature of man after the fall? From what deplorable
condition was man to escape? John 8:44 (first part); Ephesians 2:1-3.
"In the beginning God created man in His own likeness. He endowed him with
noble qualities. His mind was well balanced, and all the powers of his being were har-
monious. But the Fall and its effects have perverted these gifts. Sin has marred and
well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 595.
"When man transgressed the divine law, his nature became evil, and he was in
harmony, and not at variance, with Satan. There exists naturally no enmity between
sinful man and the originator of sin. Both became evil through apostasy."-The Great
Controversy, p. 505.
6. Without the regenerating mercy of God, what condition of man persists.even

today? 2 Corinthians 4:4.
"All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the unre-
generate heart there is love of sin and a disposition to cherish and excuse it."- The
Great Controversy, p. 508.
"Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive. He who
chooses to associate with the servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their master."
-Ibid., p. 509.
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o Wednesday
AN EVIDENCE OF GOD'S LOVE June 29
7. What characteristic of the Godhead responded to the need of fallen man?

What motivated Christ to offer Himself as the sacrifice? t" John 4:9, 10.
"The Son of God, heaven's glorious Commander, was touched with pity for the
fallen race. His heart was moved with infinite compassion as the woes of the lost
world rose up before Him."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 63.
"Such is the character of Christ as revealed in His life. This is the character of
God. It is from the Father's heart that the streams of divine compassion, manifest in
Christ, flow out to the children of men. Jesus, the tender, pitying Saviour, was God
'manifest in the flesh.' 1 Timothy 3:16."-Steps to Christ, p. 12.
"But this great sacrifice was not made in order to create in the Father's heart a
love for man, not to make Him willing to save. No, no! 'God so loved the world, that
He gave His only-begotten Son.' John 3:16. The Father loves us, not because of the
great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us. Christ was
the medium through which He could pour out His infinite love upon a fallen world."
-Ibid., p. 13.
8. When was the plan of man's salvation established? What principle of God's
government is made manifest by this plan? Revelation 13:8; Romans 16:25.
"The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after
the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of 'the mystery which hath been kept in silence
through times eternal.' Rom. 16:25, R.V. It was an unfolding of the principles that
from eternal ages have been the foundation of God's throne. From the beginning, God
and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive
power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its ex-
istence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency. So great was His love for
the world, that He covenanted to give His only-begotten Son, 'that whosoever be-
lieveth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' John 3:16."-The Desire of
Ages, p. 22.
"And the sacrifice to which infinite love impelled the Father and the Son, that
sinners might be redeemed, demonstrates to all the universe-what nothing less than
this plan of atonement could have sufficed to do-that justice and mercy are the foun-
dation of the law and government of God."-The Great Controversy, p. 503.
o Thursday
THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION June 30
9. What is the purpose of God through the plan of redemption? 1 John 3:1;
Romans 8:15-17.
"What a value this [the Father's love] places upon man! Through transgression
the sons of man become subjects of Satan. Through faith in the atoning sacrifice of
Christ the sons of Adam may become the sons of God. By assuming human nature,
Christ elevates humanity. Fallen men are placed where, through connection with
Christ, they may indeed become worthy of the name 'sons of God.' "-Steps to Christ, p. 15.
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"It was to redeem us that Jesus lived and suffered and died. He became 'a Man of
Sorrows,' that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy. God permitted His
beloved Son, full of grace and truth, to come from a world of indescribable glory, to a
world marred and blighted with sin, darkened with the shadow of death and the
curse. He permitted Him to leave the bosom of His love, the adoration of the angels,
to suffer shame, insult, humiliation, hatred, and death. 'The chastisement of our
peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.' Isaiah 53:5. Behold Him in
the wilderness, in Gethsemane, upon the cross! The spotless Son of God took upon
Himself the burden of sin. He who had been one with God, felt in His soul the awful
separation that sin makes between God and man. This wrung from His lips the
anguished cry, 'My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?' Matthew 27:46. It
was the burden of sin, the sense of its terrible enormity, of its separation of the soul
from God-it was this that broke the heart of the Son of God."-Ibid., p. 13.
10. In order for sin not to arise again, what doubt must be entirely removed from
the minds of all intelligent beings in the whole universe by the plan of salva-
tion? Nahum 1:9; Luke 24:25, 26.
"It was God's purpose to place things on an eternal basis of security, and in the
councils of heaven it was decided that time must be given for Satan to develop the
principles which were the foundation of his system of government. He had claimed
that these were superior to God's principles. Time was given for the working of
Satan's principles, that they might be seen by the heavenly universe.
"Satan led men into sin, and the plan of redemption was put in operation. For
four thousand years, Christ was working for man's uplifting, and Satan for his ruin
and degradation. And the heavenly universe beheld it all."- The Desire of Ages, p. 759.
D Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS July 1
a. What characterized the whole creation of God in the beginning?

b. Besides the changed conditions, what really happened when man disobeyed
God?
c. What intervention of God was made necessary to mitigate the results of sin?
d. What does the plan of salvation fully reveal about the true nature of the
Godhead?
e. What must the plan of salvation establish firmly in every mind to remove the
possibility of doubt or imagining some alternative? •
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THE WORK OF REDEMPTION
To redeem man means that his debt of guilt must be paid and he must be
restored to his original condition - "in the image of God."
KEY TEXT: "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye
were healed." 1 Peter 2:24.
D Sunday
TO SATJSFY THE REQUIREMENTS July 3
1. What is the penalty for transgression of the law? How only could the trans-
gressor escape? Who took upon Himself our transgression? Genesis 2: 17;
Romans 7:10, 11; 1 Peter 2:24.
"Through disobedience Adam fell. The law of God had been broken. The divine
government had been dishonored, and justice demanded that the penalty of trans-
gression be paid.
"To save the race from eternal death, the Son of God volunteered to bear the
punishment of disobedience. Only by the humiliation of the Prince of heaven could
the dishonor be removed, justice be satisfied, and man be restored to that which he
had forfeited by disobedience. There was no other way. For an angel to come to this
earth, to pass over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell, would not have sufficed.
This could not have removed one stain of sin, or brought to man one hour of proba-
tion."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 308.
2. What did the Son of God have to do first in order to make the plan of salva-
tion a reality? Who also made the sacrifice in giving Christ? John 3:16; 1
Timothy 3:16.
"But God gave His own dear Son-one equal with Himself-to bear the penalty of
transgression, and thus He provided a way by which they might be restored to His
favor, and brought back to their Eden home. Christ undertook to redeem man and to
rescue the world from the grasp of Satan. The great controversy begun in heaven was
to be decided in the very world, on the very same field, that Satan claimed as his."
-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 69.
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"What a sight was this for Heaven to look upon! Christ, who knew not the least
taint of sin or defilement, took our nature in its deteriorated condition. This was hu-
miliation greater than finite man can comprehend. God was manifest in the flesh. He
humbled Himself. What a subject for thought, for deep, earnest contemplation! So in-
finitely great that He was the Majesty of heaven, and yet He stooped so low, without
losing one atom of His dignity and glory! He stooped to poverty and to the deepest
abasement among men. For our sake He became poor, that we through His
poverty might be made rich. 'The foxes have holes,' He said, 'and the birds of the air
have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head' (Matt. 8:20)."-Selected
Messages, book 1, p. 253.
D Monday
THE CONDITION-PERFECT OBEDIENCE July 4
3. How did Christ redeem fallen man? What kind of obedience made it possible
for Christ to redeem us? Philippians 2:6-8; Romans 5:12, 18.
"As representative of the fallen race, Christ passed over the same ground on
which Adam stumbled and fell. Bya life of perfect obedience to God's law, Christ re-
deemed man from the penalty of Adam's disgraceful fall. Man has violated God's law.
Only for those who return to their allegiance to God, only for those who obey the law
that they have violated, will the blood of Christ avail. Christ will never become a party
to sin. Bearing the penalty of the law, He gives the sinner another chance, a sec-
ond trial. He opens a way whereby the sinner can be reinstated in God's favor. Christ
bears the penalty of man's past transgressions, and by imparting to man His righ-
teousness, makes it possible for man to keep God's holy law."-TheSDA Bible Commen-
tary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1092.
"His whole life was a preface to His death on the cross. His character was a life of
obedience to all God's commandments, and was to be a sample for all men upon the
earth. His life was the living of the law in humanity. That law Adam transgressed.
But Christ, by His perfect obedience to the law redeemed Adam's disgraceful failure
and fall."-Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 382.
4. What has given Christ the right to take the captives out of the hands of the
enemy? John 15:10 (last part); 1 Peter 2:24.
"What right had Christ to take the captives out of the enemy's hands?-The right
of having made a sacrifice that satisfies the principles of justice by which the kingdom
of heaven is governed. He came to this earth as the Redeemer of the lost race, to con-
quer the wily foe, and, by His steadfast allegiance to right, to save all who accept Him
as their Saviour. On the cross of Calvary He paid the redemption price of the race.
And thus He gained the right to take the captives from the grasp of the great de-
ceiver, who, by a lie, framed against the government of God, caused the fall of man,
and thus forfeited all claim to be called a loyal subject of God's glorious everlasting
kingdom."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 309.
" 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' While the law of God is
maintained, and its justice vindicated, the sinner can be pardoned."-Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 739.
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THE SON OF MAN DEVELOPED o Tuesday
A PERFECT CHARACTER July 5
5. How did Christ set about preparing for restoration of the image of God in
man? Hebrews 5:7-9.
"He who knew no sin was made sin for us. With this terrible weight of guilt upon
Him because of our sins He withstood the fearful test upon appetite, and upon love of
the world and of honor, and pride of display which leads to presumption. Christ en-
dured these great leading temptations and overcame in behalf of man, working out for
him a righteous character, because He knew man could not do this of himself."- Testi-
monies, vol. 3, p. 372.
"By transgression of this law man brought sin into the world, and with sin came
death. Christ became the propitiation for man's sin. He proffered His perfection of
character in the place of man's sinfulness. He took upon Himself the curse of disobe-
dience."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1096.
6. Why did Jesus come? Who is represented in His character? John 14:7-9;
17:4 (first part).
"Christ came to reveal God to the world as a God of love, full of mercy, tender-
ness, and compassion....
"When Philip came to Jesus with the request, 'Show us the Father, and it suf-
ficeth us,' the Saviour answered him: 'Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast
thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how
sayest thou then, Show us the Father?' Christ declares Himself to be sent into the
world as a representative of the Father. In His nobility of character, in His mercy and
tender pity, in His love and goodness, He stands before us as the embodiment of di-
vine perfection, the image of the invisible God."-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 738, 739.
o Wednesday
HARMONY WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF THE LAW July 6
7. What does Christ's death on the cross prove concerning the law? What is still
the condition of salvation? Isaiah 42:21; Matthew 5:17; 19:17.
"But it was not merely to accomplish the redemption of man that Christ came to
the earth to suffer and to die. He came to 'magnify the law' and to 'make it honor-
able.' Not alone that the inhabitants of this world might regard the law as it should be
regarded; but it was to demonstrate to all the worlds of the universe that God's law is
unchangeable. Could its claims have been set aside, then the Son of God need not
have yielded up His life to atone for its transgression. The death of Christ proves it
immutable. And the sacrifice to which infinite love impelled the Father and the Son,
that sinners might be redeemed, demonstrates to all the universe-what nothing less
than this plan of atonement could have sufficed to do-that justice and mercy are the
foundation of the law and government of God."-The Great Controversy, p. 503.
8. In the work of redemption, what is used by Christ to convert man? Psalm 19:7.
"To bring humanity into Christ, to bring the fallen race into oneness with divini-
ty, is the work of redemption. Christ took human nature that men might be one with
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Him as He is one with the Father, that God may love man as He loves His only-begotten
Son, that men may be partakers of the divine nature, and be complete in Him."-
Selected Messages, book 1, p. 251.
D Thursday
SALVATION, THE ANTITHESIS OF WICKEDNESS July 7
9. What was given to Adam at the beginning and usurped by Satan after the
fall? How and when will this be restored on the basis of the life and sacrifice
of Christ? Genesis 1:26; Luke 4:5,6; John 12:31.
"Not only man but the earth had by sin come under the power of the wicked one,
and was to be restored by the plan of redemption. At his creation Adam was placed in
dominion over the earth. But by yielding to temptation, he was brought under the
power of Satan. 'Of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.'
2 Peter 2:19. When man became Satan's captive, the dominion which he held, passed
to his conqueror. Thus Satan became 'the god of this world.' 2 Corinthians 4:4. He
had usurped that dominion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam.
But Christ, by His sacrifice paying the penalty of sin, would not only redeem man, but
recover the dominion which he had forfeited. All that was lost by the first Adam will
be restored by the second.... That purpose will be fulfilled, when, renewed by the
power of God, and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall become the eternal abode of the
redeemed. 'The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.' 'And
there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and
His servants shall serve Him.' Psalm 37:29; Revelation 22:3." -Patriarchs and Prophets,
p.67.
10. By virtue of His atoning sacrifice, what will Christ do with sin and everyone
and everything having any connection with it? Malachi 4:1; Revelation
20:14, 15; Ezekiel 28:19 (last part).
"It was seen, also, that while Lucifer had opened the door for the entrance of sin
by his desire for honor and supremacy, Christ had, in order to destroy sin, humbled
Himself and become obedient unto death."-The Great Controversy, p. 502.
"The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable, proclaims to the
universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour's expiring cry, 'It is finished,'
the death knell of Satan was rung. The great controversy which had been so long in
progress was then decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain. The
Son of God passed through the portals of the tomb, that 'through death He might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.' "-Ibid., p. 503.
D Friday
a. Why was the incarnation of Christ vital to the plan of salvation?

b. After the incarnation, what was the next requirement of the One who was to
redeem men from sin?
c. What did Jesus have to literally demonstrate to His disciples and to men?
d. What does Christ do for man which enables him to manifest the character of
Christ?
e. How will the position of Adam and the usurper be reversed? •
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THE LAW OF GOD
The law of God being holy, just, good and spiritual is given to man to
reestablish these qualities and preserve in him the image of his Creator.
KEY TEXT: "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy
law." Psalm 119:18.
o Sunday
THE LAW BEFORE THE FALL July 10
1. What is evidence that the law existed before the fall? Exodus 16:4; 20:8
(first part).
"The law of God existed before the creation of man or else Adam could not have
sinned."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 230.
"The law of God existed before man was created. It was adapted to the condition
of holy beings; even angels were governed by it."-Ibid., p. 220.
"In the beginning, man was created in the image of God. He was in perfect har-
mony with the nature and the law of God; the principles of righteousness were written
upon his heart."- The Great Controversy, p. 467.
2. What is necessary for all created beings in order for them to continue in full
harmony with the law of God? Psalm 119:165.
"The harmony of creation depends upon the perfect conformity of all beings, of
everything, animate and inanimate, to the law of the Creator. God has ordained laws
for the government, not only of living beings, but of all the operations of nature."
-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 52
D Monday
THE CONSEQUENCES OF TRANSGRESSION July 11
3. What is said of the law? Why has obedience to it ever been the condition of
eternal life? Romans 7:12; Luke 10:25-28.
"The law of God is as sacred as God Himself. It is a revelation of His will, a

transcript of His character, the expression of divine love and wisdom." -Patriarchs and
Prophets, p. 52.
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"The Lord requires no less of the soul now, than He required of Adam in
Paradise before he fell-perfect obedience, unblemished righteousness. The require-
ment of God under the covenant of grace is just as broad as the requirement He made
in Paradise-harmony with His law, which is holy, and just, and good. The gospel
does not weaken the claims of the law; it exalts the law and makes it honorable.
Under the New Testament, no less is required than was required under the Old Tes-
tament."-Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 373, 374.
4. What is transgression of the law? What is the inevitable consequence of

disobedience? 1 John 3:4; Romans 6:23 (first part).
"The law demands perfect obedience. 'Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and
yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all' (James 2:10). Not one of those ten precepts
can be broken without disloyalty to the God of heaven. The least deviation from its re-
quirements, by neglect or willful transgression, is sin, and every sin exposes the sin-
ner to the wrath of God. "-Selecied Messages, book 1, p. 218.
"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."-Ibid., p. 235.
D Tuesday
THE LAW AFTER THE FALL July 12
5. What change of attitude came as a result of disobedience? What is evidenced

by the fact that our first parents hid themselves from the presence of God?
Romans 8:7-11; Isaiah 59:2.
"But sin alienated him [man] from his Maker. He no longer reflected the divine
image. His heart was at war with the principles of God's law. 'The carnal mind is en-
mity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.'
Romans 8:7."-The Great Controversy, p. 467.
6. How do we know that the law was not changed after the fall? Where was it
later written? Psalm 119:152; Deuteronomy 4:12, 13.
"After the fall, the principles of righteousness were unchanged. Nothing was
taken from the law; not one of its holy precepts could be improved. And as it has ex-
isted from the beginning, so will it continue to exist throughout the ceaseless ages of
eternity. 'Concerning thy testimonies,' says the psalmist, 'I have known of old that
thou hast founded them for ever' (Ps. 119: 152)."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 220.
"After the transgression of Adam the principles of the law were not changed, but
were definitely arranged and expressed to meet man in his fallen condition."-Ibid., p. 230.
D Wednesday
THE LAW AND GRACE ARE CONNECTED July 13
7. Upon what is the throne of God founded? What was a continual reminder of
this in the most holy place of the sanctuary? Psalm 89:14; Exodus 25:17.
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"In the temple in heaven, the dwelling place of God, His throne is established in
righteousness and judgment. In the most holy place is His law, the great rule of right
by which all mankind are tested. The ark that enshrines the tables of the law is
covered with the mercy seat, before which Christ pleads His blood in the sinner's
behalf. Thus is represented the union of justice and mercy in the plan of human
redemption. This union infinite wisdom alone could devise and infinite power ac-
complish; it is a union that fills all heaven with wonder and adoration. The cherubim
of the earthly sanctuary, looking reverently down upon the mercy seat, represent the
interest with which the heavenly host contemplate the work of redemption. This is
the mystery of mercy into which angels desire to look-that God can be just while He
justifies the repenting sinner and renews His intercourse with the fallen race; that
Christ could stoop to raise unnumbered multitudes from the abyss of ruin and clothe
them with the spotless garments of His own righteousness to unite with angels who
have never fallen and to dwell forever in the presence of God."- The Great Controversy,
p.415.
8. What two principles must ever be in harmony? How do we know that mercy
does not do away with the law? Psalm 85:10.
"The law and the gospel are in perfect harmony. Each upholds the other. In all its
majesty the law confronts the conscience, causing the sinner to feel his need of Christ
as the propitiation for sin. The gospel recognizes the power and immutability of the
law. 'I had not known sin, but by the law,' Paul declares (Rom. 7:7). The sense of sin,
urged home by the law, drives the sinner to the Saviour."-SelectedMessages, book 1, pp.
240, 241.
"The grace of Christ and the law of God are inseparable. In Jesus mercy and
truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other. In His life
and character He not only reveals the character of God, but the possibility of man."
-Ibid., p. 349.
D Thursday
GOD'S IDEAL FOR MAN July 14
9. What is God's ideal for His children according to the plan of salvation? Mat-
thew 5:48; Romans 8:4.
"God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach.
'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.' This com-
mand is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from
the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to
destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be
imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning."- The Desire of Ages, p. 311.
"The law is an expression of God's idea. When we receive it in Christ, it becomes
our idea. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above tempta-
tions that lead to sin. 'Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall of-
fend them.' (Ps. 119:165)-cause them to stumble."-Selected Messages; book 1, p. 235.
10. In order to reach this goal, with what should the sinner be in harmony?
Under the new covenant, what must be written in the mind and heart? Psalm
119:142, 167; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16.
(Continued on page 19)
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THE HUMAN NATURE OF CHRIST
By the incarnation, Christ became the Son of man taking the same sinful
nature as we inherit to show that it is possible to live a sinless life.
KEY TEXT: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld
his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth." John 1:14.
D Sunday
THE HUMAN LINEAGE OF CHRIST July 17
1. What form was it necessary for Christ to take when He came to earth and
why? Romans 8:3; John 1:14.
"The humanity of the Son of God is everything to us. It is the golden chain that
binds our souls to Christ, and through Christ to God. This is to be our study. Christ
was a real man. "-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 244.
"Jesus became a man that He might mediate between man and God. He clothed
His divinity with humanity, He associated with the human race, that with His long
human arm He might encircle humanity, and with His divine arm grasp the throne of
Divinity. And this, that He might restore to man the original mind which he lost in
Eden through Satan's alluring temptation."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White
Comments] Appendix C, Part 2, Section IX.
2. According to the flesh, whose descendant was Christ? What did He inherit
from His mother? Genesis 3:15; 22:18; Romans 1:3.
"It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's
nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted human-
ity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child
of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What
these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such
a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a
sinless life."-The Desire of Ages, p. 49.
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o Monday
THE HUMAN NATURE OF CHRIST July 18
3. How is the human nature of the Son of God described by the prophet Isaiah?
Isaiah 53:3, 4.
"In taking upon Himself man's nature in its fallen condition, Christ did not in the
least participate in its sin. He was subject to the infirmities and weaknesses by which
man is encompassed, 'that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the proph-
et, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.' He was touched
with the feeling of our infirmities, was in all points tempted like as we are."-The SDA
Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 5, p. 1131.
4. How does the apostle Paul describe the reality of the human nature that
Christ inherited? Hebrews 2: 14, 17 (first part).
"For four thousand years the race had been decreasing in physical strength, in
mental power, and in moral worth; and Christ took upon Him the infirmities of
degenerate humanity. Only thus could He rescue man from the lowest depths of his
degradation."-The Desire of Ages, p. 117.
"Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as
we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed
by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was God
in the flesh. His character is to be ours."-Ibid., p. 311.
o Tuesday
CHRIST COULD HAVE FALLEN July 19
5. How do we know that Christ had to meet all the temptations which we have
to face and with what result? Hebrews 4:15.
"Christ alone had experience in all the sorrows and temptations that befall
human beings. Never another of woman born was so fiercely beset by temptation;
never another bore so heavy a burden of the world's sin and pain."-Education, p. 78.
"The Son of God was assaulted at every step by the powers of darkness. After
His baptism He was driven of the Spirit into the wilderness, and suffered temptation
for forty days. Letters have been coming in to me, affirming that Christ could not
have had the same nature as man, for if He had, He would have fallen under similar
temptations. If He did not have man's nature, He could not be our example. If He was
not a partaker of our nature, He could not have been tempted as man has been. If it
were not possible for Him to yield to temptation, He could not be our helper. It was a
solemn reality that Christ came to fight the battles as man, in man's behalf."-Selected
6. What is evidence of Christ's human nature and of the possibility that He

could have fallen under temptation? 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 5:7, 8.
"Unless there is a possibility of yielding, temptation is no temptation. Tempta-

tion is resisted when man is powerfully influenced to do a wrong action and, knowing
-17 -
that he can do it, resists, by faith, with a firm hold upon divine power. This was the
ordeal through which Christ passed. He could not have been tempted in all points as
man is tempted, had there been no possibility of His failing....
"The temptations to which Christ was subjected were a terrible reality. As a free
agent, He was placed on probation with liberty to yield to Satan's temptations and
work at cross-purposes with God. If this were not so, if it had not been possible for
Him to fall, He could not have been tempted in all points as the human family is
tempted."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 5, p. 1082.
o Wednesday
CHRIST AND HEAVEN WERE DEEPLY INVOLVED July 20
7. What possibility made the temptation in the wilderness so severe for Christ?
Luke 4:2, 12, 13.
"Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation.

Then He could not have been placed in Adam's position; He could not have gained
the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have in any sense a more trying conflict
than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But our Saviour took
humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of
yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured."-The
Desire of Ages, p. 117.
"When we give to His human nature a power that it is not possible for man to
have in his conflicts with Satan, we destroy the completeness of His humanity." - The
SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 7, p. 929.
8. What tremendous odds were at stake, and what was the secret of victory?
James 4:7, 8.
"The value of a soul, who can estimate? Would you know its worth, go to
Gethsemane, and there watch with Christ through those hours of anguish, when He
sweat as it were great drops of blood. Look upon the Saviour uplifted on the cross.
Hear that despairing cry, 'My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?' Mark
15:34. Look upon the wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet. Remember
that Christ risked all. For our redemption, heaven itself was imperiled. At the foot of
the cross, remembering that for one sinner Christ would have laid down His life, you
may estimate the value of a soul."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 196.
o Thursday
CHRIST'S GROWTH AND TRIUMPH July 21
9. By what experiences common to men was Jesus prepared for victory and
with what result? Luke 2:40, 52; Hebrews 5:8, 9.
"The life of Jesus was a life in harmony with God. While He was a child, He
thought and spoke as a child; but no trace of sin marred the image of God within Him.
Yet He was not exempt from temptation. The inhabitants of Nazareth were prover-
bial for their wickedness. The low estimate in which they were generally held is
shown by Nathanael's question, 'Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?'
John 1:46. Jesus was placed where His character would be tested."-TheDesireofAges,
p.71.
-18 -
10. What was necessary for Christ to achieve? What is He able to do for those
who are tempted like He was? Revelation 3:21.
"He [Christ] vanquished Satan in the same nature over which in Eden Satan had
obtained the victory. The enemy was overcome by Christ in His human nature. The
power of the Saviour's Godhead was hidden. He overcame in human nature, relying
upon God for power. "-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 7, p. 924.
D Friday
a. What heritage did Christ receive from the line of Adam?

b. What makes it clear that Jesus truly lived as a man while among men?
c. How do we know that Christ had to meet real temptations in the same way as
any other human being?
d. When Christ had to personally meet temptation as a Son of man, what
possibility existed, and what all depended on the outcome?
e. How was Christ prepared to overcome, and what may we learn from this? •
'* * '* * '* * '*

(Continued from page 15)
"It is the work of conversion and sanctification to reconcile men to God by bring-
ing them into accord with the principles of His law."-The Great Controversy, p. 467.
" 'Thy law is the truth.' By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the
great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is
'holy, and just, and good,' a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a
character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of
such a character. He says: '1 have kept My Father's commandments.' '1 do always
those things that please Him.' John 15:10; 8:29. The followers of Christ are to become
like Him-by the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of
His holy law. This is Bible sanctification."-Ibid., p. 469.
D Friday
a. How does the law of God maintain perfect harmony?

b. What may we know of the consequences of disobeying the law of God?
c. What may we know of the perpetuity of the law?
d. What lesson may be learned from the cover of the ark containing the tables
of the law?
e. What enables the believers to become like Christ?
•
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THE DIVINE NATURE OF CHRIST
Although Christ as the Son of God always retained His divine power which
He used to bless others, He overcame sin as a man using only the powers
available to men.
KEY TEXT: "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the
Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David." Luke 1:32.
D Sunday
THE INCARNATION OF THE SON OF GOD July 24
1. What prophecy was made concerning the coming of the Son of God as
mediator? Hebrews 10:5; John 1:14.
"The Shekinah had departed from the sanctuary, but in the Child of Bethlehem
was veiled the glory before which angels bow. This unconscious babe was the promised
seed, to whom the first altar at the gate of Eden pointed. This was Shiloh, the peace
giver. It was He who declared Himself to Moses as the I AM. It was He who in the
pillar of cloud and of fire had been the guide of Israel. This was He whom seers had
long foretold. He was the Desire of all nations, the Root and the Offspring of David,
and the Bright and Morning Star. The name of that helpless little babe inscribed in
the roll of Israel, declaring Him our brother, was the hope of fallen humanity. The
child for whom the redemption money had been paid was He who was to pay the ran-
som for the sins of the whole world. He was the true 'high priest over the house of
God,' the head of 'an unchangeable priesthood,' the intercessor at 'the right hand of
the Majesty on high.' Heb. 10:21; 7:24; 1:3."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 52, 53.
2. How did Pilate present the Son of God to the multitude? In what was he cor·
rect, and in what was he in error? John 19:5; 18:36.
"But although Christ's divine glory was for a time veiled and eclipsed by His
assuming humanity, yet He did not cease to be God when He became man. The
human did not take the place of the divine, nor the divine of the human. This is the
mystery of godliness. The two expressions 'human' and 'divine' were, in Christ,
closely and inseparably one, and yet they had a distinct individuality. Though Christ
humbled Himself to become man, the Godhead was still His own. His deity could not
be lost while He stood faithful and true to His loyalty."-The SDA Bible Commentary,
[E.G. White Comments] vol. 5, p. 1129.
"Was the human nature of the Son of Mary changed into the divine nature of the
Son of God? No; the two natures were mysteriously blended in one person-the man
Christ Jesus. In Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."-Ibid., p. 1113.
- 20-
o Monday
CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD July 25
3. How does the word of God explain the birth of Christ? Luke 1:30-32.
"By His obedience to all the commandments of God, Christ wrought out a re-
demption for men. This was not done by going out of Himself to another, but by tak-
ing humanity into Himself."-Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 250, 251.
.4. As a man, what other nature did He also possess? When explaining the
mystery of the incarnation, what danger must be avoided? Luke 1:34, 35.
"These words [Luke 1:34, 35] do not refer to any human being, except to the Son
of the infinite God. Never, in any way, leave the slightest impression upon human
minds that a taint of, or inclination to, corruption rested upon Christ, or that He in any
way yielded to corruption. He was tempted in all points like as man is tempted, yet He
is called 'that holy thing.' "- The SDA Bibk Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 5, p. 1128.
"Be careful, exceedingly careful as to how you dwell upon the human nature of
Christ. Do not set Him before the people as a man with the propensities of sin. He is
the second Adam. The first Adam was created a pure, sinless being, without a taint of
sin upon him; he was in the image of God. He could fall, and he did fall through trans-
gressing. Because of sin his posterity was born with inherent propensities of disobe-
dience. But Jesus Christ was the only begotten Son of God. He took upon Himself
human nature, and was tempted in all points as human nature is tempted. He could
have sinned; He could have fallen, but not for one moment was there in Him an evil
propensity. He was assailed with temptations in the wilderness, as Adam was assailed
with temptations in Eden."-Ibid.
o Tuesday
CHRIST, THE SOURCE OF LIFE July 26
5. What was Christ since everlasting? John 1:4.
" 'In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.' It is not physical life that is
here specified, but eternal life, the life which is exclusively the property of God. The
Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life. Physical life is something
which each individual received. It is not eternal or immortal; for God, the Lifegiver,
takes it again. Man has no control over his life. But the life of Christ was unborrowed.
No one can take this life from Him. 'I lay it down of myself,' He said. In Him was life,
original, unborrowed, underived. This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it
only through Christ. He cannot earn it; it is given him as a free gift if he will believe in
Christ as his personal Saviour."- The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 5,
p.1130.
6. Why did Jesus come to this earth, and what did He bring to them that accept
Him? What is not possessed by those who do not believe in the Son of God?
John 10:10 (last part), 28; 1 John 5:11, 12.
o Wednesday
CHRIST'S VICTORY OVER TEMPTATIONS July 27
7. What was the secret of Jesus' victory? John 4:34; 5:30.
- 21-
"Christ in the weakness of humanity was to meet the temptations of one possess-
ing the powers of the higher nature that God had bestowed on the angelic family. But
Christ's humanity was united with divinity, and in this strength He would bear all the
temptations that Satan could bring against Him, and yet keep His soul untainted by
sin. And this power to overcome He would give to every son and daughter of Adam
who would accept by faith the righteous attributes of His character."-Selected Mes-
sages, book 1, p. 223.
8. How can man overcome temptation? What is necessary at all time? John
15:4-6.
"Christ took human nature that men might be one with Him as He is one with the
Father, that God may love man as He loves His only-begotten Son, that men may be
partakers of divine nature, and be complete in Him." -Selected Messages, book 1, p. 251.
"Christ came to give to the world an example of what perfect humanity might be
when united with divinity."-Ibid., p. 260.
"He came to bring divine power to combine with human effort."-The SDA Bible
Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 7, p. 929.
THE MORTAL SON OF MAN D Thursday

AND THE IMMORTAL SON OF GOD July 28
9. By becoming a human being, what nature did the Lord Jesus inherit? Philip-
pians 2:7.
"But He humbled Himself, and took mortality upon Him. As a member of the
human family, He was mortal; but as a God, He was the fountain of life to the
world."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 5, p. 1127.
10. What was the divine nature of Christ like? Why was He willing and able to lay
down His own life? 1 Timothy 3:16; John 17:5, 24.
"When the voice of the angel was heard saying, 'Thy Father calls thee,' He who
had said, 'I lay down my life, that I might take it again,' 'Destroy this temple, and in
three days I will raise it up,' came forth from the grave to life that was in Himself.
Deity did not die. Humanity died, but Christ now proclaims over the rent sepulcher of
Joseph, 'I am the resurrection, and the life.' In His divinity Christ possessed the
power to break the bonds of death. He declares that He had life in Himself to quicken
whom He will."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 5, p. 1113.
D Friday
a. In what manner did the Son of God appear to His nation?

b. What must always be remembered in connection with the incarnation of
Christ?
c. What is the gift of Christ to those that believe on Him?
d. What was the key to the victory of the Son of man over every temptation?
e. How and when did Christ display Himself clearly, a) as the Son of man, b) as
the Son of God?
- 22-
Lesson 6 Sabbath, August 6, 1988
OUR HOPE
CHRIST OUR JUSTIFICATION
OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
Man's only hope of acceptance with God is the proffered merit of Christ
through whose power alone he is enabled to advance in the way of salvation.
KEY TEXT: "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wis-
dom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." 1 Corin-
thians 1:30.
o Sunday
MAN CANNOT MAKE HIMSELF WORTHY July 31
1. How did Christ illustrate the condition of a sinful man? What is not realized
by the sinner? Luke 15:3, 4.
"The sinner is represented as a lost sheep, and a lost sheep never returns to the
fold unless he is sought after and brought back to the fold by the shepherd. No man of
himself can repent, and make himself worthy of the blessing of justification. The
Lord Jesus is constantly seeking to impress the sinner's mind and attract him to
behold Himself, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. We can-
not take a step toward spiritual life save as Jesus draws and strengthens the soul, and
leads us to experience that repentance which needeth not be repented of."-Selected
Messages, book I, pp. 390, 391.
2. What parable illustrates the fact that the sinner cannot help himself in the
least to payoff his debt? Luke 7:41, 42.
"Let no one take the limited, narrow position that any of the works of man can
help in the least possible way to liquidate the debt of his transgression. This is a fatal
deception. If you would understand it, you must cease haggling over your pet ideas,
and with humble hearts survey the atonement."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G.
White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1071.
o Monday
THE MERIT OF CHRIST IS OUR ONLY HOPE August 1
3. How alone can the sinner find hope? What is necessary for him to do? Ephe-
sians 1:6, 7; 1 Corinthians 1:30.
"The sinner cannot depend upon his own good works as a means of justification.
He must come to the point where he will renounce all his sin, and embrace one degree
-23 -
of light after another as it shines upon his pathway. He simply grasps by faith the free
and ample provision made in the blood of Christ. He believes the promises of God,
which through Christ are made unto him sanctification and righteousness and
redemption."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1071.
4. What is manifested by some who think that they rely upon God entirely?
How does true faith manifest itself? Matthew 11:28-30; John 15:5 (last part).
"While they think they are committing themselves to God, there is a great deal of
self-dependence. There are conscientious souls that trust partly to God, and partly to
themselves. They do not look to God, to be kept by His power, but depend upon watch-
fulness against temptation, and the performance of certain duties for acceptance with
Him. There are no victories in this kind of faith. Such persons toil to no purpose; their
souls are in continual bondage, and they find no rest until their burdens are laid at the
feet of Jesus. "-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 353.
D Tuesday
A LESSON FROM CAIN August 2
5. What was the difference between the offering of Cain and that of Abel? Why
did the Lord accept Abel's sacrifice and reject the offering brought by Cain?
Genesis 4:3-5.
"Cain came before God with murmuring and infidelity in his heart in regard ~o
the promised sacrifice and the necessity of the sacrificial offerings. His gift expressed
no penitence for sin. He felt, as many now feel, that it would be an acknowledgment
of weakness to follow the exact plan marked out by God, of trusting his salvation
wholly to the atonement of the promised Saviour. He chose the course of self-
dependence. He would come in his own merits. He would not bring the lamb, and
mingle its blood with his offering, but would present his fruits, the products of his
labor. He presented his offering as a favor done to God, through which he expected to
secure the divine approval. Cain obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in bringing a
sacrifice; but he rendered only a partial obedience. The essential part, the recognition
of the need of a Redeemer, was left out."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 72.
6. Whose efforts are compared with the sacrifice of Cain? When does a soul ad-
vance from victory to victory? Luke 18:11-13.
"He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law, is at-
tempting an impossibility. Man cannot be saved without obedience, but his works
should not be of himself; Christ should work in him to will and to do of His good
pleasure. If a man could save himself by his own works, he might have something in
himself in which to rejoice. The effort that man makes in his own strength to obtain
salvation, is represented by the offering of Cain. All that man can do without Christ is
polluted with selfishness and sin; but that which is wrought through faith is accept-
able to God. When we seek to gain heaven through the merits of Christ, the soul
makes progress. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we may go
on from strength to strength, from victory to victory; for through Christ the grace of
God has worked out our complete salvation. "-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 364.
RESTORATION AND D Wednesday
RECONCILIATION THROUGH CHRIST August 3
7. What provision was made in man's behalf? Colossians 1:21,22.
-24-
"We have transgressed the law of God, and by the deeds of the law shall no flesh
be justified. The best efforts that man in his own strength can make, are valueless to
meet the holy and just law that he has transgressed; but through faith in Christ he
may claim the righteousness of the Son of God as all-sufficient. Christ satisfied the
demands of the law in His human nature. He bore the curse of the law for the sinner,
made an atonement for him, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but
have everlasting life."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 363.
8. What encouraging declaration was made for complete forgiveness of sin?
John 1:9.
"And while we cannot claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian
perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly
forgiven. Our dependence is not in what man can do; it is in what God can do for man
through Christ. When we surrender ourselves wholly to God, and fully believe, the
blood of Christ cleanses from all sin. The conscience can be freed from condemna-
tion. Through faith in His blood, all may be made perfect in Christ Jesus. Thank God
that we are not dealing with impossibilities. We may claim sanctification. We may en-
joy the favor of God. We are not to be anxious about what Christ and God think of us,
but about what God thinks of Christ, our Substitute." -Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 32, 33.
D Thursday
RECONCILIAnON WITH GOD August 4
9. How alone can we be reconciled with God? 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
"The believer is not called upon to make his peace with God; he never has nor
ever can do this. He is to accept Christ as his peace, for with Christ is God and peace.
Christ made an end of sin, bearing its heavy curse in His own body on the tree, and
He hath taken away the curse from all those who believe in Him as a personal Sav-
iour. He makes an end of the controlling power of sin in the heart, and the life and
character of the believer testify to the genuine character of the grace of Christ."-
Selected Messages, book 1, p. 395.
10. Why is Christ able to reconcile us with the Father? What is to flow from the
heart of God to the heart of the sinner through Christ? Hebrews 2:17, 18.
"Reconciliation means that every barrier between the soul and God is removed,
and that the sinner realizes what the pardoning love of God means. By reason of the
sacrifice made by Christ for fallen men, God can justly pardon the transgressor who
accepts the merits of Christ. Christ was the channel through which the mercy, love,
and righteousness might flow from the heart of God to the heart of the sinner. 'He is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness' (1
John 1:9)."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 396.
o Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS August 5
a. What is the helpless and hopeless condition of a sinner without Christ?
b. What is done by true faith?
c. What does the Bible teach concerning those that wish to worship the Lord in
the way that they think is best?
d. How alone maya man be truly made righteous?
e. What blessings follow a full reconciliation with God? •
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JUSTIFICATION SAVES
FROM THE CURSE OF SIN
The sinner must be reconciled to God by the transfer of guilt and sin to the
Substitute, the Lamb of God, who accepted the death penalty for him.
KEY TEXT: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being
justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in
his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that
are past, through the forbearance of God." Romans 3:23-25.
o Sunday
MERCY COMES TO THE RESCUE August 7
1. What would have happened to our first parents if mercy was not one of the
fundamentals of the throne of God? Genesis 2:16, 17.
2. What role was played by both mercy and justice following the fall? Jonah 4:2;
Luke 6:35 (last part).
"The long-suffering of God is wonderful. Long does justice wait while mercy
pleads with the sinner."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 177.
o Monday
A SECOND TRIAL August 8
3. Instead of the immediate execution of the death sentence upon the guilty
pair, what hope did God give them? How did Abraham and John the Baptist
express confidence in the divine Substitute? Genesis 3:15; 22:8; John 1:29.
"When they transgressed the law of God, and fell from their state of happy in-
nocence, and became sinners, the future of the fallen race was not relieved by a single
ray of hope. God pitied them, and Christ devised the plan for their salvation by
Himself bearing the guilt. When the curse was pronounced upon the earth and upon
man, in connection with the curse was a promise that through Christ there was hope
and pardon for the transgression of God's law."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G.
White Comments] vol. 1, p. 1084.
4. By taking upon Himself the punishment for sin and by justifying the sinner,
what has Christ done for him? Job 33:24.
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"Bearing the penalty of the law, He gives the sinner another chance, a second
trial. He opens a way whereby the sinner can be reinstated in God's favor." - The SDA
Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1092.
"Justification means the saving of a soul from perdition, that he may,obtain sanc-
tification, and through sanctification, the life of heaven. Justification means that the
conscience, purged from dead works, is placed where it can receive the blessings of
sanctification."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 7, p. 908.
JUSTIFICATION IN THE LIVES D Tuesday

OF THE PATRIARCHS August 9
5. How was this possibility revealed to our forefathers? How were they to show
faith in the plan of God to provide a substitute? Genesis 3:15,21; 4:4.
"Although gloom and darkness hung, like the pall of death, over the future, yet in
the promise of the Redeemer, the Star of hope lighted up the dark future. The gospel
was first preached to Adam by Christ. Adam and Eve felt sincere sorrow and repen-
tance for their guilt. They believed the precious promise of God, and were saved from
utter ruin."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 1, p. 1084.
"Christ, in counsel with His Father, instituted the system of sacrificial offerings;
that death, instead of being immediately visited upon the transgressor, should be
transferred to a victim which should prefigure the great and perfect offering of the
Son of God."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 230.
6. What important lessons concerning the requirement of justice and mercy as
the basis of the plan of redemption were given Adam and his descendants?
Why was the shedding of blood essential? Hebrews 9:22.
"Heavenly angels more fully opened to our first parents the plan that had been
devised for their salvation. Adam and his companion were assured that notwithstand-
ing their great sin, they were not to be abandoned to the control of Satan. The Son of
God had offered to atone, with His own life, for their transgression. A period of pro-
bation would be granted them, and through repentance and faith in Christ, they might
again become the children of God."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 66.
JUSTIFICATION DEMONSTRATED D Wednesday
IN THE JEWISH PEOPLE August 10
7. What practical lesson did the Lord give the Jewish people so they could
understand that justification entails the transfer of condemnation from the
sinner to Himself? Leviticus 4:4-6, 13-17.
"Day by day the repentant sinner brought his offering to the door of the taber-
nacle and, placing his hand upon the victim's head, confessed his sins, thus in figure
transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice. The animal was then slain.
'Without shedding of blood,' says the apostle, there is no remission of sin. 'The life of
the flesh is in the blood.' Leviticus 17:11. The broken law of God demanded the life of
the transgressor. The blood, representing the forfeited life of the sinner, whose guilt
the victim bore, was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the
veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had trans-
gressed. By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the
sanctuary." - The Great Controversy, p. 418.
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8. How clearly is the truth of justification demonstrated by the yearly Day of
Atonement? Though sin was figuratively transferred to the sanctuary by the
daily sacrifice, how long was the sinner still under the condemnation of the
law? Leviticus 16:7-10, 15, 16,20-22.
"Important truths concerning the atonement were taught the people by this year-
ly service. In the sin offerings presented during the year, a substitute had been ac-
cepted in the sinner's stead; but the blood of the victim had not made full atonement
for the sin. It had only provided a means by which the sin was transferred to the sanc-
tuary. By the offering of blood, the sinner ackilOwledged the authority of the law, con-
fessed the guilt of his transgression, and expressed his faith in Him who was to take
away the sin of the world; but he was not entirely released from the condemnation of
the law."-Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 355, 356.
"The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the con-
demnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanc-
tuary until the final atonement; so in the type the blood of the sin offering removed
the sin from the penitent, but it rested in the sanctuary until the Day of Atonement."
-Ibid., p. 357.
o Thursday
THE RESULT OF REJECTING JUSTIFICATION August 11
9. What two tendencies were soon developed in the history of man? What is the
influence of each class? Genesis 4:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:15, 16.
"The children of Adam present the earliest example of the two different courses
pursued by men with regard to the claims of God. Abel saw Christ figured in the
sacrificial offerings. Cain was an unbeliever in regard to the necessity of sacrifices; he
refused to discern that Christ was typified by the slain lamb; the blood of beasts ap-
peared to him without virtue. The gospel was preached to Cain as well as to his
brother; but it was to him a savor of death unto death, because he would not
recognize, in the blood of the sacrificial lamb, Jesus Christ the only provision made
for man's salvation."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 231.
10. What will be the experience and fate of those who reject the opportunity of-
fered to them? 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
"Sin is the transgression of the law, and the arm that is now mighty to save will
be strong to punish when the transgressor passes the bounds that limit divine
forbearance. He who refuses to seek for life, who will not search the Scriptures to see
what is truth, lest he should be condemned in his practices, will be left to blindness of
mind and to the deceptions of Satan. To the same degree that the penitent and obe-
dient are shielded by God's love, the impenitent and disobedient will be left to the
result of their own ignorance and hardness of heart, because they receive not the love
of the truth that they may be saved."-Selected Messages, book I, p. 313.
o Friday
a. In what was the only hope of Adam and Eve when they had disobeyed?
b. What had to be provided to satisfy justice and yet reveal the mercy of God?
c. What provision enabled man to be pardoned or justified?
d. What was a continual object lesson of justification to the Jews?
e. What experience is made by those who are not justified? •
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JUSTIFICATION
BY FAITH WITHOUT WORKS
Justification is by faith, but faith in itself is the means and not the end, and
works can in no wise justify a man before God.
KEY TEXT: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1.
o Sunday
THE CONDITIONS OF JUSTIFICATION August 14
1. On what condition only can the sinner be justified? Acts 16:31.
"When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he deserves, and treats
him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and justifies him
through the merits of Christ's righteousness. The sinner can be justified only through
faith in the atonement made through God's dear Son, who became a sacrifice for the
sins of the guilty world. No one can be justified by any works of his own. He can be
delivered from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from the penalty of
transgression, only by virtue of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith
is the only condition upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes not
only belief but trust."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 389.
2. Faith is the condition upon which God forgives and justifies the sinner. How
does it operate? Matthew 15:22-28; Mark 9:20-24.
"Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners;
not that there is any virtue in faith whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can
lay hold of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin. Faith can present
Christ's perfect obedience instead of the sinner's transgression and defection. When
the sinner believes that Christ is his personal Saviour, then, according to His unfailing
promises, God pardons his sin, and justifies him freely. The repentant soul realizes
that his justification comes because Christ, as his substitute and surety, has died for
him, is his atonement and righteousness."-Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 366, 367.
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o Monday
AN EXAMPLE OF JUSTIFICATION - ABRAHAM August 15
3. On what basis was righteousness imparted to Abraham? Genesis 15:1,5,6.
4. How is righteousness imputed to the sinner? What part did works have to do
with Abraham's justification? Romans 4:1-5; James 2:19-23.
u
"The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith
he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son
to the sinner's account. Christ's righteousness is accepted in place of man's failure,
and God receives, pardons, justifies, the repentant, believing soul, treats him as
though he were righteous, and loves him as He loves His Son. This is how faith is ac-
counted righteousness."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 367.
o Tuesday
THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD August 16
5. What happened on the way when the Lord was going to Jairus' home? Mark
5:22-27.
"As He was passing, she reached forward, and succeeded in barely touching the
border of His garment. But in that moment she knew that she was healed. In that one
touch was concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain and feebleness
gave place to the vigor of perfect health."-The Desire of Ages, p. 343.
"The Saviour could distinguish the touch of faith from the casual contact of the
careless throng. Such trust should not be passed without comment. He would speak
to the humble woman words of comfort that would be to her a wellspring of joy,
-words that would be a blessing to His followers to the close of time."-Ibid., p. 344.
"He gave no opportunity for superstition to claim healing virtue for the mere act
of touching His garments. It was not through the outward contact with Him, but
through the faith which took hold on His divine power, that the cure was wrought."
-Ibid., p. 347.
6. What made the difference between the casual touches of the common people
in the multitude and the touch of the sick woman on His garment? Mark
5:28-34.
"The wondering crowd that pressed close about Jesus realized no accession of
vital power from the contact. But when the poor, suffering woman, who for twelve
years had been an invalid, in her great need put forth her hand and touched the hem
of His garment, she felt the healing virtue. Hers was the touch of faith, and Christ
recognized that touch. He knew that virtue had gone out from Him."-Selected
THE HEALING OF A MAN DISEASED o Wednesday
FOR 38 YEARS August 17
7. What kind of response did the paralytic make to the command of the Lord?
What can we learn from his example? John 5:1-9.
"From the simple Bible account of how Jesus healed the sick, we may learn
something about how to believe in Him for the forgiveness of sins. Let us turn to the
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story of the paralytic at Bethesda. The poor sufferer was helpless; he had not used his
limbs for thirty-eight years. Yet Jesus bade him, 'Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.'
The sick man might have said, 'Lord, if Thou wilt make me whole, I will obey Thy
word.' But, no, he believed Christ's word, believed that he was made whole, and he
made the effort at once; he willed to walk, and he did walk. He acted on the word of
Christ, and God gave the power. He was made whole."-Steps to Christ, p. 50.
8. What example of the man restored to health should be followed by us? Mark
11:24.
"In like manner you are a sinner. You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot
change your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you
through Christ. You believe that promise. You confess your sins and give yourself to
God. You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you do this, God will fulfill His word to
you. If you believe the promise-believe that you are forgiven and cleansed-God sup-
plies the fact; you are made whole, just as Christ gave the paralytic power to walk
when the man believed that he was healed. It is so if you believe it." -Steps to Christ, p. 51.
D Thursday
EXERCISING FAITH August 18
9. In order to receive faith where must we look? For what purpose is it given?
Hebrews 12:2; John 6:29.
"While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something to do to secure
salvation. 'Him that cometh to me,' says Christ, 'I will in no wise cast out.' John 6:37.
But we must come to Him; and when we repent of our sins, we must believe that He
accepts and pardons us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours.
Faith is the hand by which the soul takes hold upon the divine offers of grace and
mercy."-Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 431.
10. How does Paul explain faith? What further explanation is given by the Spirit
of Prophecy? Hebrews 11:1-3.
"Faith is not the ground of our salvation, but it is the great blessing-the eye that
sees, the ear that hears, the feet that run, the hand that grasps. It is the means, not the
end. If Christ gave His life to save sinners, why shall I not take that blessing? My faith
grasps it, and thus my faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
thirlgs unseen. Thus resting and believing, I have peace with God through the Lord
Jesus Christ."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1073.
D Friday
a. What is necessary to be justified?
b. How may it be shown that justification is not obtained by works?
c. What lesson may we learn from the experience of the woman among the people
crowding around Jesus?
d. What enabled the sick man to receive the blessing and will also enable us to
receive blessings?
e. How may we receive and benefit of faith?
•
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FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES
The importance of having the faith that justifies requires that all have clear,
correct understanding of what it is.
KEY TEXT: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered
Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his
works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was
fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto
him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." James
2:21-23.
o Sunday
A DANGEROUS IDEA EXPOSED August 21
1. Where was Sister White taken in a vision of the night? What was a certain
person repeating, and what was she shown concerning this?
"I was attending a meeting, and a large congregation were present. In my dream
you were presenting the subject of faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ by
faith. You repeated several times that works amounted to nothing, that there were no
conditions. The matter was presented in that light that I knew minds would be con-
fused, and would not receive the correct impression in reference to faith and works,
and I decided to write to you. You state this matter too strongly." -Selected Messages,
book 1, p. 377.
2. How did the servant of the Lord explain the conditions of justification by
faith? What light may we receive from the Scripture? Matthew 19:16, 17,20, 21.
"There are conditions to our receiving justification and sanctification, and the
righteousness of Christ. I know your meaning, but you leave a wrong impression
upon many minds. While good works will not save even one soul, yet it is impossible
for even one soul to be saved without good work."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 377.
"Here are conditions, and the Bible is full of conditions. 'But when the young
man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions' (Matt.
19:17,20,21, 22)."-Ibid., p. 378.
o Monday
CASUAL FAITH IS NOT ENOUGH August 22
3. How does Paul explain that the casual faith of God's professed followers is
not enough? What kind of faith do they need? Romans 10:10.
"The faith that is unto salvation is not a casual faith, it is not the mere consent of
the intellect, it is belief rooted in the heart, that embraces Christ as a personal Saviour,
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assured that He can save unto the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. To
believe that He will save others, but will not save you is not genuine faith." -Selected
"Imputation of the righteousness of Christ comes through justifying faith, and
this is the justification for which Paul so earnestly contends."-Ibid., p. 397.
4. What shows whether we have only casual faith or a justifying faith? James
2:18.
"But while God can be just, and yet justify the sinner through the merits of
Christ, no man can cover his soul with the garments of Christ's righteousness while
practicing known sins, or neglecting known duties. God requires the entire surrender
of the heart, before justification can take place; and in order for man to retain
justification, there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith that
works by love and purifies the soul."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 366.
D Tuesday
FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES August 23
5. How does the apostle Paul describe the faith that makes justification possi-
ble? Galatians 5:6.
"Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves
in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of
vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power."- The Desire
of Ages, p. 347.
6. What will this faith do for its possessor? Matthew 21:21.
"[B]ut when the soul lays hold upon Christ as the only hope of salvation, then
genuine faith is manifested. This faith leads its possessor to place all the affections of
the soul upon Christ; his understanding is under the control of the Holy Spirit, and his
character is molded after the divine likeness. His faith is not a dead faith, but a faith
that works by love, and leads him to behold the beauty of Christ, and to become
assimilated to the divine character."-Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 391, 392.
D Wednesday
AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES August 24
7. What proves that Abraham possessed not only a casual faith but a justifying
faith? James 2:21-23.
"The apostle James saw that dangers would arise in presenting the subject of
justification by faith, and he labored to show that genuine faith cannot exist without
corresponding works. The experience of Abraham is presented. 'Seest thou,' he says,
'how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?' Thus gen-
uine faith does a genuine work in the believer. Faith and obedience bring a solid,
valuable experience.
"There is a belief that is not a saving faith. The Word declares that the devils
believe and tremble. The so-called faith that does not work by love and purify the soul
will not justify any man.... Abraham believed God. How do we know that he believed?
His works testified to the character of his faith, and his faith was accounted to him for
righteousness."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 7, p. 936.
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8. What clear instruction did Jesus often repeat, even to those that had revealed
that they have been justified by faith? John 5:14.
"The faith which avails to bring us in vital contact with Christ expresses on our
part supreme preference, perfect reliance, entire consecration. This faith works by
love and purifies the soul. It works in the life of the follower of Christ true obedience
to God's commandments; for love to God and love to man will be the result of vital
connection with Christ."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 334.
D Thursday
ILLUSTRATIONS OF TRUE FAITH August 25
9. What was the merchantman ready to sacrifice in order to obtain the true
pearl? What is represented by the true pearl? Matthew 13:45, 46.
"The righteousness of Christ, as a pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain. No

work of man can improve the great and precious gift of God. It is without a flaw. In
Christ are 'hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.' Col. 2:3." -Christ's Object
Lessons, p. 115.
10. Why do many not find this great pearl, the righteousness of Christ? Revela-
tion 3:17.
"There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they
do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that
Christ may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl. They have not
overcome unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up
the cross and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost Christians,
yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter
there. Almost but not wholly saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost." -Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 118.
11. What is justification by faith? When can a sinner go to the Lord to obtain
forgiveness? Under what condition should the soul be kept? Acts 16:30,31.
"As the penitent sinner, contrite before God, discerns Christ's atonement in his
behalf, and accepts this atonement as his only hope in this life and the future life, his
sins are pardoned. This is justification by faith. Every believing soul is to conform his
will entirely to God's will, and keep in a state of repentance and contrition, exercising
faith in the atoning merits of the Redeemer and advancing from strength to strength,
from glory to glory."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1070.
"You have confessed your sins, and in heart put them away. You have resolved
to give yourself to God. Now go to Him, and ask that He will wash away your sins and
give you a new heart." -Steps to Christ, p. 49.
D Friday
a. What important relationship exists between faith and works?
b. What shows the difference between real faith and a nominal faith?
c. What will genuine faith do for its possessor?
d. What is the proper relation between faith and works?
e. What is a great danger for those who seem to be Christians? •
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Lesson 10 Sabbath, September 3, 1988
THE GLORY OF MAN

LAID IN THE DUST
In the work of salvation, man is entirely dependent upon God and must
humble himself and let God work in and for him.
KEY TEXT: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it
is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8. .
o Sunday
THE WORK OF GOD August 28
1. What can justification by faith do in man and for man? Romans 3:24, 25;
Ephesians 2:8.
"What is justification by faith? It is the work of God in laying the glory of man in
the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. When
men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteous-
ness of Christ." -Christ Our Righteousness, p. 104.
2. How did the Lord Jesus reveal Himself to John, the apostle? What does this
signify in reference to the work of salvation? Revelation 21:6.
"Unless the Holy Spirit works upon the human heart, at every step we shall
stumble and fall. Man's efforts alone are nothing but worthlessness; but cooperation
with Christ means a victory. Of ourselves we have no power to repent of sin. Unless
we accept divine aid we cannot take the first step toward the Saviour. He says, 'I am
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end' (Rev. 21:6) in the salvation of every
soul."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 381.
INVITATION, REPENTANCE, o Monday

FORGIVENESS, WATCHFULNESS August 29
3. What is the first step in the salvation of a soul? When a soul accepts the in-
vitation, why does he come to Christ? John 12:32; 14:6.
"Calling and justification are not one and the same thing. Calling is the drawing
of the sinner to Christ, and it is a work wrought by the Holy Spirit upon the heart,
convicting of sin, and inviting to repentance....
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"The very first step to Christ is taken through the drawing of the Spirit of God; as
man responds to this drawing, he advances toward Christ in order that he may re-
pent. "-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 390.
4. Wherein is the real origin of the work of repentance in the sinner? 2 Timothy
1:9.
"Repentance is as much the gift of Christ as is forgiveness, and it cannot be

found in the heart where Jesus has not been at work. We can no more repent without
the Spirit of Christ to awaken the conscience than we can be pardoned without
Christ."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1056.
"Repentance is no less the gift of God than are pardon and justification, and it
cannot be experienced except as it is given to the soul by Christ. If we are drawn to
Christ, it is through His power and virtue. The grace of contrition comes through
Him, and from Him comes justification." -Selected Messages, book 1, p. 391.
FAITH - D Tuesday
THE OUTWORKING OF THE MERCY OF GOD August 30
5. What is the definition of faith? What is its source? Hebrews 11:1.
"Faith earns nothing for us; it is the gift of God, which we may receive and
cherish by making Christ our personal Saviour. We may refuse the gift, and talk
doubts, and become unhappy by cherishing unbelief. But this will grow into an im-
passable barrier, shutting us away from the Spirit of God and closing our hearts to His
light and His love."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1080.
6. What is the condition of the sinner without the mercy of God? Galatians
5:19-21.
"Without the grace of Christ, the sinner is in a hopeless condition; nothing can be
done for him; but through divine grace, supernatural power is imparted to the man,
and works in mind and heart and character. It is through the impartation of the grace
of Christ that sin is discerned in its hateful nature, and finally driven from the soul
temple. It is through grace that we are brought into fellowship with Christ, to be
associated with Him in the work of salvation. "-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 366.
D Wednesday
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT August 31
7. What condition of heart enables the Lord to cleanse the sinner? Matthew 5:6.
"Have you a sense of want in your soul? Do you hunger and thirst after righ-
teousness? Then this is an evidence that Christ has wrought upon your heart, and
created this sense of need, in order that He may be sought after to do those things for
you through the endowment of His Holy Spirit which it is impossible for you to do for
yourself. The Lord specifies no conditions except that you hunger for His mercy,
desiring His counsel, and long for His love. 'Ask!' The asking makes it manifest that
- 36-
you realize your necessity, and if you ask in faith, you will receive." -Selected Messages,
book 1, p. 332.
8. From whence is man delivered, and where is he led? Colossians 1:12, 13; 1
Peter 2:9.
"What does God accomplish, and what does He demand of us individually in the
work of saving ourselves? God works in us by the light of His truth, which lighteneth
every man that cometh into the world. The Scriptures refer to the works of God as
they are revealed in our world."- The SDA Bibl"! Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6,
p.1080.
D Thursday
THE WORK COMPLETED September 1
9. In order to be heirs of heaven, what is the standard which we must reach?

How may this be done? Luke 10:27.
"In order to be candidates for heaven we must meet the requirement of the law:
'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself' (Luke 10:27). We
can do this only as we grasp by faith the righteousness of Christ. By beholding Jesus
we receive a living, expanding principle in the heart, and the Holy Spirit carries on
the work, and the believer advances from grace to grace, from strength to strength,
from character to character. He conforms to the image of Christ, until in spiritual
growth he attains unto the measure of the full stature in Christ Jesus."-Selected
10. How will the work be finished in the believer? Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:30.
"To those that ask Him, Jesus imparts the Holy Spirit; for it is necessary that
every believer should be delivered from pollution, as well as from the curse and con-
demnation of the law. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the sanctification of the
truth, the believer becomes fitted for the courts of heaven; for Christ works within us,
and His righteousness is upon us. Without this no soul will be entitled to heaven. We
would not enjoy heaven unless qualified for its holy atmosphere by the influence of
the Spirit and the righteousness of Christ."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 395.
D Friday
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS September 2
a. What shows that the work of justification and salvation is entirely depen-
dent upon Christ?
b. Differentiate the steps in salvation.
c. What great change does the mercy of God work in the repentant sinner?
d. What part is played by the Holy Spirit?
e. What is the completion of the work of salvation?
•
- 37-
WORKING TOGETHER WITH GOD
Although anything that man may do of himself is selfish and unacceptable,

man must actively cooperate and work with the divine agencies.
KEY TEXT: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my

presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you
both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Philippians 2:12, 13.
THE SINNER'S PART D Sunday

IN THE WORK OF SALVATION September 4
1. In the work of salvation, what does God expect of the soul? For how long?
Luke 13:24.
"Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great
work of overcoming.... From first to last man is to be a laborer together with
God."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 381.
2. What is man's part in working out his salvation? What should be evident in
this? Philippians 2:12, 13.
"As God works in the heart, and man surrenders his will to God, and cooperates
with God, he works out in the life what God works in by the Holy Spirit, and there is
harmony between the purpose of the heart and the practice of the life. Every sin must
be renounced as the hateful thing that crucified the Lord of life and glory, and the
believer must have a progressive experience by continually doing the works of Christ.
It is by continual surrender of the will, by continual obedience, that the blessing of
justification is retained."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 397.
D Monday
YIELDING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT September 5
3. What is the sinner's first step in his conversion? John 6:37.
"Christ came to manifest the love of God to the world, to draw the hearts of all
men to Himself. He said, 'And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto
me' (John 12:32). The first step toward salvation is to respond to the drawing of the
love of Christ."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 323.
- 38-
4. What wonderful invitation should lead to the first step toward salvation?
Revelation 22:17.
"The Spirit of God is pleading with them to seek for those things that alone can
give peace and rest-the grace of Christ, the joy of holiness. Through influences seen
and unseen, our Saviour is constantly at work to attract the minds of men from the un-
satisfying pleasures of sin to the infinite blessings that may be theirs in Him. To all
these souls, who are vainly seeking to drink from the broken cisterns of this world,
the divine message is addressed, 'Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will,
let him take the water of life freely.' Revelation 22:17."-Steps to Christ, p. 28.
o Tuesday
THE SINNER WORKING TOGETHER WITH GOD September 6
5. What is the experience of the sincere soul when the Lord grants the gift of
repentance? 1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:17.
"But in repenting of sin we need not go into a cell, as did Luther, imposing
penances upon ourselves to expiate our iniquity, thinking by so doing to gain the favor
of God. The question is asked: 'Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the
fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good;
and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to
walk humbly with thy God?' (Micah 6:7, 8). The psalmist says, 'A broken and a con-
trite heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise' (Ps. 51:17). John writes, 'If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins' (1 John 1:9). The only reason that we
have not remission of sin is that we have not acknowledged to Him whom we have
wounded by our transgressions, whom we have pierced by our sins, that we are at
fault, and in need of mercy. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul
will find its way to the heart of infinite pity; for the Lord is nigh unto him that is of a
broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." -Selected Messages, book I, p. 326.
"In order to obtain the righteousness of Christ, it is necessary for the sinner to
know what that repentance is which works a radical change of mind and spirit and ac-
tion."-Ibid., p. 393.
6. If we exercise our faith correctly, how will it work within us? Galatians 5:6.
"When you respond to the drawing of Christ, and join yourself to Him, you
manifest saving faith. To talk of religious things in a casual way, to pray for spiritual
blessings without real soul hunger and living faith, avails little. . . . The faith which
avails to bring us in vital contact with Christ expresses on our part supreme prefer-
ence, perfect reliance, entire consecration. This faith works by love and purifies the
soul. It works in the life of the follower of Christ true obedience to God's command-
ments; for love to God and love to man will be the result of vital connection with
Christ." -Selected Messages, book I, p. 334.
D Wednesday
YIELDING ONE'S WILL TO THE WILL OF GOD September 7
7. What kind of work is the Holy Spirit willing to do in the heart? How can he
finish it? John 3:3, 5.
"Through faith the Holy Spirit works in the heart to create holiness therein; but
this cannot be done unless the human agent will work with Christ. We can be fitted
- 39-
for heaven only through the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart; for we must have
Christ's righteousness as our credentials if we would find access to the Father.
In order that we may have the righteousness of Christ, we need daily to be transformed
by the influence of the Spirit, to be a partaker of the divine nature. It is the work of
the Holy Spirit to elevate the taste, to sanctify the heart, to ennoble the whole man."
-Selected Messages, book I, p. 374.
8. What does the Lord require of us in order to renew us, to sanctify us and to
fit us for heaven? What should we love and what should we hate? Proverbs
23:26.
"Weare to surrender our hearts to God, that He may renew and sanctify us, and
fit us for His heavenly court. Weare not to wait for some special time, but today we
are to give ourselves to Him, refusing to be the servants of sin. Do you imagine you
can leave off sin a little at a time? Oh, leave the accursed thing at once! Hate the
things that Christ hates, love the things that Christ loves. Has He not by His death
and suffering made provision for your cleansing from sin?"-Selected Messages, book I,
p.327.
o Thursday
OBEDIENCE - MAKING EFFORT September 8
9. What condition is our title to heaven? What right is forfeited by those who
disregard the law of God? Jeremiah 23:6; 33:16; Matthew 5:48.
"He demands now as ever perfect righteousness as the only title to heaven.
Christ is our hope and our refuge. His righteousness is imputed only to the obedient.
Let us accept it through faith, that the Father shall find in us no sin. But those who
have trampled on the holy law will have no right to claim that righteousness."-The
SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 6, p. 1072.
10. What is required of the converted soul, and what help may he expect? With
whom does he work in harmony? Philippians 2:12 (last part).
"Effort and labor are required on the part of the receiver of God's grace; for it is
the fruit that makes manifest what is the character of the tree. Although the good
works of man are of no more value without faith in Jesus than was the offering of
Cain, yet covered with the merit of Christ, they testify [to] the worthiness of the doer
to inherit eternallife."-Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 381,382.
"[T]he sinner must put forth an effort in harmony with the work done for him,
and with unwearied entreaty he must supplicate the throne of grace, that the
renovating power of God may come into his soul. Christ pardons none but the peni-
tent, but whom He pardons He first makes penitent."-Ibid., pp. 393, 394.
o Friday
a. What answer may be given to those who say it is only necessary to believe?
b. What brings the sinner to repentance?
c. What part is played by the exercise of faith when the soul is being brought to
conversion?
d. What part is played by each of the two parties working together?
e. What enables true believers to be overcomers? •
-40-
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification follows justification and is the transformation of character re-

sulting from a daily life made righteous through the power of Christ.
KEY TEXT: "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the
former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is ho-
ly, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be
ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:14-16.
o Sunday
HIS PEOPLE MUST BE HOLY September 11
1. What characteristic of God pervades heaven and must be in all who would
enter His presence? 1 Peter 1:14-16.
"The righteousness of God is absolute. This righteousness characterizes all His

works, all His laws. As God is, so must His people be. The life of Christ is to be re-
vealed in the lives of His followers. In all His public and private acts, in every word
and deed, practical godliness was seen, and this godliness is to be seen in the lives of
His disciples."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 198.
"He [God] cannot endure the presence of sin. It is the thing that His soul
hates.... Holiness is the foundation of God's throne; sin is the opposite of holiness;
sin crucified the Son of God. If men could see how hateful sin is, they would not tol-
erate it, nor educate themselves in it. They would reform in life and character. Secret
faults would be overcome. If you are to be saints in heaven, you must first be saints
upon the earth."- Testimonies to Ministers, p. 145.
2. What has been the purpose of God for man from the beginning? What do the
Scriptures tell of the will of God for us? Ephesians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
"God has chosen men from eternity to be holy. 'This is the will of God, even your
sanctification.' God's law tolerates no sin, but demands perfect obedience. The echo
of God's voice comes to us, ever saying, Holier, holier still. And ever our answer is to
be, Yes, Lord, holier still. Holiness is within the reach of all who reach for it by faith,
not because of their good works, but because of Christ's merits. Divine power is pro-
vided for every soul struggling for the victory over sin and Satan."-The SDA Bible
- 41-
o Monday
IMPUTED AND IMPARTED RIGHTEOUSNESS September 12
3. What sanctification is not the work of a moment but a progressive work?

What steps are enumerated in order to reach this goal? Hebrews 6:1; Philip-
pians 3:13, 14; 2 Peter 1:5-10.
"The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive.

When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atone-
ment, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to 'go unto perfection;' to grow
up 'unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.' Says the apostle Paul:
'This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth un-
to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high call-
ing of God in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 3:13,14. And Peter sets before us the steps by
which Bible sanctification is to be attained: 'Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;
and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance.' "- The Great Controversy, p. 470.
4. What is done for us by the death of Christ, and what must the indwelling
Christ do for the believers daily? Romans 5:10.
"Justification means the saving of a soul from perdition, that he may obtain sanc-
tification, and through sanctification, the life of heaven. Justification means that the
conscience, purged from dead works, is placed where it can receive the blessings of
sanctification."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 7, p. 908.
"Imputed righteousness, by which man is justified from guilt, is the foundation
upon which imparted righteousness is bestowed, which sanctifies the life conduct,
and provides 'our fitness for heaven.' "-Christ Our Righteousness, p. 98.
o Tuesday
THE WORK OF SANCTIFICATION September 13
5. How thoroughly is the work of sanctification to be carried out and what is

the purpose? 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
"Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is
the fulfillment of the covenant God has made with those who bind themselves up with
Him, to stand with Him, His Son, and His Spirit in holy fellowship. Have you been
born again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus? Then cooperate with the
three great powers of heaven who are working in your behalf."- The SDA Bible Com-
mentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 7, p. 908.
"Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the sanctification of the truth, the believer
becomes fitted for the courts of heaven; for Christ works within us, and His
righteousness is upon us. Without this no soul will be entitled to heaven. We would
not enjoy heaven unless qualified for its holy atmosphere by the influence of the Spirit
and the righteousness of Christ."-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 395.
6. How is this accomplished? What part does the sinner have in it? Titus 3:5.
"When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the
new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a
supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature."-The Desire
of Ages, p. 324.
-42 -
"But though Christ is everything, we are to inspire every man to unwearied
diligence. We are to strive, wrestle, agonize, watch, pray, lest we shall be overcome
by the wily foe. For the power and grace with which we can do this comes from God,
and all the while we are to trust in Him, who is able to save to the uttermost all who
come unto God by Him. Never leave the impression on the mind that there is little or
nothing to do on the part of man; but rather teach man to cooperate with God, that he
may be successful in overcoming."-Selected Messages, book I, p. 381.
o Wednesday
BIBLE SANCTIFICATION September 14
7. What is Bible sanctification? What does it imply? 1 Thessalonians 3:13.
"By the word and the Spirit of God are opened to men the great principles of
righteousness embodied in His law. And since the law of God is 'holy, and just, and
good,' a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obe-
dience to that law will be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He
says: 'I have kept My Father's commandments.' 'I do always those things that please
Him.' John 15:10; 8:29. The followers of Christ are to become like Him-by the grace
of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible
sanctification." - The Great Controversy, p. 469.
"The sanctification set forth in the Scriptures embraces the entire being-spirit,
soul, and body."-Ibid., p. 473.
8. What will be the experience of the truly converted believer? What has such a
believer done when he responds to the call for repentance? 1 Corinthians
15:57.
"The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, but he will maintain a constant war-
fare against it. Here is where Christ's help is needed. Human weakness becomes united
to divine strength, and faith exclaims: 'Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.' 1 Corinthians 15:57."-The Great Controversy, pp. 469, 470.
"No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The righteousness of
Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life
that transforms the character and controls the conduct. Holiness is wholeness for
God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of
heaven."-The Desire of Ages, pp. 555, 556.
o Thursday
THE PROOF OF SANCTIFICATION September 15
9. What is the experience of the heart in which the work of sanctification is ac-
complished? What will be a special joy to such ones? Psalm 119:14-16.
"All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if
we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our
hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but
carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will fhid its highest
delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him,
our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character
of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us."- The Desire of
Ages, p. 668.
(Continued on page 47)
-43 -
, , ,
THE THIRTEENTH SABBA TH OFFERING
CLOTHED WITH THE

RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST
The righteousness of Christ must become part of the believer so that he is

wholly clothed with it as with a garment.
KEY TEXT: "And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man
which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend,
how earnest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was
speechless." Matthew 22:11, 12.
D Sunday
CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS ATTRIBUTED September 18
1. When is a soul ready to be clothed with the garment of the righteousness of
Christ? Zechariah 3:1-4.
"When men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the
righteousness of Christ." -Christ Our Righteousness, p. 104.
"The high priest cannot defend himself or his people from Satan's accusations.
He does not claim that Israel are free from fault. In his filthy garments, symbolizing
the sins of the people, which he bears as their representative, he stands before the
Angel, confessing their guilt, yet pointing to their repentance and humiliation, relying
upon the mercy of a sin-pardoning Redeemer and in faith claiming the promises of
God."- Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 468, 469.
2. What are the prerequisites for sanctification? Acts 3:19.
a) To the repentant, believing sinner

"The sinner must come in faith to Christ, take hold of His merits, lay his sins
upon the Sin Bearer, and receive His pardon. It was for this cause that Christ came in-
to the world. Thus the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the repenting, believing
sinner. He becomes a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King, an
heir of God, and joint heir with Christ. "-Selected Messages, book 1, p. 215.
-44 -
b) To a contrite soul
"And it is Christ's cleansing blood that takes away our sins, when we come to Him
with contrition of soul seeking His pardon. He imputes His righteousness, He takes the
guilt upon Himself."-The SDA Bible Commentary, [E.G. White Comments] vol. 7, p. 935.
c) Only to the obedient
"He demands now as ever perfect righteousness as the only title to heaven.
Christ is our hope and our refuge. His righteousness is imputed only to the obedient.
Let us accept it through faith, that the Father shall find in us no sin."-The SDA Bible
o Monday
THE PRICE OF CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS September 19
3. What must we do in order to buy Christ's righteousness? What parable in·
dicates that professing Christ and following Him does not necessarily mean
that the soul is clothed with the garment of Christ's righteousness? Matthew
13:45,46; 22:1·14.
"The guests at the gospel feast are those who profess to serve God, those whose
names are written in the book of life. But not all who profess to be Christians are true
disciples."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 310.
"In the lives of many of those whose names are on the church books there has
been no genuine change. The truth has been kept in the outer court. There has been
no genuine conversion, no positive work of grace done in the heart. Their desire to do
God's will is based upon their own inclination, not upon the deep conviction of the Ho-
ly Spirit. Their conduct is not brought into harmony with the law of God. They pro-
fess to accept Christ as their Saviour, but they do not believe that He will give them
power to overcome their sins. They have not a personal acquaintance with a living
Saviour, and their characters reveal many blemishes." -Christ Our Righteousness, p. 81.
4. How only may we buy righteousness? Revelation 3: 18.
"The white raiment is purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted

to the sinner. This is indeed a garment of heavenly texture, that can be bought only of
Christ for a life of willing obedience."- Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 88.
o Tuesday
LIVING INWARDLY WITH CHRIST September 20
5. How did Paul explain to the Galatians the intimate unity needed with Christ?
Galatians 2:20.
"When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will
is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought
into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the gar-
ment of His righteousness." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 312.
6. What blessings will the sanctified enjoy even here in this world? Isaiah 58:8.
"To His faithful followers Christ has been a daily companion and familiar friend.
They have lived in close contact, in constant communion with God. Upon them the
- 45-
glory of the Lord has risen. In them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in
the face of Jesus Christ has been reflected. Now they rejoice in the undimmed rays of
the brightness and glory of the King in His majesty. They are prepared for the com·
munion of heaven; for they have heaven in their hearts." -Christ's Object Lessons, p. 421.
D Wednesday
THE GARMENTS OF INNOCENCE September 21
7. What garments did our first parents have in Eden? What happened when
their spiritual condition changed, and what did they find out? Genesis 3:10.
"The white robe of innocence was worn by our first parents when they were placed
by God in holy Eden. They lived in perfect conformity to the will of God. All the
strength of their affections was given to their heavenly Father. A beautiful soft light,
the light of God, enshrouded the holy pair. This robe of light was a symbol of their
spiritual garments of heavenly innocence. Had they remained true to God it would
ever have continued to enshroud them. But when sin entered, they severed their con·
nection with God, and the light that had encirled them departed. Naked and ashamed,
they tried to supply the place of the heavenly garments by sewing together fig leaves
for a covering."-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 310, 311.
8. What does the garment of white raiment represent now? What is the spirit-
ual condition and character of those clothed with the garments of Christ's
righteousness? Revelation 19:8.
"By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless char·
acter which Christ's true followers will possess."-Christ's Object Lessons, p. 310.
"The truth is to be planted in the heart. It is to control the mind and regulate the
affections. The whole character must be stamped with the divine utterances. Every
jot and tittle of the word of God is to be brought into the daily practice.
"He who becomes a partaker of the divine nature will be in harmony with God's
great standard of righteousness, His holy law. This is the rule by which God measures
the actions of men. This will be the test of character in the judgment."-Ibid., p. 314.
D Thursday
TO RECEIVE CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS September 22
9. What is evidence that we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ? Psalm
119:104; 1 Corinthians 13:6.
"When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish
for sin; for Christ will be working with us. We may make mistakes, but we will hate
the sin that caused the sufferings of the Son of God."-Christ Our Righteousness, p. 101.
10. On what condition only is the righteousness of Christ imputed to us? What is
required for true unity with Christ? John 15:4, 5.
"There is a wide difference between a pretended union and a real connection

with Christ by faith. A profession of religion places men in the church, but this does
not prove that they have a vital connection with the living Vine.... When this in-
timacy of connection of communion is formed, our sins are laid upon Christ, His righ-
teousness is imputed to us. He was made sin for us, that we might be made the righ-
teousness of God in Him." -Christ Our Righteousness, p. 33.
-46-
"A union with Christ by living faith is enduring; every other union must perish.
Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price for our redemption; and the true believer
choses Christ as first and last, and best in everything. But this union costs us some-
thing. It is a relation of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud being. All who
form this union must feel their need of the atoning blood of Christ. They must have a
change of heart. They must submit their own will to the will of God. There will be a
struggle with outward and internal obstacles. There must be a painful work of detach-
ment, as well as a work of attachment. Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness,-sin in
all its forms,-must be overcome, if we would enter into a union with Christ. The
reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so
variable, is, they try to attach themselves to Christ without first detaching themselves
from these cherished idols."-Ibid., pp. 33, 34.
11. What is the security for a soul who is clothed with the garment of Christ's
righteousness when faced with the temptations of Satan? 1 Peter 1:5.
"In the religion of Christ there is a regenerating influence that transforms the en-
tire being, lifting man above every debasing, groveling vice, and raising the thoughts
and desires toward God and heaven. Linked to the Infinite One, man is made partaker
of the divine nature. Upon him the shafts of evil have no effect; for he is clothed with
the panoply of Christ's righteousness."-Christ Our Righteousness, p. 99.
D Friday
a. What must first be done by the believer before he can be clothed with the
white raiment?
b. What are we told of the price to purchase righteousness?
c. What is the result of living with Christ in the heart?
d. What is the full significance of the white raiment?
e. What is it that makes the righteousness of Christ a security to the believer?
'* * '* * '* * '*

(Continued from page 43)
10. What is evidence of this sanctification? How does the repentant sinner know
the way? 1 John 2:3-6.
!'Righteousness within is testified to by righteousness without. He who is righ-

teous within is not hardhearted and unsympathetic, but day by day he grows into the
image of Christ, going on from strength to strength. He who is being sanctified by the
truth will be self-controlled, and will follow in the footsteps of Christ until grace is lost
in glory."-Christ Our Righteousness, p. 101.
D Friday
a. What does it mean to be holy?
b. Differentiate between imputed and imparted righteousness.
c. How is the work of sanctification accomplished?
d. What results from true sanctification?
e. What is evidence that the soul is sanctified?
-47 -
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The arrow on the map above points to Graz, Austria, where the brethren plan to build a monument for
the Lord. See page 4 for more detailed information.

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Justification, Sanctification, and Righteousness: Sabbath School Lessons

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3/88

Sabbath School Lessons

Lesson Title Page

1 The Plan of Redemption 5

The Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, Justification, Sanctification, and Righteous-

THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION

6. Without the regenerating mercy of God, what condition of man persists.even

7. What characteristic of the Godhead responded to the need of fallen man?

a. What characterized the whole creation of God in the beginning?

THE WORK OF REDEMPTION

a. Why was the incarnation of Christ vital to the plan of salvation?

THE LAW OF GOD

"The law of God is as sacred as God Himself. It is a revelation of His will, a

4. What is transgression of the law? What is the inevitable consequence of

5. What change of attitude came as a result of disobedience? What is evidenced

THE HUMAN NATURE OF CHRIST

6. What is evidence of Christ's human nature and of the possibility that He

"Unless there is a possibility of yielding, temptation is no temptation. Tempta-

"Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation.

a. What heritage did Christ receive from the line of Adam?

'* * '* * '* * '*

a. How does the law of God maintain perfect harmony?

THE DIVINE NATURE OF CHRIST

5. What was Christ since everlasting? John 1:4.

7. What was the secret of Jesus' victory? John 4:34; 5:30.

THE MORTAL SON OF MAN D Thursday

a. In what manner did the Son of God appear to His nation?

7. What provision was made in man's behalf? Colossians 1:21,22.

JUSTIFICATION IN THE LIVES D Tuesday

1. On what condition only can the sinner be justified? Acts 16:31.

3. On what basis was righteousness imparted to Abraham? Genesis 15:1,5,6.

FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES

6. What will this faith do for its possessor? Matthew 21:21.

"The righteousness of Christ, as a pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain. No

THE GLORY OF MAN

INVITATION, REPENTANCE, o Monday

"Repentance is as much the gift of Christ as is forgiveness, and it cannot be

5. What is the definition of faith? What is its source? Hebrews 11:1.

9. In order to be heirs of heaven, what is the standard which we must reach?

WORKING TOGETHER WITH GOD

Although anything that man may do of himself is selfish and unacceptable,

KEY TEXT: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my

THE SINNER'S PART D Sunday

3. What is the sinner's first step in his conversion? John 6:37.

Sanctification follows justification and is the transformation of character re-

"The righteousness of God is absolute. This righteousness characterizes all His

3. What sanctification is not the work of a moment but a progressive work?

"The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive.

5. How thoroughly is the work of sanctification to be carried out and what is

7. What is Bible sanctification? What does it imply? 1 Thessalonians 3:13.

Lesson 13 Sabbath, September 24, 1988

CLOTHED WITH THE

The righteousness of Christ must become part of the believer so that he is

a) To the repentant, believing sinner

"The white raiment is purity of character, the righteousness of Christ imparted

"There is a wide difference between a pretended union and a real connection

'* * '* * '* * '*

!'Righteousness within is testified to by righteousness without. He who is righ-

" An$~lden ~~l!J. "!: 1 ..