This He Does First
Part One
Sabbath School or worship: which would God want us to do first?
He draws us first; How does he draw us?
Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee
Loved= God’s love to His people
Loving kindness= in redemption from enemies and troubles, and sin
Draw= Lead, in love
Redemption= The process involved in ransom
Education= The process involved in restoring
Heb. 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6
Does man come to God to do Sabbath School or Worship? And the answer is both, right?! But in the other question: which does he want us to do first, how shall we answer? This is the challenge of this Morning Paper. (Part Two: Why must we do this first?)
Diligently Seek= properly: seek out, emphasizing the personal intent of the seeker
Cometh= to draw near to God
Do= a thorough doing, making, work
Believe= absolute trust. (absolute: unrestricted, free from limitation; complete, perfect, free from imperfection.)
Depend= grasping a hold of God, depending on Him
Rewarder; reward= one who pays wages [further details: properly, someone "paying what is due; a rewarder" (Abbott-Smith); a paymaster (A. T. Robertson), giving rewards in keeping with his own values.]
Where is God, where is the place we approach to?
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16
Throne= throne, seat (see ‘Addendum Throne’)
Grace= [sorry, this is long] “pre-eminently of that kindness by which God bestows: (colon is correct) favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offences, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ.” —Thayer’s.
“The Lamb of God is represented before us as “in the midst of the throne” of God. He is the great ordinance by which man and God are united and commune together. Thus men are represented as sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This is the appointed place of meeting between God and humanity.
“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”
“Christ brought human nature into a personal relation with His own divinity. Thus He has given a center for the faith of the universe to fasten upon.” TM, page 124 (See synopsis for ‘Faith Of The Universe’ article.)
Center= Online Etymology: late 14c., "middle point of a circle; point round which something revolves," from Old French centre (14c.), from Latin centrum "center," originally the fixed point of the two points of a drafting compass (hence "the center of a circle"), from Greek kentron "sharp point, goad, sting of a wasp," from kentein "stitch," from PIE root *kent- "to prick" (source also of Breton kentr "a spur," Welsh cethr "nail," Old High German hantag "sharp, pointed").
We must crave time in study: this is one of our first, enduring works.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14
So when the preacher says something, we hear words, when we hear words, we believe, and if we believe at all—even the mole of a mustard seed—we will work. And this work must be frequent and consistent, fervent and intense, and be accompanied by an intelligent choosing; we will choose for those reasons that we have gained from the hearing that occurred in the Sabbath School—individual or corporate. In other words: in order for us to perform this work, we must first know what it means. And in order to know what the work is all about for our time, we must ask; we must crave for more time in His Sabbath School. And we must ask it of the right Person.
Preacher= of the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it
Heard= to perceive anyone's voice: i. e., of Christ, whose voice is heard in the instruction of his messengers
How do we grasp and hold God, individually and collectively?
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Revelation 1:1
Readeth= to know certainly, know again, (i.e., to obtain an exact knowledge of)
Heareth= consider what is or has been said.
Keepeth= properly, maintain (preserve); (figuratively) spiritually guard (watch), keep intact.
Consider= "to fix the mind upon for careful examination, meditate upon," also "view attentively, scrutinize; not to be negligent of," from Old French considerer (13c.) "reflect on, consider, study," from Latin considerare "to look at closely, observe," probably literally "to observe the stars," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + sidus (genitive sideris) "heavenly body, star, constellation" (see sidereal, astronomy term.).
The mind uses words and lives off of their meanings; so also, these words are the prime movers of any relationship. Relationship draws us into one another. The heavens tell the glory of God, and the scriptures are our direct, spelled-out words in language about God’s character; both of these draw us to him.
The twelve avenues of the senses are how heaven communicates with the individual. Our task is to re-develop a habit of focusing these twelve on what we hear in nature, meditating on what we read in language, and keeping the good we find near us so that we may keep touching and serving them.
Sabbath School:
Sabbath School (in quotes) = a time of in-depth study of the word of God (this does not mean the 45 minute review during our church gatherings). This is that study which the individual does during their daily walk. “The great storehouse of truth is the word of God—the written word, the book of nature, and the book of experience in God's dealing with human life.” Christ Object Lessons, Page 124
Sabbath School with God involves two or more people. Education, ‘taking up cross’, growing from faith to faith, etc., these are the minutia of Sabbath School. This is true Sabbath School, the time in which the deep things of God are interwoven into the soul. All the subjects and prophecies are directly connected to laws, protocols, character, systems of thought (math), and history, for these are connected to the principle of love.
The source of Sabbath School is God the Father. He made the Sabbath and all the schools between each Sabbath for man. “Whatever line of investigation we pursue, with a sincere purpose to arrive at truth, we are brought in touch with the unseen, mighty Intelligence that is working in and through all. The mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite. The effect of such communion on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate.” Ed., page 14.
During ‘Sabbath School’ we are ‘brought in touch with the unseen, mighty Intelligence…’ Here is where the mind of God touches the mind of mankind for the purpose of re-building the ‘inner man’.
Redemption= The process involved in ransom
Education= The process involved in restoring
(A related Morning Papers, Article: 1st John or 2nd John, which one is for us?) Click here
"It was a wonderful thing for God to create man, to make mind. The glory of God is to be revealed in the creation of man in God’s image and in his redemption. One soul is of more value than a world. God created man that every faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind. The Lord Jesus Christ is the author of our being, and He is also the author of our redemption, and everyone who will enter the kingdom of God will develop a character that is the counterpart of the character of God. None can dwell with God in the holy heaven but those who bear His likeness." 6 vol. Bible Commentary, Page 1105
“To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized—this was to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of life. Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education.” Education, Page 16
“In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one, for in education, as in redemption, “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Education, page 30
(In Part Two we can discover the many, many names of Sabbath School.)
* * *
Eternity! Time! Eternity!
(a working framework of Sabbath School)
Eternity! What might Sabbath School and Worship have been like before sin. Both seem to have been done simultaneously from birth/creation, and to have continued on so simultaneously (another dichotomy).
And yes, Sabbath School lessons existed before sin.
Probation! (time) What was Sabbath School like just after the entrance of sin?
Because of separation by sin, reeducation (Sabbath School lessons) was warranted. And because there was a change of clothing and a change of address, mankind’s worship had become garbled and rendered totally unacceptable.
Eternity! This is the time when worship has been completely repaired, and sin has been completely dealt with—for the individual and the universe. When all things are made new, a complete re-education and a restructuring takes place, i.e., earth and heaven become one ‘nation’ under God; this happens after the New Jerusalem comes down and has over-spread the Mt. of Olives.
At this time, Sabbath School is immeasurably enriched. Instead of coming down daily in the cool of the day to enjoin lessons with mankind, God just walks, or slides, across the throne, as it were, and begins revealing to mankind more themes and details about His inheritance.
“In his effort to reach God’s ideal for him, the Christian is to despair of nothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ, is promised to all. Jesus is the source of power, the fountain of life. He brings us to his word, and from the tree of life presents to us leaves for the healing of sin-sick souls. He leads us to the throne of God, and puts into our mouth a prayer through which we are brought into close contact with himself. In our behalf he sets in operation the all-powerful agencies of heaven. At every step we touch his living power. God fixes no limit to the advance.” Acts of the apostles, page 478
First Things Are Done First:
(first things, meaning orders of operation, PEMDAS, if you will)
His word….
Tree of Life….
Leaves for healing….
To His Father’s Throne….
Puts a prayer into the mouth….
This brings us into close contact….
Then He sets the all-powerful agencies of heaven into operation…these are poured out without measure…
No limit is fixed against our desire to advance, in our despairing of nothing….
What He does first:
He brings us to His word. This is a corporate thing, and an individual thing. Even more than this, He provides the Upper Room for us. That Upper Room is of course beyond the height of any room we can procure. That room is ultimately the sanctuary. Only that room is large enough to contain the corporate ideal of ‘the giving of Mankind as a specimen of Himself to the universe.’ But in that room we study to make sure we show ourselves approved, well pleasing in His sight. This, in the highest sense, is true Sabbath School—and this He does first.
The So-longed-for Tree of Life:
This tree is connected inseparably to His word, and to mankind. There He feeds us leaves. These leaves help the entire soul heal and grow. This is both the process of education and redemption, for their ideal work is one. To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the heights of perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized—this was to be the work of redemption. This is also the object of education, the great object of life.
“Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education.” Education, Page 16
“In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one, for in education, as in redemption, “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Education, page 30
What happens at the Throne?
Where is the prime meeting place of God with man for this Sabbath School?:
The answer is: at His father’s throne. And as Revelation Chapters 4 and 5 shows, this is where Christ is both in the midst of the throne and in the midst of the four living creatures and in the midst of the 24 elders. The people of God who have overcome (the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures) and the people of God who desire to overcome—this is where they meet; this is where they give reasonable service. This is without doubt the most prime real estate in the universe. This throne is what Christ has won for corporate and individual humanity, and this is where His covenant rests in a glorious living box from which there proceeds melodious amounts of voices, and thunderings, and lightnings.
‘Inwardly it symbolized the place where God met with sinful man on the Mercy Seat.... The daily provision of manna was God's grace meeting the need of His ...’ —SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7 (EGW)
‘Thus men are represented as sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This is the appointed place of meeting between God and humanity.’ —Manuscript 7, 1898.
Sit= absolutely: of a dead man restored to life; equivalent to settling or fixing one's abode
He puts a prayer into our mouth:
This prayer can be both an individual prayer and/or a corporate prayer. In the 4th and 5th Chapter of Revelation, the 24 elders and the four living creatures sing one prayer (singing is also a form of praying) and that prayer comes from deep within their experience. And there before the throne, Christ stands deeply enthroned and deeply abiding within His first fruits of ransomed people. It is both an individual and a collective abiding. Nonetheless, He is the author and finisher of this prayer. He has put it in their mouth.
Mouth= the mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. In Revelation 14:5 it represents 'statements', or declarations. (which adds a dimension to the understanding of this word.)
This prayer brings us into close contact with himself:
This represents that oneness He prayed for in the garden. He is author and finisher of our unity. The unity is not just a living-together of saints with each other, but with Him and with God. This is the same as the image of the white horse and its rider: we are inseparably one-work, one-advancing direction, one-body, and ultimately the same victory.
Then, and only after this then, does He set into operation in our behalf the all-powerful (not by might…but by My spirit) agencies of heaven, which include His angels who are always pouring forth their oil… ‘Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.’ [Steps to Christ, page 67]
This He does first, this He does second,This He does…:
All these steps, He does first…and there is fixed no limit to the advance…those who despair of nothing go out with Him for the last time conquering and to conquer…
Supporting Texts:
Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Preacher= specifically used of the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it, made by John the Baptist, by Jesus, by the apostles and other Christian teachers
John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Colossians 2:3
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Job 12:13
With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
John 4:23
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
In Spirit= the vital principle by which the body is animated; the rational spirit, the power by which a human being feels, thinks, wills, decides.
In Truth= Thayer’s: In truth, truly; as accords with the divine nature.
Psalm 85:10
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
“Fill the whole heart with the words of God [Sabbath School]. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." [JOHN 6:53.] And he explains himself by saying, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." [JOHN 6:63.] Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy, it is what we meditate upon [Sabbath School] that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature.” {CE 57.1, Book: Christian Education.}
“The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God's word. Christ says, "The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life." John 6:63. "He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life." John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.” [Sabbath School] {COL 38.1}
“As we thus contemplate heavenly themes, [Sabbath School] our faith and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with faith and love. They will be intelligent and fervent. There will be more constant confidence in Jesus, and a daily, living experience in his power to save to the utmost all that come unto God by him.” {CE 57.2}
“As we meditate upon the perfections of the Saviour, we shall desire to be wholly transformed, and renewed in the image of his purity. There will be a hungering and thirsting of soul to become like him whom we adore. The more our thoughts are upon Christ, the more we shall speak of him to others [Sabbath School], and represent him to the world. {CE 57.3}
* * *
Addendum: Throne
Okay, What's In The Throne?
(From a Morning Paper article.)
So what are some of the things that are in the Throne. In addition to the specific voices, thunderings and lightnings out-sourcing from the Throne, do we also get the picture that the Throne is the abode of Christ—The Lamb; indeed, in the wording of the 4th and 5th chapters of Revelation, the Throne is also the abode of the 4 Living Creatures. This Throne is the meeting place of God and man. Here, owing to the Cross, mercy and truth are met together and righteousness and peace have kissed each other...and yes, among the voices here a rich Sabbath School can be found—and worship too. In the 4th Chapter of Revelation the whole assembly is convened to see a little sealed book opened, so that we may all study and digest the deep things of God. Quite yesfully, here at the throne is the best place in the universe where one may find a blessed Sabbath day.
* * *
Part One
Sabbath School or worship: which would God want us to do first?
He draws us first; How does he draw us?
Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee
Loved= God’s love to His people
Loving kindness= in redemption from enemies and troubles, and sin
Draw= Lead, in love
Redemption= The process involved in ransom
Education= The process involved in restoring
Heb. 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6
Does man come to God to do Sabbath School or Worship? And the answer is both, right?! But in the other question: which does he want us to do first, how shall we answer? This is the challenge of this Morning Paper. (Part Two: Why must we do this first?)
Diligently Seek= properly: seek out, emphasizing the personal intent of the seeker
Cometh= to draw near to God
Do= a thorough doing, making, work
Believe= absolute trust. (absolute: unrestricted, free from limitation; complete, perfect, free from imperfection.)
Depend= grasping a hold of God, depending on Him
Rewarder; reward= one who pays wages [further details: properly, someone "paying what is due; a rewarder" (Abbott-Smith); a paymaster (A. T. Robertson), giving rewards in keeping with his own values.]
Where is God, where is the place we approach to?
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16
Throne= throne, seat (see ‘Addendum Throne’)
Grace= [sorry, this is long] “pre-eminently of that kindness by which God bestows: (colon is correct) favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offences, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ.” —Thayer’s.
“The Lamb of God is represented before us as “in the midst of the throne” of God. He is the great ordinance by which man and God are united and commune together. Thus men are represented as sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This is the appointed place of meeting between God and humanity.
“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”
“Christ brought human nature into a personal relation with His own divinity. Thus He has given a center for the faith of the universe to fasten upon.” TM, page 124 (See synopsis for ‘Faith Of The Universe’ article.)
Center= Online Etymology: late 14c., "middle point of a circle; point round which something revolves," from Old French centre (14c.), from Latin centrum "center," originally the fixed point of the two points of a drafting compass (hence "the center of a circle"), from Greek kentron "sharp point, goad, sting of a wasp," from kentein "stitch," from PIE root *kent- "to prick" (source also of Breton kentr "a spur," Welsh cethr "nail," Old High German hantag "sharp, pointed").
We must crave time in study: this is one of our first, enduring works.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14
So when the preacher says something, we hear words, when we hear words, we believe, and if we believe at all—even the mole of a mustard seed—we will work. And this work must be frequent and consistent, fervent and intense, and be accompanied by an intelligent choosing; we will choose for those reasons that we have gained from the hearing that occurred in the Sabbath School—individual or corporate. In other words: in order for us to perform this work, we must first know what it means. And in order to know what the work is all about for our time, we must ask; we must crave for more time in His Sabbath School. And we must ask it of the right Person.
Preacher= of the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it
Heard= to perceive anyone's voice: i. e., of Christ, whose voice is heard in the instruction of his messengers
How do we grasp and hold God, individually and collectively?
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Revelation 1:1
Readeth= to know certainly, know again, (i.e., to obtain an exact knowledge of)
Heareth= consider what is or has been said.
Keepeth= properly, maintain (preserve); (figuratively) spiritually guard (watch), keep intact.
Consider= "to fix the mind upon for careful examination, meditate upon," also "view attentively, scrutinize; not to be negligent of," from Old French considerer (13c.) "reflect on, consider, study," from Latin considerare "to look at closely, observe," probably literally "to observe the stars," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + sidus (genitive sideris) "heavenly body, star, constellation" (see sidereal, astronomy term.).
The mind uses words and lives off of their meanings; so also, these words are the prime movers of any relationship. Relationship draws us into one another. The heavens tell the glory of God, and the scriptures are our direct, spelled-out words in language about God’s character; both of these draw us to him.
The twelve avenues of the senses are how heaven communicates with the individual. Our task is to re-develop a habit of focusing these twelve on what we hear in nature, meditating on what we read in language, and keeping the good we find near us so that we may keep touching and serving them.
Sabbath School:
Sabbath School (in quotes) = a time of in-depth study of the word of God (this does not mean the 45 minute review during our church gatherings). This is that study which the individual does during their daily walk. “The great storehouse of truth is the word of God—the written word, the book of nature, and the book of experience in God's dealing with human life.” Christ Object Lessons, Page 124
Sabbath School with God involves two or more people. Education, ‘taking up cross’, growing from faith to faith, etc., these are the minutia of Sabbath School. This is true Sabbath School, the time in which the deep things of God are interwoven into the soul. All the subjects and prophecies are directly connected to laws, protocols, character, systems of thought (math), and history, for these are connected to the principle of love.
The source of Sabbath School is God the Father. He made the Sabbath and all the schools between each Sabbath for man. “Whatever line of investigation we pursue, with a sincere purpose to arrive at truth, we are brought in touch with the unseen, mighty Intelligence that is working in and through all. The mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite. The effect of such communion on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate.” Ed., page 14.
During ‘Sabbath School’ we are ‘brought in touch with the unseen, mighty Intelligence…’ Here is where the mind of God touches the mind of mankind for the purpose of re-building the ‘inner man’.
Redemption= The process involved in ransom
Education= The process involved in restoring
(A related Morning Papers, Article: 1st John or 2nd John, which one is for us?) Click here
"It was a wonderful thing for God to create man, to make mind. The glory of God is to be revealed in the creation of man in God’s image and in his redemption. One soul is of more value than a world. God created man that every faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind. The Lord Jesus Christ is the author of our being, and He is also the author of our redemption, and everyone who will enter the kingdom of God will develop a character that is the counterpart of the character of God. None can dwell with God in the holy heaven but those who bear His likeness." 6 vol. Bible Commentary, Page 1105
“To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized—this was to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of life. Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education.” Education, Page 16
“In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one, for in education, as in redemption, “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Education, page 30
(In Part Two we can discover the many, many names of Sabbath School.)
* * *
Eternity! Time! Eternity!
(a working framework of Sabbath School)
Eternity! What might Sabbath School and Worship have been like before sin. Both seem to have been done simultaneously from birth/creation, and to have continued on so simultaneously (another dichotomy).
And yes, Sabbath School lessons existed before sin.
Probation! (time) What was Sabbath School like just after the entrance of sin?
Because of separation by sin, reeducation (Sabbath School lessons) was warranted. And because there was a change of clothing and a change of address, mankind’s worship had become garbled and rendered totally unacceptable.
Eternity! This is the time when worship has been completely repaired, and sin has been completely dealt with—for the individual and the universe. When all things are made new, a complete re-education and a restructuring takes place, i.e., earth and heaven become one ‘nation’ under God; this happens after the New Jerusalem comes down and has over-spread the Mt. of Olives.
At this time, Sabbath School is immeasurably enriched. Instead of coming down daily in the cool of the day to enjoin lessons with mankind, God just walks, or slides, across the throne, as it were, and begins revealing to mankind more themes and details about His inheritance.
“In his effort to reach God’s ideal for him, the Christian is to despair of nothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ, is promised to all. Jesus is the source of power, the fountain of life. He brings us to his word, and from the tree of life presents to us leaves for the healing of sin-sick souls. He leads us to the throne of God, and puts into our mouth a prayer through which we are brought into close contact with himself. In our behalf he sets in operation the all-powerful agencies of heaven. At every step we touch his living power. God fixes no limit to the advance.” Acts of the apostles, page 478
First Things Are Done First:
(first things, meaning orders of operation, PEMDAS, if you will)
His word….
Tree of Life….
Leaves for healing….
To His Father’s Throne….
Puts a prayer into the mouth….
This brings us into close contact….
Then He sets the all-powerful agencies of heaven into operation…these are poured out without measure…
No limit is fixed against our desire to advance, in our despairing of nothing….
What He does first:
He brings us to His word. This is a corporate thing, and an individual thing. Even more than this, He provides the Upper Room for us. That Upper Room is of course beyond the height of any room we can procure. That room is ultimately the sanctuary. Only that room is large enough to contain the corporate ideal of ‘the giving of Mankind as a specimen of Himself to the universe.’ But in that room we study to make sure we show ourselves approved, well pleasing in His sight. This, in the highest sense, is true Sabbath School—and this He does first.
The So-longed-for Tree of Life:
This tree is connected inseparably to His word, and to mankind. There He feeds us leaves. These leaves help the entire soul heal and grow. This is both the process of education and redemption, for their ideal work is one. To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the heights of perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized—this was to be the work of redemption. This is also the object of education, the great object of life.
“Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education.” Education, Page 16
“In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one, for in education, as in redemption, “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Education, page 30
What happens at the Throne?
Where is the prime meeting place of God with man for this Sabbath School?:
The answer is: at His father’s throne. And as Revelation Chapters 4 and 5 shows, this is where Christ is both in the midst of the throne and in the midst of the four living creatures and in the midst of the 24 elders. The people of God who have overcome (the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures) and the people of God who desire to overcome—this is where they meet; this is where they give reasonable service. This is without doubt the most prime real estate in the universe. This throne is what Christ has won for corporate and individual humanity, and this is where His covenant rests in a glorious living box from which there proceeds melodious amounts of voices, and thunderings, and lightnings.
‘Inwardly it symbolized the place where God met with sinful man on the Mercy Seat.... The daily provision of manna was God's grace meeting the need of His ...’ —SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7 (EGW)
‘Thus men are represented as sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. This is the appointed place of meeting between God and humanity.’ —Manuscript 7, 1898.
Sit= absolutely: of a dead man restored to life; equivalent to settling or fixing one's abode
He puts a prayer into our mouth:
This prayer can be both an individual prayer and/or a corporate prayer. In the 4th and 5th Chapter of Revelation, the 24 elders and the four living creatures sing one prayer (singing is also a form of praying) and that prayer comes from deep within their experience. And there before the throne, Christ stands deeply enthroned and deeply abiding within His first fruits of ransomed people. It is both an individual and a collective abiding. Nonetheless, He is the author and finisher of this prayer. He has put it in their mouth.
Mouth= the mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. In Revelation 14:5 it represents 'statements', or declarations. (which adds a dimension to the understanding of this word.)
This prayer brings us into close contact with himself:
This represents that oneness He prayed for in the garden. He is author and finisher of our unity. The unity is not just a living-together of saints with each other, but with Him and with God. This is the same as the image of the white horse and its rider: we are inseparably one-work, one-advancing direction, one-body, and ultimately the same victory.
Then, and only after this then, does He set into operation in our behalf the all-powerful (not by might…but by My spirit) agencies of heaven, which include His angels who are always pouring forth their oil… ‘Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.’ [Steps to Christ, page 67]
This He does first, this He does second,This He does…:
All these steps, He does first…and there is fixed no limit to the advance…those who despair of nothing go out with Him for the last time conquering and to conquer…
Supporting Texts:
Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Preacher= specifically used of the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it, made by John the Baptist, by Jesus, by the apostles and other Christian teachers
John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Colossians 2:3
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Job 12:13
With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
John 4:23
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
In Spirit= the vital principle by which the body is animated; the rational spirit, the power by which a human being feels, thinks, wills, decides.
In Truth= Thayer’s: In truth, truly; as accords with the divine nature.
Psalm 85:10
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
“Fill the whole heart with the words of God [Sabbath School]. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Jesus declares, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." [JOHN 6:53.] And he explains himself by saying, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." [JOHN 6:63.] Our bodies are built up from what we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual economy, it is what we meditate upon [Sabbath School] that will give tone and strength to our spiritual nature.” {CE 57.1, Book: Christian Education.}
“The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God's word. Christ says, "The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life." John 6:63. "He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life." John 5:24. In every command and in every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very life and character of God.” [Sabbath School] {COL 38.1}
“As we thus contemplate heavenly themes, [Sabbath School] our faith and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with faith and love. They will be intelligent and fervent. There will be more constant confidence in Jesus, and a daily, living experience in his power to save to the utmost all that come unto God by him.” {CE 57.2}
“As we meditate upon the perfections of the Saviour, we shall desire to be wholly transformed, and renewed in the image of his purity. There will be a hungering and thirsting of soul to become like him whom we adore. The more our thoughts are upon Christ, the more we shall speak of him to others [Sabbath School], and represent him to the world. {CE 57.3}
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Addendum: Throne
Okay, What's In The Throne?
(From a Morning Paper article.)
So what are some of the things that are in the Throne. In addition to the specific voices, thunderings and lightnings out-sourcing from the Throne, do we also get the picture that the Throne is the abode of Christ—The Lamb; indeed, in the wording of the 4th and 5th chapters of Revelation, the Throne is also the abode of the 4 Living Creatures. This Throne is the meeting place of God and man. Here, owing to the Cross, mercy and truth are met together and righteousness and peace have kissed each other...and yes, among the voices here a rich Sabbath School can be found—and worship too. In the 4th Chapter of Revelation the whole assembly is convened to see a little sealed book opened, so that we may all study and digest the deep things of God. Quite yesfully, here at the throne is the best place in the universe where one may find a blessed Sabbath day.
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