December 26, 2004 – January 1, 2005
Memory Verse:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105, NKJV.
Suggested Reading: The Great Controversy, v–ix.
Introduction
The Bible says that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” for “prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” 11 Timothy 3:16; 11 Peter 1:21. The Bible teaches that it is the word of the living God, written by human penmen, to the inhabitants of earth. How can we know that this claim of the Bible is true?
1 What does Jesus say is the source of truth? John 17:17. See also 11 Peter 1:19–21.
note: “ ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ [Proverbs 9:10.] A knowledge of God and His requirements will open the understanding of the student to realize his responsibilities to God and to the world. To this end he will feel that his talents must be developed in that way which will produce the very best results. This cannot be done unless all the precepts and principles of religion are connected with his school education. In no case should he disconnect God from his studies. In the pursuit of knowledge he is searching for truth; and all truth comes from God, the source of truth. Students who are virtuous and are imbued with the Spirit of Christ will grasp knowledge with all their faculties.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 273.
2 From Whom did Jesus receive the information contained in Revelation? Revelation 1:1.
note: “The whole Bible is a revelation; for all revelation to men comes through Christ, and all centers in Him. God has spoken unto us by His Son, whose we are by creation and by redemption. Christ came to John exiled on the Isle of Patmos to give him the truth for these last days, to show him that which must shortly come to pass. Jesus Christ is the great trustee of divine revelation. It is through Him that we have a knowledge of what we are to look for in the closing scenes of this earth’s history. God gave this revelation to Christ, and Christ communicated the same to John.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 953.
3 What two phrases describe the record that John wrote out? Revelation 1:2.
note: “They [kings and rulers] saw John the aged, honored and beloved, constantly referring to Jesus as the eternal Word, giving to him a power exceeding their power. His testimony was always the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. And notwithstanding his age, his venerable appearance, his white locks, in their envy and jealousy they condemned the faithful apostle to what was then thought to be the most severe of all punishments. He was separated from his beloved people, and banished to Patmos. ‘I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.’ [Revelation 1:9.]” Review and Herald, May 16, 1899.
4 Who does the disciple John say is the Word? John 1:1, 2, 14. See also John 6:47–51; Revelation 19:13.
note: “The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate—a co-worker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.’ John 1:1, 2. Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose—the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 34.
5 How long has the Word of God been in existence? Micah 5:2. See also John 17:5; Psalm 119:89, 160.
note: “ ‘His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ Isaiah 9:6. His ‘goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.’ Micah 5:2. And the Son of God declares concerning Himself: ‘The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up from everlasting. . . . When He appointed the foundations of the earth: then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him.’ [Proverbs 8:22–30.]” Patriarchs and Prophets, 34.
6 What knowledge does God have concerning the past and the future? Isaiah 46:10. See also Isaiah 41:4; 45:21; Revelation 10:7; 1:1, 2; John 16:13.
note: “He that ruleth in the heavens is the one who sees the end from the beginning—the one before whom the mysteries of the past and the future are alike outspread, and who, beyond the woe and darkness and ruin that sin has wrought, beholds the accomplishment of His own purposes of love and blessing.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 43.
7 For how long will God’s precepts or Commandments be trustworthy? Psalm 111:7, 8. See also Psalm 119:111, 112, 152; Isaiah 40:8.
note: “ ‘The word of our God shall stand forever.’ ‘All His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.’ Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 111:7, 8. Whatever is built upon the authority of man will be overthrown; but that which is founded upon the rock of God’s immutable word shall stand forever.” The Great Controversy, 288.
8 Where is the Word of God anchored? Psalm 119:89. See also Revelation 11:12.
note: “The law of God in the sanctuary in heaven is the great original, of which the precepts inscribed upon the tables of stone and recorded by Moses in the Pentateuch were an unerring transcript. . . . The law of God, being a revelation of His will, a transcript of His character, must forever endure, ‘as a faithful witness in heaven.’ [Psalm 89:37.] Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or tittle has been changed. Says the psalmist: ‘Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.’ ‘All His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever.’ [Psalms 119:89; 111:7, 8.]” The Great Controversy, 434.
9 What standard of character is ascribed to the testimonies? Psalm 119:144. See also Psalm 119:137, 138, 160, 164, 172.
note: “ ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.’ Proverbs 9:10. The great work of life is character building, and a knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education. To impart this knowledge and to mold the character in harmony with it should be the object of the teacher’s work. The law of God is a reflection of His character. Hence the psalmist says, ‘All Thy commandments are righteousness;’ and ‘through Thy precepts I get understanding.’ Psalm 119:172, 104. God has revealed Himself to us in His word and in the works of creation. Through the volume of inspiration and the book of nature we are to obtain a knowledge of God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 596.
10 How enduring are the words of God (the Bible)? Matthew 24:35. See also Psalm 119:144, 152; Mark 13:31.
note: “If with a humble heart you seek divine guidance in every trouble and perplexity, His word is pledged that a gracious answer will be given you. And His word can never fail. Heaven and earth may pass away, but His word will never pass away. Trust in the Lord, and you will never be confounded or ashamed. ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.’ ” Testimonies, vol. 5, 427.
11 Will any weapons or plans to destroy the Scriptures succeed? Revelation 11:3–12. See also Psalm 119:126, 152, Isaiah 54:17.
note: “Millions have joined in the war upon the Bible. But it is so far from being destroyed, that where there were a hundred in Voltaire’s time, there are now ten thousand, yes, a hundred thousand copies of the book of God. In the words of an early Reformer concerning the Christian church, ‘The Bible is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.’ Saith the Lord: ‘No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.’ Isaiah 54:17.” The Great Controversy, 288.
12 What does the Bible say about those who walk according to the law of the Lord and who keep His statutes; who seek Him with all their heart? Psalm 119:1–3; Revelation 22:14. See also Psalm 119:104, 130, 165, 175.
note: “In our churches we should not act as though we were groping our way in the dark. Clear light has been given us. The Lord has spoken to every one in his word, and that word is luminous with light, and weighty with the precious ore of truth. In the Bible we have a perfect rule of conduct, and we are safe in humbly following it. With reverent hearts we should bow to God’s expressed will. We are not left in uncertainty; for in all the varied circumstances of life we may walk according to the instructions of God, which are based upon golden principles of truth, and revealed in the precepts of his law. In the Bible there are rules to meet every case. A complete system of faith has been revealed, and correct rules for practice in our daily life have been made known. Those who turn from the beaten path marked out in God’s word, because it suits their feelings better to do so than to walk according to the commandment, leave the light, and are enshrouded in darkness. Peace of mind, happiness, and heaven are sacrificed for the sake of maintaining human pride and indulging stubbornness of will.” Review and Herald, July 22, 1890.