SDA Sabbath School Lessons
Friday August 16, 1996


Further Study

FURTHER STUDY: Study the passages in the book of Revelation that point to the existence of a powerful anti-Christian religious union in the last days: Rev. 13:11-17; Rev.14:8-10; Rev. 15:2; Rev. 16:13, 14; Rev. 17:5, 6, 15-18; Rev. 18:1-10; Rev. 19:20.

"It is one of Satan's devices to combine with falsehood just enough truth to give it plausibility. The leaders of the Sunday movement may advocate reforms which the people need, principles which are in harmony with the Bible; yet while there is with these a requirement which is contrary to God's law, His servants cannot unite with them. Nothing can justify them in setting aside the commandments of God for the precepts of men.

"Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience."--The Great Controversy, pp. 587, 588.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. Your next-door neighbor is critical of the Adventist church because our literature speaks of Sunday-keeping churches as part of Babylon. What explanations can you give to allay the criticism?
  2. Is it possible to present the second angel's message (Rev. 14:8) without being critical of other religious denominations? If so, how?
  3. Because "the great body of Christ's true followers are still to be found" "in the churches which constitute Babylon," what great responsibility rests upon every Seventh-day Adventist?

SUMMARY: The book of Revelation employs the historical scenario surrounding the ascendancy and fall of ancient Babylon to illustrate the rise and fall of an end-time religious union that will oppose Bible truth and the people who accept it. Only by knowing and accepting Bible teaching and remaining in constant fellowship with Christ can we be assured of His blessing now and eternal life at His coming.