Fundamentals Quarterly Part 1

1977 Part 1 Qrtly

Lesson 1 – THE WORD OF GOD

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:97-112.

Memory Verse: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

INTRODUCTION

These lessons will be based upon the tract “A Declaration of Things Most Commonly Believed Among Us.” From time to time it is good to review the basic doctrines that pertain to our faith. Peter and Jude thought it necessary to bring these things to the remembrance of the saints in their time, and it is Just as needful in this present time. (2 Peter 1:12-13; Jude 1:3-5.)

In this first lesson we will consider the “Word of God.” A study of the Bible will show that the Lord wanted His laws and precepts recorded for succeeding generations. Rules handed down by word of mouth lose their accuracy, whereas the written word never changes.

Apostle Paul states that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” Peter confirms this when he explains that “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21). Thus, the Bible is without contradiction and contains the whole council of God.

The Bible becomes the measuring rod for all beliefs and actions. Isaiah 8:20 states, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” The Bereans were commended for when Apostle Paul preached the Gospel to them they compared what he preached with the Word of God. (Acts 17:11)

Today there are those who no longer believe the Bible to be inspired. They want to delete a portion here and another there, only to wake up to the fact that they have nothing solid to hang on to. If part of It Is not inspired then how can we know for sure if any of it is true?

Then there are those who ignore the Bible because they feel that they have had a special revelation that supersedes the Word of God. Apostle Paul said that if he or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel let them be accursed. The Bible remains true, and regardless of our intellectual reasons or our spiritual experience, if our beliefs do not conform to the Bible it is because they are false.

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. Did God see a need for His laws to be written down? Deuteronomy 5:22; Exodus 24:3-4.
  2. Was this need to record God’s Word limited to the law? Isaiah 30:8-11; Jeremiah 30:2.
  3. How would these words be helpful in later years? Jeremiah 30:3; Daniel 9:2.
  4. Why is it still beneficial for us today? Romans 15:4.
  5. Do you think these men expected their writings to be preserved this long? Job 19:23-24; Luke 1:1-4; 1 Cor. 1:1-2.
  6. Who directed them as they recorded these words? 2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:16.
  7. Did they always understand what they were writing? Daniel 12:8. Who were these verses written for? Daniel 12:4, 9-10.
  8. Is God particular regarding the accuracy of His Word? Revelation 22:18-19. Why?
  9. What is God’s Word declared to be? John 17:17.
  10. How long will God’s Word last? Matthew 5:17-18.

Lesson 2 – THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUND DOCTRINE

Scripture Reading: Titus 2.

Memory Verse: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16.

INTRODUCTION

When we think of truth or doctrine most of us think of subjects such as the “State of the Dead,” the “ Sabbath, “ “Heaven and Hell,” etc. It is true that these are doctrines but so are the belief in God and the plan of salvation. Doctrine is what a person believes and teaches whether simple or complicated.

Many people seem to think that if a person is sincere it doesn’t matter whether or not he is right. The Bible admonishes us to be diligent in our study of God’s Word so as to know the truth. It warns against refusing sound doctrine and states that wrong doctrines hinder our Christian growth and can cost us our salvation. Apostle Paul wrote that a wrong concept of the resurrection had overthrown the faith of some (2 Timothy 2:18).

We all start out as babes in Christ. From there we begin our growth in two areas: spiritual maturity and knowledge. The more spiritually mature and knowledgeable we become the stronger and more stable we are. We are to grow in knowledge until we can no longer be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine. (Ephesians 4:14)

We also have an obligation to be able to defend the truth. Apostle Paul admonished Titus thusly: “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9, New American Standard Version).

We are not saved by doctrine or our knowledge, but once we are converted it is important that we acquire a thorough knowledge of God’s Word. We need this knowledge not only for our own protection and stability but to enable us to instruct others in the Word of God.

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. How do we attain the truth? John 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17.
  2. What will the truth do for us? John 8:31-32.
  3. How important is sound doctrine? 1 Timothy 4:16; Ephesians 4:14-16.
  4. Is there a danger when we lose sight of the importance of truth? 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; Matthew 15:8-9; Hosea 4:6.
  5. Will there be those who refuse sound doctrine? 2 Timothy 4:2-4; 1 Timothy 4:1-2.
  6. What is to be done to those who continue to resist sound doctrine? 2 John 1:9-10; Romans 16:17-18.
  7. How can those who preach error affect others? 2 Timothy 2:16-18; Revelation 2:20.
  8. What are some characteristics of sound doctrine? 1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 2:1-12.
  9. What are some characteristics of those who will not endure sound doctrine? 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Ephesians 4:14
  10. What are the benefits of knowing the truth? 1 Timothy 4:13-16.

Lesson 3 – GOD THE FATHER

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 40:18-31.

Memory Verse: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).

INTRODUCTION

“God created man with an inborn ability to recognize His existence. When man under ordinary conditions seriously thinks about the universe, the recognition of God’s existence naturally arises in his mind. When a child is taught that God exists, he spontaneously perceives this to be true. Man is so made that he is naturally religious. It is normal for man to believe in God; it is abnormal for him to be an atheist.

“One is not surprised to discover, therefore, that belief in the existence of a supreme being or beings is found among all men. Heathenism has corrupted the glory of God into idolatry and the truth of God into mythology, but the recognition of His existence is still there. The counterfeit proves the reality of the true. In every race and tribe on earth and in every civilization in history, the existence of a supreme being or beings has been recognized by men.

This amazing fact is a testimony to the existence of God” (Alva Huffer, Systematic Theology, The Restitution Herald: Oregon, Illinois, 1969, p. 43).

“Men can acquire definite knowledge concerning God’s existence, nature, attributes, works, and plans for the future. Although we cannot know everything about God in all His infinite perfection and we cannot know everything that God himself knows, we can know about God because He has revealed Himself to man” (Ibid. p. 49).

“God is a living person. He possesses life, self‐existence and character. The three elements of personality are intellect, sensibilities, and will. He who is a person has the ability to think, feel, and choose. The Bible proves that God is a person by ascribing attributes of personality to Him. God has the ability to think, feel, and choose. He sees, hears, knows, speaks, loves, wills, and works.

“True religion is made possible because God is a person whom the believer can love, worship, know, and obey. A personal relationship between God and man has been made possible because God is a person and man has been created in God’s image. When a believer prays, he knows that God will see and hear and answer. Salvation is the process whereby sinners are brought into a redemptive relationship with this divine person through the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ” (Ibid. p. 53).

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. How important is belief in God? Hebrews 11:6.
  2. Has God given us proof of His existence? Romans 1:18-20; Psalm 19:1-6.
  3. What other proof of His existence does He give us? 2 Peter 1:19-21; John 14:6-9; John 5:19.
  4. How many Gods are there? 1 Corinthians 8:4; Mark 12:32; Ephesians 4:6
  5. How great is our God? Isaiah 40:21-26.
  6. How do we compare to Him? Isaiah 55:8-9.
  7. What is a major characteristic of God? 1 John 4:7-9; John 3:16.
  8. Does He recognize our weaknesses? Psalm 103:13-14.
  9. What relationship does He have with us? Romans 8:14-17; 1 John 3:2.
  10. As His children, how will we spend eternity and what will be our relationship with our God? Revelation 21:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:28.

Lesson 4 – JESUS THE SON OF GOD

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10.

Memory Verse: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

INTRODUCTION

In the last lesson we considered God and found that He loved us enough to send His Son to die for us (John 3:16). But we should not forget that the Son loved us so much that He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Everything about Jesus was extraordinary, from His virgin birth to His miraculous resurrection. Because He was the Son of God with power to perform miracles, the wisdom to understand all things, and the promise of glory and authority in the future, we tend to overlook the fact that He was also human.

He grew up much like any other boy of His time. He faced problems and temptations like the rest of us. He had to choose between a life of ease and glory or one of privation and persecution. If we think that this was easy for Him then we haven’t fully comprehended the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane. There He spent time on His knees in agony, pleading with His Father to find another way that He would not have to die on the cross.

We often think our problems are great and nobody has ever experienced the mental distress and agony that we have to endure. I have faced some difficult situations but never to the extent that I sweat “as it were great drops of blood.” Why, then, should I feel that my problems are more difficult to face than the ones that Jesus faced?

Jesus could have accepted Satan’s offer of the kingdoms of the world. He could have been an important man of authority and power. Yet, because of His love for us He was willing to sacrifice this and to die an agonizing death that we might have eternal life.

Yes, Jesus was, and is, the Son of God. He is worthy of our praise, and we can never glorify Him too much. Yet, I fear that we often forget His humanity. It is because He was human that we can relate to His perfect example and reach out in faith, knowing that, as a man, He, too, was tempted. If He could overcome them, with His help, we can as well. It is His humanity that proves His love for us. It might be easy for God to die for others, but we know how difficult it would be for us to die for those who are unlovely and who dislike us.

Thus, Jesus is a very unique person. He is both, the “Son of God” and the “Son of man.” He can do all things, yet He understands how we feel as weak humanity. It is great to be a part of His family and fellow‐heirs of the kingdom of God. It is a privilege to acknowledge Him as our Lord and Master.

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. How was the birth of Jesus foretold in the Old Testament? Isaiah 7:14. Did the circumstances of His birth agree with this? Luke 1:26-35.
  2. In what ways was His childhood similar to other boys? Luke 2:40, 52; Hebrew 4:15-16.
  3. What phrase did Jesus use to describe Himself? Matthew 17:22; 19:28. [NOTE: The phrase “Son of man” is found 88 times in the Bible. It is usually used by Jesus in reference to Himself.]
  4. Why do you suppose He wished to emphasize His humanity? Hebrews 2:14-18; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 10:13.
  5. He was human, “the Son of man,” but what else was He as well? John 3:16, 18.
  6. Whom are we to pattern our lives after? Romans 8:21; 1 Peter 2:21; How did He live? Verses 22-23; 1 John 3:5.
  7. What important characteristic did He have? John 6:38; 4:34; Matthew 26:38-39. How did He learn obedience? Hebrews 5:8-9. Have we learned· that lesson?
  8. What role does He play at this time? 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 7:24-27.
  9. What position does He hold in relation to the church? Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15-16.
  10. What position will He hold when He returns? Luke 1:32; Matthew 25:31. What degree of authority will He possess at that time? Revelation 12:5; 19:15.

Lesson 5 – GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT

Scripture Reading: John 14:15-31.

Memory Verse: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

INTRODUCTION

When our Lord Jesus Christ was preparing His disciples for His departure He promised them that He would not leave them forsaken. He promised to send them another Comforter, which was the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 17).

Down through the ages there has been much discussion and controversy over what the Holy Spirit is and what it will accomplish in our lives. In this lesson we will explore what God’s Word has to say regarding the Holy Spirit.

A clue as to what it is may be found in noting how often it is referred to as God’s Spirit and Christ’s Spirit. The terms: “God’s Spirit,” and “Spirit of God,” “Christ’s Spirit,” “Holy Spirit,” “Holy Ghost,” and the “Comforter” seem to be interchangeable. If you will notice in John 14:16‐18, after promising them a comforter, Jesus says, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” It is evident from this and other scriptures that the concept of Jesus abiding in us is that He dwells in us through the agency of the Holy Spirit. In verse 23 Jesus pictures God as making His abode with us as well. This agrees with Ephesians 4:4 which states that there is only one Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a must in our lives if we are to be fruitful in our Christian walk. It gives us strength to overcome sin, power to witness, and wisdom to know what to say in times of need and directions for our daily lives.

One of the functions of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin. We can eloquently share our faith with others, we can prepare well‐ organized sermons, but if God doesn’t bless with His Spirit and bring conviction then we are helpless to bring people into the kingdom of God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). It should make us very humble to realize that we are dependent upon God’s Spirit for everything we accomplish as Christians.

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. In what capacity do we find the first mention of God’s Spirit? Genesis 1:2.
  2. How many Spirits exist in God’s design? 1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-11; Ephesians 4:4.
  3. What did Jesus promise the disciples to take His place? John 16:7. What will this comforter do? Verses 8-14; John 15:26; John 14:15-17.
  4. How will it help us in time of need? Matthew 10:18-20; Luke 12:11-12.
  5. How is the Holy Spirit described in Luke 24:49? What did this power enable them to do? Luke 24:47-48; Acts 1:8; John 7:37-39.
  6. What are some ways in which the Holy Spirit will direct our lives? Acts 13:1‐3; Acts 16:6-7; 2 Peter 1:20-21.
  7. What are we individually and collectively supposed to be? 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5.
  8. Who does the Bible say is living in us through the Holy Spirit? 1 John 4:12-13; 1 John 3:24; John 14:23.
  9. What will the Spirit do for us? Ephesians 3:16-19. What kind of fruit will this produce? Galatians 5:22-23.
  10. If Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit, what does this make us? Romans 8:14-17.
  11. Have there always been those who have had the Spirit dwelling within? Genesis 41:38; Exodus 31:3; Numbers 27:18; Psalm 51:11.

Lesson 6 – THE TRINITY

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9.

Memory Verse: “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God,” 1 Corinthians 11:3.

INTRODUCTION

Trinity: “The union of three persons or hypostases (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost) in one Godhead, so that all the three are one God as to substance, but three persons or hypostases as to individuality.” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, fifth edition.)

The doctrine of the trinity is one of the major tenets of the Christian world. Those who do not accept this doctrine are considered as heretics. In fact, I know of no other doctrine that creates as great a gulf between us and nominal Christianity, not even the Sabbath. In view of this it would be well for us to consider this doctrine.

Trinitarians claim to believe in only one God but that He subsists in three separate individuals, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They emphatically state that these three are equal, that they have always existed and that there never was a time when all three of them didn’t exist.

This doctrine contradicts a number of truths which are plainly taught in the Bible. Trinitarians state that Jesus is, and always has been, equal with God (His Father). Jesus, Himself, stated that His Father was greater than Him. The Bible pictures Jesus as being on the right hand of God. This has always Implied the position of “second in command.” When Jesus assumes control it is by permission of His Father and after His reign of a thousand years He will turn control back to His Father that He “may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:24-28.)

Jesus is inferior to His Father in several ways. Jesus stated that He did not know the day nor hour of His return, but His Father does. (Mark 13:32.) Jesus can do nothing of Himself but is subject to His Father. (John 5:19, 30.) Jesus died on the cross, the Father is Immortal and cannot die. Jesus had a beginning while His Father has always existed. All power and authority that Jesus has was given Him by His Father.

The Bible has much to say regarding Jesus as our mediator. A mediator has to be a third, separate party from the two involved in the dispute. Jesus could not be a mediator between God and man If He was God.

Trinitarians also believe the Holy Spirit is a person, to the same extent as God and Jesus are persons. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is the power of God through which He lives in us, guides us, and performs miracles. In 1 Corinthians 11:3 Paul gives the chain of command in God’s organization. The Holy Spirit is not mentioned as having a position, which would be unreasonable If it were a person.

There are many indications that prove the Holy Spirit is not a person. It is never addressed in prayer. It has no personal name. It is never included in the Apostolic salutations, (i.e. Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; etc.) while Jesus and His Father are.

If the Holy Spirit is a person, then according to Luke 1:35 we would have to conclude that He was the Father of Jesus. But the Bible is very plain as to who is His Father.

Jesus and God dwell in us through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:9, 11). The reason for this is becau.se a person can only be in one place at a time. His influence, power, etc. can be felt in· many places at once but he is physically limited to one place. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit the Lord and Jesus can dwell in each one of us at the same time because the spirit is not a person but is the power of God. Consider this for a moment: Jesus has a spirit, (Romans 8:9) and God has a spirit to carry out their will. If the Holy Spirit was a person then it would also require a spirit. Have you ever heard of the Holy Spirit ‘s spirit? The reason is because it is not a person.

“The Greek word for Comforter ‘Parakletos’ is masculine in gender. (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-8, 13-15.) Therefore, translators used masculine pronouns to refer to the power of God in this portion of John even though that power itself was neuter and Impersonal. The Impersonal power of God was indicated by a masculine word ‘Comforter’ because it was going to be used by the person, Jesus Christ. Jesus is a person, but the power, the Holy Spirit, through which He worked as Comforter was Impersonal. The use of masculine pronouns’ 1n the verses cited is no indication of personality.

Spirit in the Greek is a neuter noun and is always represented by neuter pronouns in that language. The Comforter in Greek is a masculine noun and it is therefore represented by masculine pronouns. But this proves nothing as to personality; for the use of masculine pronouns in Greek is no proof of personality. The Greek, unlike the English, uses masculine and feminine pronouns with reference to things and qualities as well as to persons. In Greek a field is masculine, a city is feminine, pain is feminine, a vine is feminine, but a vineyard is masculine, wind is masculine, silver is masculine, but a piece of silver money is neuter, a number is masculine, a shield is feminine, etc., etc., all through the lexicon of Greek nouns. It is absolutely no proof of personality that an object is masculine or feminine in Greek. A neuter noun, however; is never used in Greek to denote a person except in the case of a diminutive, as a child, a demented person, or a person considered not as a person, but as an object. Therefore, since the Spirit is always neuter in the Greek, it cannot be a person, and should never be referred to as he, him, himself, who, or whom, but by it, itself and which. (Alva Huffer, Systematic Theology, The Restitution Herald: Oregon, lllinois, 1961, p. 92.)

Trinitarians consider the Athanaslan Creed to be the most profound exposition of the trinity in existence. For this reason we will include it, and as you read it, notice the many contradictions it contains.

“1. Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith. 2. Which faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. 3. But this is the catholic faith: That we worship one God in trinity, and trinity in unity; 4. Neither confounding the persons; nor dividing the substance. 5. For there is one person of the Father, another of the Son, another of the Holy Ghost. 6. But the Godhead of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all one: the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal. 7. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. 8. The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, the Holy Ghost is uncreated. 9. The Father is immeasurable, the Son is immeasurable, the Holy Ghost is immeasurable. 10. The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal, the Holy Ghost is eternal. 11. And yet there are not three eternals; but one eternal. 12. As also there are not three likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Ghost almighty. 14. And yet there are not three almighties, but one almighty. 15. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. 16. And yet there are not three Gods, but one God. 17. So the Father is Lord. 19. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be God and Lord; 10. So are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say, there are three Gods, or three Lords. 21. The father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten. 22. The Son is of the Father alone not made, nor created, but begotten. 23. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and the Son, not made, neither created, nor begotten, but proceeding. 24. Therefore there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. 25. And in this trinity none la before or after another, none la greater or le11 than another. 26. But the whole three Persona are co-eternal and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped. 28. He therefore that will be saved, must thus think of the Trinity … “ (Ibid. p. 70.)

When asked to explain these apparent contradictions, trinitarians will usually reply, “We can’t. It is a blessed mystery.” It is surely a mystery, but I am convinced it is not “blessed.”

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. How many true Gods are there? John 17:3; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:5-6.
  2. What relationship is Jesus to God? John 3:16-18; 1 John 4:9.
  3. What role of Jesus shows that He cannot be God? 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:11-15, 24; 10:12.
  4. How does John 8:17-18 show that the Father and Son are not the same person?
  5. In what ways is Jesus inferior to God? John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Hebrews 5:8.
  6. How did Jesus relate to God? John 20:17; Mark 15:34; Ephesians 1:3.
  7. What practice did Jesus have that proves that Yahweh was His God? Matthew 26:39-42; Matthew 27:46; Luke 6:12.
  8. If the Holy Spirit is a person wouldn’t He be Jesus’ Father? Luke 1:35.
  9. How many individuals did Stephen see in heaven? Acts 7:55-56. If the Holy Spirit is one person of the trinity wouldn’t Stephen have seen him as well?
  10. What is God’s chain of command? 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Corinthians 15:23-28. If the Holy Spirit is a person in the Godhead why was he left out?

Lesson 7- THE CRUCIFIXION

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53.

Memory Verse: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

INTRODUCTION

The death of Jesus Christ is the pivotal point upon which the rest of the Bible hinges. From the very beginning when Adam and Eve sinned until the beginning of eternity, all mankind has needed a savior to rescue them from the lake of fire.

We may enjoy contemplating the pleasures in store for us in God’s kingdom. We may love to discuss doctrine or study prophecy. We may receive a blessing by recalling what the Lord has done for us in our daily lives, but without the blood of Jesus Christ these other things are purely academic.

“Spectators at the crucifixion challenged Jesus to save Himself. The common crowd cried in derision, ‘Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself, and come down from the cross’ (Mark 15:29-30). The Jewish rulers mocked, ‘He saved others: himself he cannot save’ (Mark 15:31). Superstitious ones who thought Jesus was calling Elias said, ‘Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down’ (Mark 15:36). The soldiers said, ‘If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself’ (Luke 23:37). One of the malefactors who were crucified with Him said, ‘If thou be Christ, save thyself and us’ (Luke 23:39). Everyone cried, ‘Save thyself.’ They should have cried, ‘Save us.’ It was not that Jesus could not save Himself; it was that He would not save Himself. Jesus could have saved Himself from crucifixion, but He did not want to save Himself. He wanted to give Himself in death as a sacrifice for sinners. Jesus knew that if He saved Himself, He would save no others. He was determined to die for the sins of the world.

“Christ’s sacrificial death revealed the love of God and Christ for sinners. It was an act of grace that God planned salvation for men through the sacrifice of His Son. It was an act of unparalleled love that Christ consented to bear men’s sins. The Father was not obligated to provide a sacrifice for sinners, and the Son was not obligated to be that sacrifice.

“Sinners do not deserve to be saved; they are worthy of death. God could have destroyed every sinner and they would have received what they deserved. God through love, however, gives men what they do not deserve. He offers them salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is grace! Grace is God’s freely given love in its relation to the needs of sinful men” (Alva G. Huffer, Systematic Theology, The Restitution Herald: Oregon, Illinois, 1961, p. 279).

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. What was Jesus’ primary purpose while on earth? John 1:29; 1 Timothy 2:6; Galatians 1:4.
  2. Was Jesus aware of this purpose during His earthly ministry? Matthew 17:22-23; Matthew 20:17-19; John 12:23-27.
  3. Was the circumstance of His death prophesied in the Old Testament? Psalm 22:1, 7-8, 16-18.
  4. What Old Testament passage explains the purpose of His death? Isaiah 53. How many references are there in this passage to the fact that Jesus bore our sin?
  5. Why was it necessary for Jesus to die? Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:22; 10:3-4.
  6. Describe the agony involved in a crucifixion. Matthew 26:67-68; Matthew 27:26-31.
  7. What would have been our fate if Jesus had not died? Ephesians 2:12; Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8.
  8. What transaction takes place as we accept His atonement? 2 Corinthians 5:21.
  9. What do we become as a result of accepting Jesus as our, Savior? Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 2:12-13.
  10. What should be the primary message of the church today? 1 Corinthians 2:2.

Lesson 8 – THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST

Scripture Reading: 1Corinthians 15:1-23.

Memory Verse: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).

INTRODUCTION

Jesus, speaking of Himself after the resurrection, said “because I live ye shall live also” (John 14:19). Our assurance of a future life would rest on shaky ground if it wasn’t for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because He lives we know that we shall live as well. The same power that raised Jesus from death to immortality will also raise us to everlasting life at His appearing.

How do we actually know that He was resurrected? There are many proofs. The evidence of the empty tomb that was witnessed by a number of people; the soldiers who were as dead men and the fact that they had to be bribed to give a false report; and the many individuals who saw Him after His resurrection all prove that Jesus bodily arose from the dead.

The Apostle Paul records that over 500 brethren saw Him at one time. When this was written most of those 500 were still alive. The early church had many enemies and, if the resurrection was a farce, it would have been easy to demand the names of these witnesses and show the falseness of the church’s claim. Paul was very confident of his statement, and the fact that it was not challenged at that time proves the validity of Christ’s resurrection.

But the greatest proof is expressed in a song: “You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.” The presence of Jesus Christ within is a Christian’s greatest proof that He lives. The change in the lives of those who accept Him as Savior should convince others that He lives.

The assurance of eternal life through Jesus’ resurrection is great, but there is another benefit that is often overlooked. He defeated Satan through His resurrection and thus assures us that we, too, can defeat Satan in our daily lives.

Apostle Paul illustrates this principle in the sixth chapter of Romans. Here he teaches that, as new converts, we should be dead to sin but alive to God. Just as Jesus arose victorious over death, we should, by the same power that raised Jesus, live a life of victory over sin. Apostle Paul vividly describes the struggle of a carnal man to live righteously and concludes that it can’t be done outside of Jesus Christ (Romans 7:15-25). Apostle John adds his testimony: “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Our salvation is dependent on the shed blood of Jesus Christ and its power to cleanse. But our hope of a future resurrection and the power to live a victorious Christian life is a result of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yes, because He lives we will live also. We can live a life of victory now, and we will live with Him forever because He lives.

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. How important is Christ’s resurrection to us as children of God? 1 Corinthians 15:14-18.
  2. What proof do we have that Jesus rose from the grave? Matthew 28:9-10; John 20:1-8; John 20:19-23.
  3. How many saw Him at one time? 1 Corinthians 15:6. [NOTE: When Paul wrote this most of them were still alive and could testify to the fact that He arose.]
  4. What did Jesus’ resurrection further prove? Romans 1:3-4. Was this already established before? Matthew 3:16-17.
  5. How does Jesus’ resurrection assure us of a future resurrection? Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23.
  6. What warning does this give to the unrighteous? Acts 17:31
  7. Is a belief in Christ’s resurrection important to our salvation? Romans 10:9.
  8. What does the resurrection of Jesus symbolize in our Christian walk? Romans 6:4-5, 11-13.
  9. What is our source of strength to live an overcoming life? 1 John 4:4; Ephesians 3:17-21.
  10. What is the nature of Jesus’ life since His resurrection? Romans 6:9; Revelation 1:18.

Lesson 9 – THE SIGN OF JONAH

Scripture Reading: John 19:30-42.

Memory Verse: “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40.

INTRODUCTION

During Jesus’ ministry the religious leaders continually pressed Him for signs as proof of His Messiahship. Matthew 12:38-40 records one of these incidents. and Jesus’ reply. “Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, an evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign ; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. “

Notice that Jesus said that only one sign would be given, i.e., that He would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. His entire claim to being the Messiah rested on that sign. If this sign was not fulfilled then He Is not the true Messiah.

The popular teaching that Jesus was crucified on Friday and resurrected on Sunday morning does not fulfill this sign. The very most we can get from a Friday crucifixion and a Sunday morning resurrection is two full nights, a full day and two very small portions of other days. This is barely over half of the 72 hours required to make up three days and three nights. “Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar. “ (Romans 3:4. New American Standard Version).

When we rightly divide the word of truth we find that the day following the passove1r was a high Sabbath. This Sabbath can fall on any day of the week. This High Sabbath fell on Thursday the year Jesus was crucified.

Thus, Jesus was crucified on Wednesday and arose late on the Sabbath and perfectly fulfilled the only sign He gave. Once we understand this, all the apparent discrepancies disappear.

Is this really important? It was Important enough that Jesus based His entire claim to being the Messiah on this sign, and the significant of us understanding its fulfillment seems obvious.

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. When the Jews asked Jesus for a sign of His Messiahship, what was His answer? Matthew 16:1-4.
  2. What had He previously told them was the sign of Jonah? Matthew 12:38-40. (Note: This was the only sign He gave.)
  3. What time of the day did He die? Matthew 27:46-50. (Note: The ninth hour corresponds to 3:00 PM our time.)
  4. When was Jesus buried? Matthew 27:57-60; Luke 23:52-54.
  5. Was this a special Sabbath? John 19:14, 31; Leviticus 23:4-7.
  6. Compare the Sabbath of Mark 16:1 with that of Luke 23:54-56. Which one was the high Sabbath that fell on Thursday that year?
  7. What day and time would three days. and three nights be from late afternoon Wednesday? Does this agree with Scripture? Matthew 28:1-6.
  8. When the women and disciples visited the tomb on Sunday morning what did they find? Mark 16:2-6; Luke 24:1-3
  9. Does Luke 24:13-21 contradict a Wednesday crucifixion?
  10. Would “all these things which had happened” (Luke 24:14) and “these things” (Luke 24:21) include more than just the crucifixion? What else would it include? Matthew 27:62-66.
  11. Which day was the tomb sealed? Matthew 27:62. What is the third day from Thursday?

Lesson 10 – MAN’S CONDITION

Scripture Reading: Romans 3:9-23.

Memory Verse: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6.

INTRODUCTION

“Sin is universal. All men are sinners; all of man is sinful. Sin is universal among men; it is total with in man. If one drew a circle to indicate the righteous, it would be empty. All would be excluded. If one drew a circle to indicate sinners, it would be filled. All would be included.

“The universality of sin is clearly taught by direct statements in the Bible. All men by natural birth are sinners. it is apparent, of course, that Jesus is an exception. ‘We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away’ (Isaiah 64:6). ‘ The whole world lieth in wickedness’ (1 John 5:19).” (Alva G. Huffer, Systematic Theology, The Restitution Herald: Oregon, Illinois, 1961, p. 191).

“Sin is a corruption of the nature of man, so that although by creation he was intended for fellowship with God and to reflect His nature (‘In God’s Image’), he now is not only unfit for that fellowship, apart from salvation, but without desire for it; indeed, he is in practice (though perhaps not consciously always) in rebellion against God. Sin is not a series of wrong acts or careless omissions, but the root of all these. Sin is not ugly ornaments hung on a Christmas tree, which can be removed one by one, it is rather what makes a poison bush produce poison berries. it is ‘the way we are.’ This human situation is universal; everyone is born into it. it is a predicament because man, left to himself, is more or less unaware of the actual trouble, and he is unable to help himself, because he lacks the perspective to see himself and the power to· set himself free from what destroys him. He is under the Impression that he needs to be saved from what makes him afraid-from danger, shame, failure, pain, and death. What he does not see is that he needs to be saved from himself. “ (Ibid. p. 199).

“Some men deny human responsibility for sin by locating sin in society instead of in the individual. They declare that a person may be a sinner, but that he is not responsible for his sins. His sinful condition is the fault of society as a whole. They assert, therefore, that no one will ever have to answer for any personal sin. According to this teaching, guilt is not an individual matter; sin is merely an unfortunate condition of society.” (Ibid. p. 194).

The Bible, however, is very explicit on this point and states that we will each stand alone before the judgment seat of God to give an account of ourselves. We will be judged by the Word of God, and neither friends nor society can share our guilt or reward.

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. In what circumstances were Adam and Eve placed in the beginning? Genesis 2:7-15.
  2. How did they lose their right to paradise? Genesis 3:1-19.
  3. What has been man’s natural condition since Adam? Romans 5:12-14.
  4. What is man’s condition outside of Jesus Christ? Genesis 6:5; Romans 1:21-25.
  5. Are we all like this, or are there some exceptions? Romans 3:10, 23; Isaiah 53:6.
  6. What is our natural tendency when confronted with our own sinfulness? Genesis 3:11-13; 1 Samuel 15:13-15.
  7. At what point do we come under the penalty of sin? Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12.
  8. Where does this leave us regarding our relationship to God and eternity? Romans 1:32; Ephesians 2:1-3.
  9. Is it possible to change our carnal nature by ourselves? Jeremiah 13:23; Romans 7:14-23.
  10. What is our only solution to this problem? Romans 7:24-25; Romans 8:1-4.

Lesson 11 – SALVATION

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2.

Memory Verse: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

INTRODUCTION

When Adam and Eve were placed in the garden of Eden they were given everything necessary to lead a happy and prosperous life. They not only had everything to fulfill their physical needs but they could communicate on a personal basis with their Heavenly Father.

When they fell they not only lost all this for themselves but they doomed the whole human race to destruction. Adam and Eve’s sin must have been a great disappointment to God. He had created them in His own Image as His greatest creation only to have them disobey Him. Things have not changed much since then. Men and women are still rejecting His ways to follow their own inclinations.

But God loves us enough that, in spite of our worthlessness, He sent His only begotten Son as a sacrifice to redeem us. The only things He asks is that we believe and accept His gift and then follow His leading.

He has prepared a kingdom for those who will accept His gift. “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4.

Throughout eternity God will dwell among His people. This is what Adam and Eve forfeited, but through Jesus Christ our Lord paradise will be restored for the saints.

When we attempt to comprehend all the blessings in store for us we feel like David. “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou has made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. 0 Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:3-5, 9.

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. Why is man in need of a savior? Romans 9:32; Ephesians 2:12; Malachi 4:1.
  2. With whom does salvation originate? Psalm 3:8; Psalm 98:2, 3.
  3. What motivates God to grant salvation to sinful man? John 3:16; Romans 5:6-10.
  4. What part does Jesus play in our salvation? Hebrews 2:9, 14; 1 Peter 2:21-25.
  5. What must we do to receive this blessing? Acts 2:37, 38; Acts 16:30, 31.
  6. What do we receive when we accept Jesus as our Savior? Romans 4:3-7; Romans 5:10, 11.
  7. What does the blood of Jesus do to our sins? Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 51:7, 10, 11.
  8. What other benefits do we receive? Psalm 51:12; Isaiah 12:2, 3; John 14:27; 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
  9. What should this cause us to do? Psalm 107:2; Luke 8:38-40.
  10. Should salvation bring about a change in the way we live? 1 John 3:2-7; Romans 6:11-14.

Lesson 12 – THE STATE OF THE DEAD

Scripture Reading: Job 14.

Memory Verse: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29).

INTRODUCTION

The Bible warns us against learning the ways of the heathen and accepting their beliefs (Jeremiah 10:2). Plato, (427‐347 B.C.) the Greek philosopher, was a very influential person in his and succeeding generations. “Platoism was the dominating philosophy of European civilization for many centuries. It is asserted by many scholars that Plato has exerted a greater influence upon the thinking of man in the western world than any other person in paganism” (Alva Huffer, Systematic Theology, The Restitution Herald: Oregon, Illinois, 1969, p. 149).

“Plato believed in the pre‐existence as well as the immortality of the soul. He believed that matter is evil. He taught that the soul is contaminated by the body and earth. Purification, he asserted, can be attained only when man’s soul is released from the body and dwells apart from the earth” (Ibid. p. 150).

The concept of an immortal soul originated in paganism, yet it is held today by many churches. Plato’s belief that matter is evil is often reflected in religious literature today. A typical article in referring to souls going to heaven at death might state, “as the egg shell cracks to release the chicken inside, so must your body give way to release the child of God inside … as for those saints who have already died and been released from their bodies … “

The Bible is very plain regarding the state of man in death. It teaches that death is as a sleep in which man cannot think, feel, or remember. This agrees with medical science for when a person’s brain ceases to function all thought and feelings cease. There is no consciousness apart from an active, living brain.

The Bible has much to say regarding the reward of the saints. But, it all centers around Jesus’ return and the resurrection. If the saints are presently enjoying the bliss of heaven, the resurrection would be only an anti‐climax instead of the glorious homecoming of the saints. Going to heaven at death would be like arriving late at a celebration party after everybody had been celebrating for hours. The Bible has a much better program. We will rise together to meet Jesus, and all the saints of all ages will worship and rejoice together.

The Thessalonian saints were concerned regarding the fate of righteous loved ones who had died. Apostle Paul gave them comfort by explaining that they would rise to meet the Lord at His coming along with the living saints. If they were already in heaven, why didn’t he comfort them with that thought? They weren’t in heaven, so Paul pointed them to the glorious resurrection of all saints that will take place at His return.

LESSON QUESTION

  1. How is death described in the Bible? 1 Thessalonians 4:13; Psalm 13:3; Daniel 12:2.
  2. What happens to our thoughts when we die? Psalm 146:3-4; Ecclesiastes 9:4-6, 10.
  3. A common belief is that the dead observe their loved ones from heaven. Does this agree with the Bible? Psalm 6:4-5; Job 14:21.
  4. David died about one thousand B.C. Where did Peter say he was in his time? Acts 2:29, 34.
  5. How long will the saints remain in the grave? Job 14:12-14; Revelation 20:4; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23.
  6. Who will cause the dead to rise? John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57.
  7. What will He bring with Him? Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12.
  8. What kind of bodies will we have? Psalm 17:15; 1 John 3:1-2.
  9. What will we do when we are resurrected? Revelation 7:9-12
  10. Many people believe that those who have died are praising God in heaven at this lime. What does the Bible say concerning this? Psalm 115:17.


Lesson 13 – THE PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED

Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:7-15

Memory Verse: “And if thy right hand offend thee, cut if off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:30).

INTRODUCTION

“The Bible doctrine of hell is a subject which is much misunderstood. A prevalent false theory is that hell is a place burning with fire and brimstone, where sinners are tortured after they die. According to this view, when the sinner dies, his invisible, immaterial, immortal ‘soul’ goes to this place of unending agony. The sinner, men who teach this theory assert, experiences indescribable pain and misery in hell fire torture during all eternity. This theory is untrue; it is unscriptural.

“The doctrine of the endless torture of sinners is based upon the false teaching of the immortality of the soul. Man does not have a conscious, immaterial nature which continues to live after death. Man is unconscious in death. A person must be alive to experience torture and pain. If such a burning hell existed and a dead person were placed in it, he would not know anything about it, because ‘the dead know not any thing.’ A living man can experience pain through the function of his nervous system and brain, parts of his body which are buried in the grave after death. The sinner cannot feel any torture if his brain and nervous system do not function.

“The Bible mentions ‘everlasting punishment’ (Matthew 25:46), but not ‘everlasting punishing.’ The wicked will be destroyed for all eternity in the second death. They will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord’ (2 Thessalonians, 1:9)” (Ibid. p. 160).

“Outside the walls of Jerusalem in the day of the apostles was a burning rubbish heap named ‘the valley of Hinnom,’ or ‘Gehenna.’ Gehenna was the city garbage incinerator for ancient Jerusalem. Rubbish, refuse, and dead animals were thrown into this valley to be consumed in the fire. The fire continued burning as long as there was material for it to consume. The rubbish itself was consumed, but the fire continued to burn as it consumed additional rubbish. There is no fire in the valley of Gehenna today. It was extinguished centuries ago. The valley is no longer used as an incinerator.

“Gehenna fire was regarded as symbolic of judgment and destruction. Jesus used Gehenna fire as an illustration of the final destruction of the wicked. Gehenna fire refers to the lake of fire, which is the second death (Revelation 20:14-15)” (Ibid. p. 163, 164).

LESSON QUESTIONS

  1. What will be the final punishment of the wicked? Matthew 13:37-42.
  2. What will be the result of this burning? Matthew 3:12; Malachi 4:1, 3.
  3. What is the common belief regarding the punishment of the wicked? Mark 9:43-48.
  4. Does this mean that the fire will never go out? Jude 1:7; 2 Peter 2:6.
  5. What was the end result of Sodom? Luke 17:29-30; Genesis 19:27-28.
  6. What will be the end result of the wicked on the day of judgment? Matthew 7:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. What is this final destruction called? Revelation 20:14; Revelation 2:11; Romans 6:23.
  7. Are the wicked dead being punished now? Job 3:11, 17; 2 Peter 2:9.
  8. The common belief is that only the soul is punished in hell. Does this agree with the Bible? Matthew 5:29-30. What are the worms referred to in Mark 9:46?
  9. What is another Bible name for this “hell?” Revelation 20:14-15.
  10. What else is translated “hell” in our Bible? Isaiah 14:15-17. Have righteous people been in this hell? Acts 2:25-27; Jonah 2:2; Psalm 18:4-5.