Lesson 13- The Triumph of God’s Love

Read for This Week’s Study

 

Revelation 22:11-12; Jeremiah 30:5-7; Psalms 91:1-11; Jeremiah 25:33; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 20:11-15.

 

 Memory Text:

 

  “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away’ ” (Revelation 21:3-4).

 

 

 

Sabbath Afternoon

 

Five Important Points:

 

1.    God’s Promise of Eternal Fellowship: Revelation 21:3-4 describes the ultimate promise that God will dwell with humanity, removing all pain, death, and sorrow.

 

2.    Facing Future Challenges with Hope: The assurance of a better future allows believers to endure current hardships with purpose and joy.

 

3.    Historical Examples of Hope: Figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Alfred Lord Tennyson exemplify the power of hope in difficult times.

 

4.    The Great Controversy: Revelation provides a detailed account of Christ’s triumph over evil and offers hope for the future.

 

5.    Memory Text: Revelation 21:3-4 emphasizes God’s presence and the end of suffering for His people.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1.    What does the promise of God dwelling with humanity in Revelation 21:3-4 mean for our daily lives?

 

o   Answer: It means we can live with the assurance that God is always with us, guiding and comforting us through every trial (Psalm 23:4).

 

2.    How can historical examples of hope inspire us in our personal struggles?

 

o   Answer: They show us that enduring hardships with hope can lead to overcoming great challenges and achieving remarkable things (Romans 5:3-5).

 

3.    What role does hope play in the life of a believer according to Revelation?

 

o   Answer: Hope acts as an anchor for the soul, keeping us steadfast and focused on the promise of Christ’s return and the restoration of all things (Hebrews 6:19).

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - Hope in the Time of Trouble

 

Five Important Points:

 

1.    Events Before the Second Advent: Revelation 22:11-12 and Daniel 12:1-2 describe the close of human probation and a time of unparalleled trouble.

 

2.    Protection for God’s People: Just as the plagues in Egypt did not affect God’s people, the faithful will be shielded during the end-time plagues.

 

3.    Preparation for Trouble: A deep personal relationship with Jesus and a pure heart are essential preparations (1 John 3:1-3).

 

4.    Reassuring Promises: Psalms 91:1-11 and Revelation 3:10-12 assure believers of God’s protection during times of trouble.

 

5.    Faith and Trust in God: Believers are reminded that Jesus will always be with them, even when it seems the world is falling apart (Matthew 28:20).

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1.    What events will occur just before the Second Advent according to Revelation 22:11-12?

 

o   Answer: The close of human probation, followed by a time of unprecedented trouble and the outpouring of the seven last plagues (Revelation 16:1-21).

 

2.    How does a personal relationship with Jesus prepare us for the time of trouble?

 

o   Answer: It strengthens our faith and makes us more like Christ, enabling us to withstand Satan’s deceptions (1 John 3:1-3).

 

3.    What promises does God give us for the time of trouble?

 

o   Answer: Psalms 91:1-11 assures us of God’s protection, and Revelation 3:10-12 promises deliverance for those who remain faithful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday - Hope in Jesus’ Soon Return

 

Five Important Points:

 

1.    Jesus’ Reassurance: John 14:1-3 and Titus 2:11-14 encourage believers with the promise of Jesus’ return and eternal home.

 

2.    The Blessed Hope: The frequent mention of Christ’s return in the New Testament inspires hope during dark times.

 

3.    Attitudes of the Saved vs. the Lost: Revelation 6:15-17 and Isaiah 25:8-9 show contrasting reactions to Jesus’ return, reflecting acceptance or rejection of His grace.

 

4.    Response of the Redeemed: Revelation 15:3-4 and Revelation 19:7 describe the redeemed’s eternal praise for Christ’s salvation.

 

5.    Final Victory: Revelation 12:17, Revelation 17:13-14, and Revelation 19:11-16 depict Christ’s ultimate victory over evil.

 

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1.    Why are Jesus’ words in John 14:1-3 so encouraging in light of future challenges?

 

o   Answer: They assure us that Jesus is preparing a place for us and will return to take us to be with Him forever (John 14:1-3).

 

2.    How do the attitudes of the saved and the lost differ at Christ’s return?

 

o   Answer: The saved rejoice in anticipation of eternal life, while the lost are filled with fear and regret for rejecting God’s grace (Revelation 6:15-17).

 

3.    What does Revelation 19:7 say about the response of the redeemed to Jesus’ salvation?

 

o   Answer: The redeemed will celebrate the marriage of the Lamb, rejoicing in the righteousness and salvation provided by Christ (Revelation 19:7).

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday - The Millennium on Earth

 

Five Important Points:

 

1.    Satan’s Fate: Revelation 20:1-3 describes Satan’s binding and confinement to a desolate earth for 1,000 years.

 

2.    Symbolic Imagery: The "bottomless pit" symbolizes the earth in a state of chaos and desolation, similar to its pre-creation condition.

 

3.    Desolation Described: Jeremiah 4:23-26 and Jeremiah 25:33 depict the earth as void of life and the aftermath of widespread destruction.

 

4.    Purpose of the Millennium: This period allows the universe to witness the consequences of sin and God’s justice and mercy.

 

5.    Reflection for Satan: During the millennium, Satan is left to contemplate the devastation caused by his rebellion.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1.    What is the symbolic meaning of Satan’s binding in Revelation 20:1-3?

 

o   Answer: It represents his confinement to a desolate earth with no one to tempt, emphasizing the consequences of his rebellion (Revelation 20:1-3).

 

2.    How does Jeremiah describe the earth during the millennium?

 

o   Answer: As a desolate and chaotic place, devoid of life, reflecting the aftermath of God’s judgment (Jeremiah 4:23-26).

 

3.    What is the significance of the millennium in the plan of salvation?

 

o   Answer: It provides an opportunity for the universe to see the full consequences of sin and God’s justice, ensuring sin will never rise again (Nahum 1:9).

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday - Judgment in the Millennium

 

Five Important Points:

 

1.    The Role of the Righteous: Revelation 20:4-6 describes the righteous as participating in judgment during the millennium, understanding God’s decisions.

 

2.    Questions Answered: The redeemed can ask questions about God’s judgments and understand His justice more fully.

 

3.    God’s Justice Revealed: The millennium allows believers to see the fairness and righteousness of God’s judgments.

 

4.    Final Judgment: Revelation 20:7-9 details the final rebellion of Satan and the wicked, culminating in their destruction.

 

5.    New Jerusalem Descends: At the end of the millennium, the Holy City descends to earth, marking the final battle against evil.

 

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1.    What are the righteous doing during the 1,000 years according to Revelation 20:4-6?

 

o   Answer: They are participating in judgment, understanding God’s decisions, and gaining insight into His justice (Revelation 20:4-6).

 

2.    How does the millennium reveal God’s justice?

 

o   Answer: It provides an opportunity for the redeemed to see and understand God’s fair and righteous judgments (Romans 2:2).

 

3.    What happens at the end of the millennium according to Revelation 20:7-9?

 

o   Answer: Satan leads a final rebellion, which ends with the destruction of the wicked and the ultimate defeat of evil (Revelation 20:7-9).

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday - Two Eternities

 

Five Important Points:

 

1.    Judgment of the Wicked: 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10-11 describe the judgment where all must give an account before God.

 

2.    Recognition of Sin: The wicked are made aware of their sins and the consequences of their choices.

 

3.    Final Judgment: Revelation 20:11-15 details the great white throne judgment, where the wicked are judged and receive their final reward.

 

4.    Destruction of Sin: Psalms 37:20 and Malachi 4:1-2 describe the ultimate destruction of sin and sinners.

 

5.    Eternal Reward: The righteous will enjoy eternal life and the presence of God, while the wicked face eternal destruction.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1.    Why are the wicked raised to life again according to Revelation 20:11-15?

 

o   Answer: To face the final judgment and acknowledge God’s justice in their condemnation (Revelation 20:11-15).

 

2.    What insights do Psalms 37:20 and Malachi 4:1-2 give about the destruction of sin?

 

o   Answer: They describe the complete and final destruction of the wicked, emphasizing that sin will not continue (Psalms 37:20; Malachi 4:1-2).

 

3.    How does the final judgment demonstrate God’s fairness?

 

o   Answer: It shows that everyone receives their just reward or punishment, ensuring that God’s justice is transparent and righteous (Romans 14:10-11).

 

 

 

 

 

Friday - Further Thought

 

1.    Ellen G. White’s Insights: Ellen G. White's writings provide additional perspectives on the themes of judgment, the millennium, and the new earth.

 

“There, immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love. There will be no cruel, deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 675, 677.

 

 

 

“With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God’s handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation—suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator’s name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 677, 678.

 

 

 

“The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.”—The Great Controversy, p. 678.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.    Contemplation of God’s Love: Reflecting on the depth of God's love and His plans for humanity encourages believers to stay faithful and hopeful.

 

3.    The Nature of Sin and Redemption: Understanding the nature of sin and the process of redemption highlights the importance of Christ's sacrifice.

 

4.    Final Eradication of Sin: God's plan includes the final eradication of sin and the restoration of harmony in the universe.

 

5.    Living in the Light of the Second Coming: Believers are encouraged to live with the constant expectation of Christ's return, influencing their daily choices and priorities.

 

 

 

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1.    Why do you think God has allowed sin to go on for so long?

 

Free Will and Moral Agency: God created humans with free will, allowing them to make their own choices. This freedom is essential for genuine love and obedience, but it also allows for the possibility of sin. By allowing sin to exist, God respects human autonomy and demonstrates the serious consequences of moral choices.

 

Demonstrating the Full Consequences of Sin: God permits sin to continue to fully demonstrate its destructive nature and ultimate consequences. This comprehensive demonstration ensures that all intelligent beings understand the gravity of sin and the importance of obedience to God.

 

The Great Controversy: The ongoing struggle between good and evil, known as the great controversy, reveals the character of God versus the character of Satan. This cosmic conflict illustrates God’s justice, mercy, and love, while exposing Satan’s deceit and malice.

 

Development of Character: Enduring trials and facing sin’s consequences help develop the character of believers, producing perseverance, faith, and hope (Romans 5:3-5). This process of sanctification prepares believers for eternal life.

 

Opportunity for Salvation: God’s patience provides time for more people to repent and accept salvation (2 Peter 3:9). His delay in ending sin reflects His desire for all to come to repentance and be saved.

 

Human Lifetime Perspective: A human lifetime, typically around 70-80 years, is extremely brief compared to the thousands of years of human history marked by sin. This perspective can help us understand that our individual suffering, while significant to us, is limited in duration. In contrast, God's plan spans all of history, aiming for an eternal resolution to the problem of sin. Recognizing the brevity of our suffering in the context of God’s eternal plan can provide comfort and hope, knowing that our current afflictions are temporary compared to the eternal joy that awaits (2 Corinthians 4:17).

 

2.    How does the thousand-year period known as the millennium fit into the plan of salvation?

 

Revelation and Understanding: During the millennium, the redeemed will have the opportunity to review the records of God’s judgments. This period allows them to understand God’s justice and mercy fully, answering any questions about why some people are saved and others are lost (Revelation 20:4).

 

Vindication of God’s Character: The millennium serves to vindicate God’s character. By allowing the redeemed to see the fairness of His judgments, God demonstrates His transparency and integrity, showing that His decisions are just and based on truth (Romans 14:10-11).

 

Final Eradication of Sin: The millennium concludes with the final judgment and the eradication of sin and sinners. This ensures that sin will never rise again and that the universe will be free from evil for eternity (Revelation 20:7-10).

 

Preparation for the New Earth: During the millennium, the redeemed prepare for life in the new earth. This period of reflection and understanding strengthens their commitment to God’s ways and prepares them for an eternity of peace and harmony (Revelation 21:1-3).

 

Opportunity for Closure: The millennium provides a period for the redeemed to come to terms with the loss of loved ones who are not saved. This understanding helps them find closure, knowing that God’s judgments are fair and just.

 

Reflection on God’s Character: The millennium reflects God’s character in several profound ways:

 

• Justice: God’s judgments are fair and transparent. By allowing the redeemed to examine His judgments, God shows that He has nothing to hide and that His decisions are based on justice and truth (Revelation 20:11-12).
• Mercy: God’s patience in delaying final judgment provides every possible opportunity for repentance, demonstrating His mercy and desire for all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
• Love: God’s love is evident in His desire to reconcile with humanity and provide eternal life. The entire plan of salvation, including the millennium, showcases His love and commitment to restoring a perfect relationship with His creation (John 3:16).
• Transparency: God’s willingness to have His actions reviewed by the redeemed highlights His commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that His ways are fully understood and appreciated.

 

The millennium is an integral part of the plan of salvation, highlighting God’s justice, mercy, love, and transparency. It ensures that the final eradication of sin is understood and accepted by all, securing eternal harmony in the universe.

 

3.    How does the thousand-year period known as the millennium fit into the plan of salvation? Think about what it says about the character of God that—not until all of the redeemed will have had a chance to see the justice and fairness and love of God—will final judgment be brought upon the lost.

 

 

 

The Millennium and the Plan of Salvation

 

The thousand-year period known as the millennium is a crucial component of the plan of salvation, revealing significant aspects of God's character and His approach to judgment and justice.

 

 

 

Revealing God's Justice and Fairness:

 

Review of Judgments: During the millennium, the redeemed will have the opportunity to review the records of God’s judgments (Revelation 20:4). This process allows them to understand why some are saved and others are lost, ensuring that God’s decisions are seen as fair and just.

 

 Transparency: God’s willingness to have His judgments scrutinized by the redeemed shows His commitment to transparency. This period reassures the saved that God’s judgments are based on truth and righteousness (Romans 14:10-11).

 

 

 

Demonstrating God’s Love and Mercy:

 

 Patient Justice: The delay of the final judgment until after the millennium demonstrates God's patience and His desire for everyone to have the chance for salvation (2 Peter 3:9). This period reflects His merciful nature, giving ample opportunity for repentance.

 

Opportunity for Closure: The millennium provides the redeemed with the time to understand and come to terms with the fate of those who are lost. This compassionate approach helps them to find closure and peace, reinforcing God’s loving nature.

 

Ensuring Eternal Security:

 

Final Eradication of Sin: At the end of the millennium, Satan and the wicked are finally judged and destroyed (Revelation 20:7-10). This eradication ensures that sin will never rise again, securing eternal peace and harmony.

 

Complete Understanding: By allowing the redeemed to see the full consequences of sin and the justice of His judgments, God ensures that the entire universe will understand and accept His decisions, preventing future rebellion.

 

 

 

Reflecting on God’s Character

 

Justice and Fairness: The millennium illustrates that God’s judgments are just and fair. By allowing the redeemed to review His decisions, God shows that He has nothing to hide and that His actions are based on truth and justice. This process reassures the redeemed of God's integrity and righteousness (Revelation 15:3-4).

 

 

 

Mercy and Love: The millennium highlights God’s mercy and love by demonstrating His patience and desire for all to be saved. The opportunity for the redeemed to understand His judgments and come to terms with the fate of the lost underscores God’s compassionate nature (John 3:16).

 

 

 

Transparency and Trust: God’s willingness to have His actions reviewed by the redeemed reflects His transparency and fosters trust. This openness helps the saved to fully appreciate God’s character and the reasons behind His judgments, reinforcing their loyalty and love for Him (Romans 3:26).

 

 

 

Eternal Harmony: The final judgment and eradication of sin at the end of the millennium ensure eternal harmony in the universe. This resolution highlights God’s ultimate goal of a sin-free, peaceful existence for all His creation, reflecting His perfect plan for eternal joy and harmony (Revelation 21:4).

 

The millennium is a period of profound significance in the plan of salvation. It allows for a thorough understanding of God's justice, fairness, and love, ensuring that His judgments are transparent and accepted by the redeemed. This period underscores God's character as just, merciful, loving, and transparent, ultimately securing eternal peace and harmony in the universe.

 

 

 

4.    How do Ellen G. White’s writings deepen your understanding of the themes of judgment and the millennium?

 

Answer: Her writings provide detailed descriptions and insights that can enhance our comprehension of these complex themes and their implications for our lives.

 

5.    Why is it important to continually reflect on God’s love and His plans for humanity?

 

Answer: It helps us maintain our faith, find hope amidst trials, and remain motivated to live according to His will (Ephesians 3:18-19).

 

6.    How does understanding the nature of sin and redemption impact your view of Christ’s sacrifice?

 

Answer: It deepens our appreciation for the immense love and grace involved in Jesus’ sacrifice, motivating us to live more devotedly (1 John 4:9-10).

 

7.    What does the final eradication of sin and the restoration of harmony in the universe mean for believers?

 

Answer: It assures us that God’s justice will prevail, bringing an end to suffering and ushering in eternal peace and joy (Revelation 21:4).

 

8.    In what practical ways can you live in the light of the Second Coming?

 

Answer: By prioritizing spiritual growth, serving others, sharing the gospel, and maintaining a hopeful and watchful attitude (2 Peter 3:11-12).