Further Study: Final Events
“There is need of watchfulness. Our own hearts are deceitful; we are compassed with the weaknesses and frailties of humanity, and Satan is intent to destroy. We may be off our guard, but our adversary is never idle. Knowing his tireless vigilance, let us not sleep, as do others, but ‘watch and be sober.’”-Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 409.
“Some seem to feel that they must be on probation and must prove to the Lord that they are reformed before they can claim His blessing. But . . . Jesus loves to have us come to Him just as we are-sinful, helpless, dependent. We claim to be children of the light, not of the night nor of darkness; what right have we to be unbelieving?”-Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 3, p. 150.
“The mass of professed Christians . . . are living for the world. Their faith has but little restraining influence upon their pleasures; while they profess to be children of the light, they walk in darkness and are children of the night and of darkness.”-Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 404.
“The world, who act as though there were no God, absorbed in selfish pursuits, will soon experience sudden destruction, and shall not escape. . . . Dancing and carousing, drinking and smoking, indulging their animal passions, they go as an ox to the slaughter.”- Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 26.
Discussion Questions:
- In class, ask the question, If Christ were to return tomorrow, would you be ready? Discuss the answers and the reasons given for them.
- Go over your answers to the question at the end of Monday’s lesson. How do we keep a sense of urgency and yet at the same time function “normally” in society?
- To what degree has the Adventist focus on the end of time been a positive or negative influence in your life? How have your views on the end time changed over the years? Why is an understanding of the plan of salvation, and justification by faith alone, so crucial to a clear understanding of last-day events?
Summary: In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Paul calls for total commitment to readiness for the second coming of Jesus. When we accept the gospel, we become children of the light. As we live out the gospel in faith, hope, and love, we grow more and more into the image of Jesus. If we are ready to die in Christ today, we will be ready if Jesus comes today.
“When people say, there is peace and security, then sudden destruction will come opon them…” (1 Thessalonians 5:3 RSV) The Apostle Paul is quoting the Prophet Jeremiah. While the babylonian armies were approaching, people felt secure in their cherished sins of wickedness, violence, greed, deceit and idolatry (Jeremiah 6:7,13). False prophets and priests were attempting in vain to heal the injuries of sin by proclaiming peace and security in those sins, rather than having sinners turn to God for spiritual healing from sin (Jeremia 6:14).
The apostle Paul compares secure sinners with the picture of sleeping securely in darkness and even getting drunk at night (1 Thessalonians 5:4-7). To those feeling secure in their sinful living, the day of the Lord comes as a sudden destruction upon them (1 Thessalonians 5:3). There is no salvation in cherised sin but in turning to Christ, the lamb of God, who takes away our cherished sin (John 1:29). This is a vital part of preparation for the day of His coming.
Winfried Stolpmann
Its the right time that we came back to real business and organised ourselves in the mission that Christ left for us because the time might be today or in the next minute therefore prepare yourself for the thief is right at you door step. HAPPY SABBATH.