We have now arrived at the final study of this quarter, which you can access directly at the following link:

http://www.ssnet.org/qrtrly/eng/06c/less14.html

Let the study and discussion begin.

From the Sabbath Afternoon section of this week's study:

Quote:

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Here we are, in the twenty-first century; what does a judgment that began in 1844 mean for us today? What does it say to us as Seventh-day Adventists now? Why is it important for us to know and believe this teaching? What does it reveal about God and about the salvation He offers?

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Lots of questions.

Let's see if we can answer these and other questions that may come up as we go through this week's study.

In answer to your question comes the following two questions:

1 - Who is the Judge?

2 - Who is the Creator?

Answering the above two questions should result in an answer to your own question.

If your questions are leading into a discussion on the Godhead, this isn't the topic for such a discussion.

ANSWER:

Who is the Judge? Christ.

Quote:

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John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

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Who is the Creator? Christ.

Quote:

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John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

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So, who are we to worship? Christ, as the one who made the heaven and the earth, as stated in the Memory Text of this week's study.

Maybe off topic but I was kind of dissapointed with this quarterly. On the topic of 1844, I did hope for some explanation on 1844 but the lessons have been on every kind of side issue always walking in circles around the core question of what 1844 really is/was. The first half was just about the time and the secound half? Some weeks ago I asked in class if someone could explain what really happened in that year and got blank stares in reply. Why spend 3 months on a topic if you arent even going to enter the most fundamental question of what it is?

/Thomas

Hello Thomas,

Your disappointment with the quarterly is well understood. I experienced the same many years ago when I realized the quarterlies were so often 'walking in circles around the core question'. What frustration for a new believer. Then I was lead to trust only inspired sources - the Word and the S.O.P. as given in full context. Time is short and shorter with ever passing day. Can we really invest it 'walking in circles'? You have highlighted a major problem for those trusting to church publications/religious leaders for their Bible instruction. Ellen White warns us this was the case in 1844:

It is "unto them that look for Him" that Christ is to "appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Hebrews 9:28. Like the tidings of the Saviour's birth, the message of the second advent was not committed to the religious leaders of the people. They had failed to preserve their connection with God, and had refused light from heaven; therefore they were not of the number described by the apostle Paul : "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness." 1 Thessalonians 5:4, 5. (Great Controversy 1911, p. 315)

For more light on 1844, one can read the Great Controversy starting at chapter 18 - An American Reformer, and through chapter 24 - In the Holy of Holies. As well chapter 28 - Facing Life's Record (The Investigative Judgment). Early Writings by EGW would also shed light here.

Unfortunately the original chapter titles from the 1884 Great Controversy (published as Spirit of Prophecy Vol. 4) have been changed from their original and instructive sense:

Ch. XIII - William Miller
Ch. XIV - The First Angel's Message
Ch.XV - The Second Angel's Message
Ch. XVI - The Tarrying Time
Ch. XVII - The Midnight Cry
Ch. XVIII - The Sanctuary
Ch. XIX - An Open and a Shut Door
Ch. XX - The Third Angel's Message
Ch. XXI - The Third Message Rejected

Your experience here describes why many church leaders, seminary students and laity cannot explain our core belief - The Sanctuary Message & The Investigative Judgment. The quarterly has the great opportunity to circle the globe with this unique message, but here your witness from Sweden demonstrates where this messenger falls short.

May our dependence be upon the Word of God,

Gordon