LESSON 2 *October 1–7
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Gen. 2:16, 17; Gen. 3:1–7; Ps.
115:17; John 5:28, 29; Rom. 5:12; 2 Cor. 5:21.
Memory Text: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered
the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men,
because all sinned” (Romans 5:12, NKJV).
Christ was the Divine Agent through whom God brought the universe
and the world into existence (John 1:1–3, 10; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2).
But when God the Father conferred special honor on Christ and
announced that They together would create this world, “Lucifer was
envious and jealous of Jesus Christ” (Ellen G. White, The Story of
Redemption, p. 14) and plotted against Him.
Having been cast out of heaven, Satan decided “to destroy the happiness
of Adam and Eve” on earth and thereby “cause grief in heaven.” He
imagined that “if he could in any way beguile them [Adam and Eve] to
disobedience, God would make some provision whereby they might be
pardoned, and then himself and all the fallen angels would be in a fair way
to share with them of God’s mercy.”—The Story of Redemption, p. 27.
Fully aware of Satan’s strategy, God warned Adam and Eve not to expose
themselves to temptation (Gen. 2:16, 17). This means that even when the
world was still perfect and blameless, there were already clear restrictions
for human beings to follow.
This week we will reflect on the fall of Adam and Eve, on how sin and
death took over our world, and on how God planted a seed of hope for
humanity even back in Eden.
* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, October 8.
EGW Notes — SATURDAY ↓
Sabbath Afternoon, October 1
Lesson 2 - Death in a Sinful World
When all the angels bowed to Jesus to acknowledge His supremacy and
high authority and rightful rule, [Lucifer] bowed with them; but his heart
was filled with envy and hatred. Christ had been taken into the special
counsel of God in regard to His plans, while Lucifer was unacquainted
with them. He did not understand, neither was he permitted to know, the
purposes of God. But Christ was acknowledged sovereign of heaven, His
power and authority to be the same as that of God Himself. Lucifer
thought that he was himself a favorite in heaven among the angels. He
had been highly exalted, but this did not call forth from him gratitude and
praise to his Creator. He aspired to the height of God Himself. He gloried
in his loftiness. . . . He had been near the great Creator, and the ceaseless
beams of glorious light enshrouding the eternal God had shone especially
upon him. He thought how angels had obeyed his command with
pleasurable alacrity. Were not his garments light and beautiful? Why
should Christ thus be honored before
himsel?—The Story of Redemption, p. 14.
In the midst of the garden, near the tree of life, stood the tree of
knowledge of good and evil. This tree was especially designed of God to be
the pledge of their obedience, faith, and love to Him. Of this tree the Lord
commanded our first parents not to eat, neither to touch it, lest they die.
He told them that they might freely eat of all the trees in the garden
except one, but if they ate of that tree they should surely die.
When Adam and Eve were placed in the beautiful garden they had
everything for their happiness which they could desire. But God chose, in
His all-wise arrangements, to test their loyalty before they could be
rendered eternally secure. They were to have His favor, and He was to
converse with them and they with Him. Yet He did not place evil out of
their reach. Satan was permitted to tempt them. If they endured the trial
they were to be in perpetual favor with God and the heavenly
angels.—The Story of Redemption, p. 24.
SUNDAY October 2
Statements in Tension
The world, as it came from the Lord, was perfect (Gen. 1:31). Death was
an unknown experience for Adam and Eve. In that context, God came to the
Garden of Eden and warned: “ ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the
garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,
for in the day that you eat of it you shall die’ ” (Gen. 2:16, 17, NRSV).
How does Genesis 2:16, 17 show the reality of free will in the
perfection of Eden? That is, why would God have needed to warn
Adam and Eve if they couldn’t freely choose?
* Your notes will not be saved!
Sometime after this warning from God, Satan assumed the form of a
serpent and entered Eden. Eve beheld the serpent joyfully eating the
forbidden fruit without dying. “He himself had eaten of the forbidden fruit”
(Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 54), and nothing had happened
to him.
Read Genesis 3:1–4. Putting yourself in the position of Eve, why
might those words have sounded convincing?
From the perspective of human logic, the argument of the serpent
sounded much more convincing than did the word of God. First of all, there
was no evidence in the natural world, so far, of the existence of sin and
death. Second, the serpent was actually eating the forbidden fruit and
enjoying it very much. So why should Eve restrain herself from doing the
same? God’s command seemed to be too restrictive and senseless.
Unfortunately, in deciding between the two conflicting statements, Eve
ignored three basic principles: (1) human reason is not always the safest
way to evaluate spiritual matters; (2) the Word of God can appear to be
illogical and senseless to us, but it is always right and trustworthy; and (3)
there are things that are not evil or wrong in themselves, but God has
chosen them as tests of obedience.
We should realize that the experience of Eve in the Garden of Eden is
not a single case in time. Every day and every moment we need to decide
between the Word of God (which for many can be unpopular) and the
seductive appeals of our surrounding culture. Our choice will have eternal
consequences.
What are ways that the clear teaching of the Bible conflicts with the
ways of the world?
EGW Notes — SUNDAY ↓
Sunday, October 2
Statements in Tension
The angels warned [Adam and Eve] to be on their guard against the
devices of Satan, for his efforts to ensnare them would be unwearied.
While they were obedient to God the evil one could not harm them; for, if
need be, every angel in heaven would be sent to their help. If they
steadfastly repelled his first insinuations, they would be as secure as the
heavenly messengers. But should they once yield to temptation, their
nature would become so depraved that in themselves they would have no
power and no disposition to resist Satan. . . .
The angels had cautioned Eve to beware of separating herself from her
husband while occupied in their daily labor in the garden; with him she
would be in less danger from temptation than if she were alone. But
absorbed in her pleasing task, she unconsciously wandered from his side.
On perceiving that she was alone, she felt an apprehension of danger, but
dismissed her fears, deciding that she had sufficient wisdom and strength
to discern evil and to withstand
it.—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 53.
Eve’s curiosity was aroused. Instead of fleeing from the spot, she
listened to hear a serpent talk. It did not occur to her mind that it might be
that fallen foe, using the serpent as a medium. It was Satan that spoke, not
the serpent. Eve was beguiled, flattered, infatuated. Had she met a
commanding personage, possessing a form like the angels and resembling
them, she would have been upon her guard. But that strange voice should
have driven her to her husband’s side to inquire of him why another
should thus freely address her. But she entered into a controversy with the
serpent.—The Story of Redemption, p. 33.
It is expressly stated that Satan works in the children of disobedience,
not merely having access to their minds, but working through their
influence, conscious and unconscious, to draw others into the same
disobedience. If evil angels have such power over the children of men in
their disobedience, how much greater power the good angels have over
those who are striving to be obedient. When we put our trust in Jesus
Christ, working obedience unto righteousness, angels of God work in our
hearts unto righteousness. . . .
The human family have all the help that Christ had in their conflicts
with Satan. They need not be overcome. They may be more than
conquerors through Him who has loved them and given His life for them.
“Ye are bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). And what a price! The
Son of God in His humanity wrestled with the very same fierce,
apparently overwhelming temptations that assail men. . . . Everyone will
be tempted, but the Word declares that we shall not be tempted above our
ability to bear. We may resist and defeat the wily
foe.—Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 94, 95.
MONDAY October 3
Deceived by the Serpent
Read Genesis 3:1–7. What criteria did Eve use to choose between
God’s word and that of the serpent?
Genesis 3 is one of the clearest examples of the psychology of
temptation. God had warned Adam and Eve that if they ate the forbidden
fruit, they would certainly die (Gen. 2:16, 17). Assuming the form of a
serpent, Satan used several rhetorical strategies to mislead Eve into sin.
First, he generalized God’s specific prohibition. He asked her, “ ‘Has
God really said, “You shall not eat from any tree of the garden?” ’ ” (Gen.
3:1, NASB). Eve counterargued that the prohibition was in regard only to
that specific tree, for if they were ever to eat from it or touch it, they would
die.
Then, Satan contradicted God’s statement. He asserted categorically,
“ ‘You certainly will not die!’ ” (Gen. 3:4, NASB).
And finally, Satan accused God of deliberately suppressing essential
knowledge from her and her husband. The deceiver argued, “ ‘For God
knows that on the day you eat from it [the forbidden fruit] your eyes will be
opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil’ ” (Gen. 3:5,
NASB).
Eve’s curiosity led her onto the enchanted ground of Satan. There she
was forced to decide either to remain faithful to God’s restraining command
or to embrace Satan’s seductive allurements. Doubting God’s word, she
used her own senses—the empirical method, that of personal observation—
to decide between the two conflicting statements.
First, she saw that from a dietary perspective, “the tree was good for
food.” Second, from an aesthetic viewpoint, she saw that “it was a delight
to the eyes.” Third, from a logical analysis, “the tree was desirable to make
one wise.” Hence, in her own mind, she certainly had good reasons to heed
the words of the serpent and to eat from the forbidden tree. Unfortunately,
this is what she did.
Some people argue that all forms of knowledge are valid, as long as we
retain “that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21, NASB). But the tragic
experiences of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden demonstrate that
knowledge, in and of itself, can be very detrimental. There are some things
that, indeed, we are better off not knowing.
What does this account teach us about how easy it is to rationalize
and justify our sinful choices?
EGW Notes — MONDAY ↓
Monday, October 3
Deceived by the Serpent
Holy angels often visited the garden, and gave instruction to Adam and
Eve concerning their employment and also taught them concerning the
rebellion and fall of Satan. The angels warned them of Satan and cautioned
them not to separate from each other in their employment, for they might
be brought in contact with this fallen foe. The angels also enjoined upon
them to follow closely the directions God had given them, for in perfect
obedience only were they safe. Then this fallen foe could have no power
over them.
Satan commenced his work with Eve, to cause her to disobey. She first
erred in wandering from her husband, next in lingering around the
forbidden tree, and next in listening to the voice of the tempter, and even
daring to doubt what God had said, “In the day that thou eatest thereof
thou shalt surely die.” She thought that perhaps the Lord did not mean just
what He said, and venturing, she put forth her hand, took of the fruit and
ate. It was pleasing to the eye and pleasant to the taste. Then she was
jealous that God had withheld from them what was really for their
good.—Early Writings, p. 147.
Satan would convey the idea that by eating of the forbidden tree [Adam
and Eve] would receive a new and more noble kind of knowledge than
they had hitherto attained. This has been his special work, with great
success, ever since his fall—to lead men to pry into the secrets of the
Almighty and not to be satisfied with what God has revealed, and not
careful to obey that which He has commanded. He would lead them to
disobey God’s commands, and then make them believe that they are
entering a wonderful field of knowledge. This is purely supposition, and a
miserable deception. They fail to understand what God has revealed, and
disregard His explicit commandments and aspire after wisdom,
independent of God, and seek to understand that which He has been
pleased to withhold from mortals. They are elated with their ideas of
progression and charmed with their own vain philosophy, but grope in
midnight darkness relative to true knowledge. They are ever learning and
never able to come to the knowledge of the
truth.—The Story of Redemption, p. 33.
The knowledge which God did not want our first parents to have was a
knowledge of guilt. And when they accepted the assertions of Satan,
which were false, disobedience and transgression were introduced into
our world. This disobedience to God’s express command, this belief of
Satan’s lie, opened the floodgates of woe upon the
world.—Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 562.
TUESDAY October 4
You Will Not Die
Read Genesis 3:4. What are the many different ways this lie has been
repeated through the ages?
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in
unrighteousness”
(Rom. 1:18, NKJV).
One powerful manifestation of this lie is seen in the common belief in
the immortality of the soul. This notion was the basis of many ancient
religions and philosophies. In ancient Egypt, it motivated the
mummification practices and the funerary architecture, such as that seen in
the pyramids.
This theory also became one of the main pillars of Greek philosophy.
For example, in The Republic of Plato, Socrates asks Glaucon: “Are you
not aware that our soul is immortal and never perishes?” In Plato’s Phaedo,
Socrates argued in a similar tone, saying that the “soul is immortal and
imperishable, and our souls really will exist in Hades.” These philosophical
concepts would shape much of the Western culture and even post-Apostolic
Christianity. But they originated much earlier, in the Garden of Eden, with
Satan himself.
At the core of the Edenic temptation, Satan assured Eve, “ ‘You certainly
will not die!’ ” (Gen. 3:4, NASB). With this emphatic assertion, Satan put
his own word above the word of God.
In contrast to immortality of the soul, what do these verses teach, and
how can they be used to counter this lie? (See Ps. 115:17; John 5:28, 29;
Ps. 146:4; Matt. 10:28; 1 Cor. 15:51–58.)
The satanic theory of the natural immortality of the soul has persisted,
even in our modern world. Books, movies, and TV programs have all
continued to promote the idea that when we die, we simply pass into
another conscious state. How unfortunate it is that this error is proclaimed
in many Christian pulpits, as well. Even science has gotten involved. There
is a foundation in the United States trying to create technology that, it
claims, will enable us to contact the dead, whom they believe are still alive
but exist as PMPs, “postmaterial persons.” With this error so prevalent, it’s
no surprise that this deception will play a crucial role in the final events of
human history.
In what ways is this lie manifested in your own culture? Why must
we rely on the Word of God over what our senses tell us?
EGW Notes — TUESDAY ↓
Tuesday, October 4
You Will Not Die
Yielding to Satan’s suggestions, our first parents opened the floodgates
of evil upon the world. The questionable principles of the father and the
mother of the human race influenced some of those with whom they
associated. The evil that began in Paradise has extended down through the
ages. Although Adam and Eve related with sorrow to their children the
sad story of the Fall, their family became a divided family. Cain chose to
serve Satan, Abel to serve God. Cain killed his brother Abel, because he
would not follow his example.—The Upward Look, p. 41.
Modern spiritualism and the forms of ancient witchcraft and idol
worship—all having communion with the dead as their vital principl e—are
founded upon that first lie by which Satan beguiled Eve in Eden: “Ye shall
not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, . . . ye
shall be as gods.” Genesis 3:4, 5. Alike based upon falsehood and
perpetuating the same, they are alike from the father of lies. . . .
The “familiar spirits” were not the spirits of the dead, but evil angels,
the messengers of Satan. Ancient idolatry, which, as we have seen,
comprises both worship of the dead and pretended communion with them,
is declared by the Bible to have been demon worship. . . .
Modern spiritualism, resting upon the same foundation, is but a revival
in a new form of the witchcraft and demon worship that God condemned
and prohibited of old. . . .
. . . God has in His word opened before us the great events of the future
—all that it is essential for us to know—and He has given us a safe guide
for our feet amid all its perils; but it is Satan’s purpose to destroy men’s
confidence in God, to make them dissatisfied with their condition in life,
and to lead them to seek a knowledge of what God has wisely veiled from
them, and to despise what He has revealed in His Holy
Word.—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 685, 686.
Those who would stand in the time of peril must understand the
testimony of the Scriptures concerning the nature of man and the state of
the dead, for in the near future many will be confronted by the spirits of
devils personating beloved relatives or friends and declaring the most
dangerous heresies. These visitants will appeal to our tenderest
sympathies and will work miracles to sustain their pretensions. We must
be prepared to withstand them with the Bible truth that the dead know
not anything, and that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils.
. . . Little by little [Satan] has prepared the way for his masterpiece of
deception in the development of Spiritualism. He has not yet reached the
full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last
remnant of time, and the world will be swept into the ranks of this
delusion. They are fast being lulled into a fatal security, to be awakened
only by the outpouring of the wrath of
God.—The Story of Redemption, pp. 398, 399.
WEDNESDAY October 5
Consequences of Sin
Based on Genesis 3:7–19 and Romans 5:12, what were the main
consequences of sin?
Captivated by the persuasive speech of the serpent, Eve did not anticipate
the far-reaching consequences of the road that she was following. In
itself, the act of eating from the forbidden fruit was not as significant as
what it actually represented. By such an act of disobedience, Eve broke her
loyalty to God and assumed a new allegiance to Satan.
Genesis 3 describes the fall of Adam and Eve and some of its most
tragic consequences. From a theological perspective, both were overtaken
by theophobia (being afraid of God) and hid themselves from Him (Gen.
3:8). From a psychosocial assessment, they were ashamed of themselves
and began to accuse each other (Gen. 3:7, 9–13). From a physical
standpoint, they would sweat, feel pain, and eventually die (Gen. 3:16–19).
And from an ecological perspective, the natural world had degenerated
(Gen. 3:17, 18).
The Garden of Eden was no longer the beautiful and pleasant place it
used to be. “As they witnessed in drooping flower and falling leaf the first
signs of decay, Adam and his companion mourned more deeply than men
now mourn over their dead. The death of the frail, delicate flowers was
indeed a cause of sorrow; but when the goodly trees cast off their leaves,
the scene brought vividly to mind the stern fact that death is the portion of
every living thing.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 62.
Adam and Eve did not die immediately, in the sense of ceasing to live,
but on that very same day they received their death sentence. The Lord told
Adam, “ ‘In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the
ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall
return’ ” (Gen. 3:19, NKJV). The Fall brought tragic consequences indeed
to all humanity. The apostle Paul explains that “just as sin came into the
world through one man, and death came through sin, . . . so death spread to
all because all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12, NRSV).
The sad and painful fact is that just as humanity has experienced through
all ages, we today suffer the consequences of what happened in Eden. How
thankful we can be, though, that because of Jesus and the Cross we have the
hope of eternal life in a world where sin will never rise again.
As we reflect on Eve’s tragic experience, what lessons can we learn
from it about the consequences of our own sinful acts?
EGW Notes — WEDNESDAY ↓
Wednesday, October 5
Consequences of Sin
The first great moral lesson given Adam was that of self-denial. The
reins of self-government were placed in his hands. Judgment, reason, and
conscience were to bear sway. . . .
Adam and Eve were permitted to partake of every tree in the Garden
save one. There was only a single prohibition. The forbidden tree was as
attractive and lovely as any of the trees in the Garden. It was called the
tree of knowledge, because in partaking of that tree, of which God had
said, “Thou shalt not eat of it,” (Genesis 2:17) they would have a
knowledge of sin, an experience in
disobedience.—That I May Know Him, p. 14.
In humility and inexpressible sadness Adam and Eve left the lovely
garden wherein they had been so happy until they disobeyed the
command of God. The atmosphere was changed, and it was no longer
unvarying as before the transgression. God clothed them with coats of
skins to protect them from the sense of chilliness and then of heat to
which they are exposed.
All Heaven mourned on account of the disobedience and fall of Adam
and Eve, which brought the wrath of God upon the whole human race.
They were cut off from communing with God, and were plunged in
hopeless misery. The law of God could not be changed to meet man’s
necessity, for in God’s arrangement it was never to lose its force, or give
up the smallest part of its claims.
The Son of God pities fallen man. He knows that the law of his Father
is as unchanging as himself. He can only see one way of escape for the
transgressor. He offers himself to his Father as a sacrifice for man, to take
their guilt and punishment upon himself, and redeem them from death by
dying in their place, and thus pay the ransom. . . . For the sake of his dear
Son the Father forbears a while the execution of death, and to Christ he
commits the fallen
race.—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 46.
The transgression of God’s law brought woe and death in its train.
Through disobedience man’s powers were perverted, and selfishness took
the place of love. His nature became so weakened that it was impossible
for him to resist the power of evil; and the tempter saw being fulfilled his
purpose to thwart the divine plan of man’s creation and fill the earth with
misery and desolation. Men had chosen a ruler who chained them to his
car as captives.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 33.
THURSDAY October 6
The First Gospel Promise
Read Genesis 3:15, 21. What hope can be found in these verses for all
of humanity?
Genesis 3 describes the dreadful tragedy that took over the world after
the Fall. Everything changed, and Adam and Eve could see the contrast
between what the world used to be and what it had become.
But in the midst of their frustration and despair, God gave them
assurance for the present and hope for the future. First, He cursed the
serpent with a word of Messianic hope. He declared, “ ‘And I will put
enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel’ ” (Gen. 3:15,
NKJV).
The word “enmity” (Hebrew ’eybah) implies not only a long-lasting
cosmic controversy between good and evil, but also a personal repulsion to
sin, which has been implanted by God’s grace in the human mind. By
nature, we are completely fallen (Eph. 2:1, 5) and “slaves of sin” (Rom.
6:20, NKJV). However, the grace that Christ implants in every human life
creates in us enmity against Satan. And it is this “enmity,” a divine gift
from Eden, that allows us to accept His saving grace. Without this
converting grace and renewing power, humanity would continue to be the
captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding.
The Lord next used an animal sacrifice to illustrate this Messianic
promise (see Gen. 3:21). “When Adam, according to God’s special
directions, made an offering for sin, it was to him a most painful ceremony.
His hand must be raised to take life, which God alone could give, and make
an offering for sin. It was the first time he had witnessed death. As he
looked upon the bleeding victim, writhing in the agonies of death, he was to
look forward by faith to the Son of God, whom the victim prefigured, who
was to die man’s sacrifice.”—Ellen G. White, The Story of Redemption, p.
50.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 9:28. What do these texts
teach about what was first revealed in Eden?
Knowing that they would eventually die (Gen. 3:19, 22–24), Adam and
Eve left the Garden of Eden. But they did not leave naked or with their own
fig-leaf coverings (Gen. 3:7). God Himself “made tunics of skin” for them,
and He even clothed them (Gen. 3:21, NKJV), a symbol of His covering
righteousness (see Zech. 3:1–5, Luke 15:22). Hence, even back then, right
from the start, in Eden, the gospel had been revealed to humanity.
EGW Notes — THURSDAY ↓
Thursday, October 6
The First Gospel Promise
Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man was lost, and that
world which God had created was to be filled with mortals doomed to
misery, sickness, and death, and there was no way of escape for the
offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I saw the lovely Jesus and
beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon His countenance.
Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded
the Father. Said my accompanying angel, He is in close converse with His
Father. . . . [When] He came from the Father . . . He then made known to
the angelic host that a way of escape had been made for lost man. He told
them that He had been pleading with His Father, and had offered to give
His life a ransom, to take the sentence of death upon Himself, that
through Him man might find pardon; that through the merits of His blood,
and obedience to the law of God, they could have the favor of God, and be
brought into the beautiful garden, and eat of the fruit of the tree of
life.—Early Writings, p. 149.
In all the fullness of His divinity, in all the glory of His spotless
humanity, Christ gave Himself for us as a full and free sacrifice, and each
one who comes to Him should accept Him as if he were the only one for
whom the price had been paid. As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be
made alive, for the obedient will be raised to immortality, and the
transgressor will rise from the dead to suffer death, the penalty of the law
which he has broken. . . .
Many have taken the position that they cannot sin because they are
sanctified, but this is a delusive snare of the evil one. There is constant
danger of falling into sin, for Christ has warned us to watch and pray lest
we enter into temptation. If we are conscious of the weakness of self, we
shall not be self-confident and reckless of danger, but we shall feel the
necessity of seeking to the Source of our strength, Jesus our righteousness.
We shall come in repentance and contrition, with a despairing sense of
our own finite weakness, and learn that we must daily apply to the merits
of the blood of Christ, that we may become vessels fit for the Master’s use.
While thus depending upon God, we shall not be found warring against
the truth, but we shall always be enabled to take our stand for the right.
We should cling to the teaching of the Bible, and not follow the customs
and traditions of the world, the sayings and doings of
men.—This Day With God, p. 148.
FRIDAY October 7
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Temptation and
Fall,” pp. 52–62 and “The Plan of Redemption,” pp. 63–70, in Patriarchs
and Prophets; “The Knowledge of Good and Evil,” pp. 23–27, in
Education.
In recent years, studies have been done on what are called near-death
experiences (NDEs). What happens is that people “die,” in that their hearts
stop beating, and they stop breathing. However, they then come back to life
—but with fantastic stories of floating into another realm of existence and
meeting a being of light. Some even talk about meeting long-dead relatives.
Many people, even Christians who don’t understand the truth about death,
believe that these stories are more proof of the immortality of the soul.
However (and this should be the clearest warning that something is amiss),
most who have these experiences claim that the spiritual beings whom they
had met during the NDEs gave them comforting words, nice statements
about love, peace, and goodness. But they hear nothing about salvation in
Christ, nothing about sin, and nothing about judgment. While getting a taste
of the Christian afterlife, shouldn’t they have gotten at least a smidgen of
the most basic Christian teachings along with it? Yet, what they’re taught
sounds mostly like New Age dogma, which could explain why, in many
cases, they come away less inclined toward Christianity than they were
before having “died.” Also, why did none of the Christians, convinced that
their NDEs were a preview of the Christian heaven, ever get any Christian
theology while there, as opposed to a big dose of New Age sentimentalism?
The answer is that they were being deceived by the same person who
deceived Eve in Eden, and with the same lie too. (See lesson 11.)
Discussion Questions:
-
1. How does the experience of Adam and Eve demonstrate that
God’s forgiveness does not necessarily reverse all consequences of
sin? Why is this such an important truth to remember always?
-
2. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the “enchanted
ground” of the enemy for Adam and Eve. What are some “enchanted
grounds” that we might find ourselves tempted to enter?
-
3. Satan is trying to lead God’s people to believe that “the
requirements of Christ are less strict than they once believed, and
that by conformity to the world they would exert a greater influence
with worldlings.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies to Ministers and
Gospel Workers, p. 474. What should we do in order not to fall into
this subtle trap?
EGW Notes — FRIDAY ↓
Friday, October 7
For Further Reading
Our High Calling, “How to Maintain Your Integrity!” p. 94;
Education, “The Knowledge of Good and Evil,” pp. 23–27.
INSIDE STORY
Signs and Wonders
By DMITRY BAGAL
While studying Isaiah in the adult Bible study guide a few quarters ago,
one verse particularly caught my attention: “Here am I and the children
whom the LORD has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from
the LORD of hosts” (Isa. 8:18, NKJV). The verse seemed to be about me.
My wife and I already had a child, and we were waiting for the birth of our
second. I thought, Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me!
It would be great also to have signs and wonders from God!
Thinking about the verse, I remembered reading about God’s wonderful
intercession in the lives of Adventists who, through faith alone, managed to
raise significant funds for mission projects. I prayed, “Lord, I also would
like to make a donation. I even have a good occasion: the birth of my
second child. Please give me an idea of how much I should donate, with
Your help, as a sign of my gratitude for a good pregnancy and smooth birth,
and let me know who should get the donation.”
Almost immediately, I felt impressed to raise 1,000 euros (about
US$1,185). The amount seemed unattainable for someone with a limited
income like me in Germany. I prayed, “Lord, it’s Your goal, so You have to
make sure that the money comes from somewhere. You know that my
salary is insufficient to put anything aside. All I can promise is to pray daily
and put aside any money that I may receive in addition to my salary.”
Every day I prayed that the Almighty would somehow make it possible
to reach the goal of the 1,000 euros. In less than a month, I already had
received about half of the amount. An elderly couple unexpectedly gave me
200 euros for helping them move into their new home. Then an Adventist
businessman gave 200 euros when my wife and I, in an effort to be
hospitable, put up two of his employees in our home for the night. After
that, a married couple transferred 50 euros, unannounced, to our bank
account. A month before the baby was born, I already had the 1,000 euros.
The birth of Maranatha Yessenia was smooth and fast on May 4. I
parked in front of the hospital at 8:37 A.M., and she was born 20 minutes
later. The funds went to a mission project.
The Lord made it possible to reach His donation goal. Blessed with my
wife and two children, I can truly say, “Here am I and the children whom
the LORD has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the
LORD of hosts!”
Thank you for supporting mission projects through the weekly Sabbath School mission offering, the
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, and the Annual Sacrifice Offering.
Provided by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission, which uses Sabbath School
mission offerings to spread the gospel worldwide. Read new stories daily at
AdventistMission.org.
