Sunday 2 April 2023

Lesson 2 Review: A Moment of Destiny

 

Lesson 2 A Moment of Destiny

Introduction

Memory Text: Then I looked and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, ‘Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe’ ” (Revelation 14:14, 15, NKJV).

God has always given His people relevant truths they needed to hear at the time. He warned the people before the flood of the coming destruction (Gen. 6:7) ‘to the first coming of Jesus (Dan. 9:24-27) to the pre-Advent judgement (Dan. 7:9, 10; Dan. 8:14) to final events before Christ’s return (Revelation 12-14).’ The warning for our time is the warning of the three angels, the message leads us from trusting in our own righteousness to trusting the righteousness of Jesus to justify us; to sanctify us; and, at the end of time to glorify us. Our choices now, will impact the choices we will make in the final crisis.

What promise did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the worldwide spread of the gospel just before His return?

Jesus’ promise is that “ ‘this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world’ ” (Matthew 24:14, NKJV). Its final fulfilment is found in Christ’s last-day message, in Revelation 14:6, which says that the gospel is to proclaim to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (NKJV).

What is the reality of our free-will in the last-day?

In our choices even in the “little things,” we are choosing either for or against Jesus. ‘In the context of His soon return, our Lord adds, “ ‘He who is unjust, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still’ ” (Rev. 22:11, NKJV).

What does the “Son of Man” used to describe Jesus in Revelation 14:14 signify?

The term is used as an expression of endearment to identify with us. It further shows that the same Jesus who lived among us, just like us, but unlike us, never sinned is He who comes for us. The same Jesus who was tempted as we are, but was victorious comes to reap the harvest.

What three elements are in these passages, Matt. 16:27; Matt. 24:27, 30; Matt. 25:31, 32?

1.       ‘Jesus, the Son of Man, is coming in glory with His angels

2.       He will divide the sheep from the goats (basically a judgement)

3.       The destiny of the nations and all humanity will be decided for eternity.’

What message is found in Revelation 14:14 and Acts 1:9-11?

This “same Jesus” who ascended to heaven as Luke records in Acts 1:9, is the “same Jesus” who John states that “I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man” (Rev. 14:14, NKJV).

This “same Jesus” the “Son of Man”¾the One who walked the dusty streets of Nazareth, ministered in the crowded streets of Jerusalem, healed the sick in the villages of Israel, and preached on the grassy hillsides of Galilee¾is coming again.

How does Daniel 7:9, 10 view the Heavenly Court?

Daniel 7:9, 10 views the seating of the heavenly court with ten thousand times ten thousand angelic, heavenly beings gathered around the throne.

What does the Judgement reveal?

‘The judgement reveals before the entire universe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have done everything possible to save all humanity. It also vindicates not only the Saints but God’s character against the false charges of Satan.’

What does Revelation 14:14 describe the “Son of Man”?

John describes Jesus as the “Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle”.

What is the reality of illustrations from Agriculture?

“The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development, our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply, our experience will enlarge, and our knowledge increase”¾Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 65, 66.

The ripening of the golden grain represents all those transformed by grace, motivated by love, and living obedient lives to the glory of Christ’s name.

What is the urgent message of Revelation 14?

‘Every seed has gone to harvest. The grain is fully ripe, and the grapes are fully ripe. The people of God reveal His image of grace, compassion, mercy, and love before the universe. The children of the evil one reveal greed, lust, jealousy, and hate. The character of Jesus is revealed in one group, and the character of Satan is revealed in the other.’ ‘The contrast between good and evil, right and wrong, obedience and disobedience, will be apparent to all the universe, to both humans and angels.’

In Conclusion,

Our greatest desire should be the desire for victory over anything that will keep us from being ready for the return of the “Son of Man”. I pray that God, by His grace, gives us victory over anything that would keep us from being ready for His return in Jesus’ name.

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