IN THESE LAST DAYS the nations of the world, either have dormant Sunday laws deep in their legal systems or they are making new Sunday laws. When the time will come, that these laws will become enforced, WHICH IS NOW IN THE NEAR FUTURE, YOU WILL BE COMPELLED BY LAW TO KEEP SUNDAY AS THE DAY OF REST, THE FULFILLMENT OF THE "MARK OF THE BEAST". God says that at the end of time the whole world will be drawn into this great and last conflict. All the world will be given one choice, and only one choice - to be loyal to “the Beast” (the Papacy) and thus take its Mark, which is Sunday observance - while God, through His messengers, will call people to worship and honor Him and Him alone - by keeping holy the day God the Father created through Jesus Christ and on which He rested, which is the seventh day Sabbath which He blessed.
All who love the Saviour will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and will prove their loyalty and faith to God by living and keeping His commandments. They will refuse to honor a sabbath of human origin, and thus will rank under the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ. They alone will receive the seal of the living God. On the other hand, those that refuse the truth of heavenly origin God has sent and accept the Sunday sabbath, will receive the Mark of the Beast!
Those who choose to trust in the authority of the beast will receive its mark in their foreheads (this representing their acceptance with their mind) or in their right hand (this representing their action, which they might even be coerced to accept). The unmingled wrath of God will not be felt by the transgressors of His law, until after the truth has been brought to their minds and consciences and is finally rejected. Then His wrath, with no mercy, will be felt by those who, by their obedience, chose worshiped another master aside from their Creator.
Although the great conflict between the observance of Sunday or Sabbath is still ahead of us, with seeds being sown everyday towards that great conflict, your decision as to whom you will trust and obey must be taken today. God has been gracious to give us all the facts we need to put our faith on the side of the truth, that the seventh day Sabbath, Saturday, is the day God has chosen for holy use while He commanded that in the other six, including Sunday the first day, we should work. Those that advocate Sunday observance can rely solely on the authority of the Church of Rome. Thus, at this present time we must take a stand against the false Sabbath, the one of human origin which invites the worship of another deity. We should choose today to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as He kept the Sabbath, sanctifying ourselves that we might sanctify Him on His holy day, from sunset Friday until sunset Saturday.
There are honest and sincere people in all denominations, including the Roman Catholic church, who want to worship God alone. When God will help them perceive the deceptions that have been blinding their eyes in regards to God’s will and His commandments, including the fourth commandment about the holy Sabbath day, a great number of them will renounce these falsehoods. They will cut loose these lying bands that bound them and they will become powerful tools for God just before the coming of Jesus Christ.
All who love the Saviour will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and will prove their loyalty and faith to God by living and keeping His commandments. They will refuse to honor a sabbath of human origin, and thus will rank under the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ. They alone will receive the seal of the living God. On the other hand, those that refuse the truth of heavenly origin God has sent and accept the Sunday sabbath, will receive the Mark of the Beast!
Those who choose to trust in the authority of the beast will receive its mark in their foreheads (this representing their acceptance with their mind) or in their right hand (this representing their action, which they might even be coerced to accept). The unmingled wrath of God will not be felt by the transgressors of His law, until after the truth has been brought to their minds and consciences and is finally rejected. Then His wrath, with no mercy, will be felt by those who, by their obedience, chose worshiped another master aside from their Creator.
Although the great conflict between the observance of Sunday or Sabbath is still ahead of us, with seeds being sown everyday towards that great conflict, your decision as to whom you will trust and obey must be taken today. God has been gracious to give us all the facts we need to put our faith on the side of the truth, that the seventh day Sabbath, Saturday, is the day God has chosen for holy use while He commanded that in the other six, including Sunday the first day, we should work. Those that advocate Sunday observance can rely solely on the authority of the Church of Rome. Thus, at this present time we must take a stand against the false Sabbath, the one of human origin which invites the worship of another deity. We should choose today to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as He kept the Sabbath, sanctifying ourselves that we might sanctify Him on His holy day, from sunset Friday until sunset Saturday.
There are honest and sincere people in all denominations, including the Roman Catholic church, who want to worship God alone. When God will help them perceive the deceptions that have been blinding their eyes in regards to God’s will and His commandments, including the fourth commandment about the holy Sabbath day, a great number of them will renounce these falsehoods. They will cut loose these lying bands that bound them and they will become powerful tools for God just before the coming of Jesus Christ.
HERE IS WHY YOU WILL BE COMPELLED BY LAW TO KEEP SUNDAY AS THE DAY OF REST.
1. GOD'S COMMANDMENT REMAINS UNCHANGED
1. Can any alterations be made in what God does?
Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
2. Are His past requirements still required now?
Ecclesiastes 3:15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
3. When God blesses something, how long will it be blessed?
1 Chronicles 17:27 Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever.
4. He hath blessed; and I cannot do what?
Numbers 23:20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
5. Why did the Lord bless the seventh day?
Exodus 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
6. By whom did God make the worlds?
Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
7. How involved was Jesus in the whole creation process?
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
8. What then is Jesus’ relation to the Sabbath?
Matthew 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
9. What do we know about our Lord?
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
10. Looking nearly forty years beyond the crucifixion, what day was Jesus concerned about?
Matthew 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
The seventh-day Sabbath is mentioned 59 times in the New Testament. And in no instance does the Bible say that God ever removed its sacredness. By contrast, the first day of the week is mentioned only 8 times in the New Testament. And in not a single case does the Bible attach sacredness to it.
11. According to Paul, what is the basis of the Sabbath rest?
Hebrews 4:4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
12. Paul confessed that he believed all things written where?
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
13. On what day did he go to the house of worship?
Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
14. Gentiles wanted him to preach to them when?
Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
15. Who came the next Sabbath to hear God’s word?
Acts 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
16. On what day was prayer wont to be made?
Acts 16:13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
17. How does the Bible tell us that gathering for public worship on the Sabbath was Paul’s regular practice?
Acts 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
18. How often did Paul present the Scriptures to both Jews and Greeks?
Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
19. How thoroughly did Paul instruct his converts?
Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Paul declared all the counsel of God. And he never mentioned anything about Sunday sacredness.
20. Of whom would men arise, speaking perverse things?
Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
21. To what class of people was he speaking?
Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
22. When would this take place?
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Peter also predicted the rise of false teachers in the church who would bring in “damnable heresies” (2 Peter 2:1).
23. In vision, Daniel was shown a power that would arise which would think to change what?
Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
24. Paul told the early believers not to expect the end of the world except there come what first?
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
25. What two names did he call the one who would lead out in this falling away?
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Carefully study 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. This man of sin who would cause the church to fall away would actually put himself in the place of God (verse 4). The mystery of iniquity was already at work in Paul’s day but was not allowed to fully develop as long as a certain other power was in existence (verse 7). Notice that this falling away would involve serious doctrinal deceptions (verses 9-12). The prophetic development of this apostasy is the subject of the next two lessons.
26. God wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of what?
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
27. For what weak reason do some reject God’s commandments?
Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.
28. The times of our ignorance God winked at; but now He commands men everywhere to do what?
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
29. How should I respond when I learn the truth?
Psalm 119:60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD... (Please respond YES or NO)
I understand that it was Jesus who created the world and set apart the 7th day as the Sabbath.
I understand that neither Jesus nor His apostles ever abolished the Sabbath or sanctified another day in its place.
I choose to follow the example of Jesus and keep the Sabbath holy.
1. Can any alterations be made in what God does?
Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
2. Are His past requirements still required now?
Ecclesiastes 3:15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
3. When God blesses something, how long will it be blessed?
1 Chronicles 17:27 Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever.
4. He hath blessed; and I cannot do what?
Numbers 23:20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
5. Why did the Lord bless the seventh day?
Exodus 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
6. By whom did God make the worlds?
Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
7. How involved was Jesus in the whole creation process?
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
8. What then is Jesus’ relation to the Sabbath?
Matthew 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.
9. What do we know about our Lord?
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
10. Looking nearly forty years beyond the crucifixion, what day was Jesus concerned about?
Matthew 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
The seventh-day Sabbath is mentioned 59 times in the New Testament. And in no instance does the Bible say that God ever removed its sacredness. By contrast, the first day of the week is mentioned only 8 times in the New Testament. And in not a single case does the Bible attach sacredness to it.
11. According to Paul, what is the basis of the Sabbath rest?
Hebrews 4:4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
12. Paul confessed that he believed all things written where?
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
13. On what day did he go to the house of worship?
Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
14. Gentiles wanted him to preach to them when?
Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
15. Who came the next Sabbath to hear God’s word?
Acts 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
16. On what day was prayer wont to be made?
Acts 16:13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
17. How does the Bible tell us that gathering for public worship on the Sabbath was Paul’s regular practice?
Acts 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
18. How often did Paul present the Scriptures to both Jews and Greeks?
Acts 18:4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
19. How thoroughly did Paul instruct his converts?
Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Paul declared all the counsel of God. And he never mentioned anything about Sunday sacredness.
20. Of whom would men arise, speaking perverse things?
Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
21. To what class of people was he speaking?
Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
22. When would this take place?
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Peter also predicted the rise of false teachers in the church who would bring in “damnable heresies” (2 Peter 2:1).
23. In vision, Daniel was shown a power that would arise which would think to change what?
Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
24. Paul told the early believers not to expect the end of the world except there come what first?
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
25. What two names did he call the one who would lead out in this falling away?
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Carefully study 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. This man of sin who would cause the church to fall away would actually put himself in the place of God (verse 4). The mystery of iniquity was already at work in Paul’s day but was not allowed to fully develop as long as a certain other power was in existence (verse 7). Notice that this falling away would involve serious doctrinal deceptions (verses 9-12). The prophetic development of this apostasy is the subject of the next two lessons.
26. God wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of what?
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
27. For what weak reason do some reject God’s commandments?
Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.
28. The times of our ignorance God winked at; but now He commands men everywhere to do what?
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
29. How should I respond when I learn the truth?
Psalm 119:60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD... (Please respond YES or NO)
I understand that it was Jesus who created the world and set apart the 7th day as the Sabbath.
I understand that neither Jesus nor His apostles ever abolished the Sabbath or sanctified another day in its place.
I choose to follow the example of Jesus and keep the Sabbath holy.
2. THE SIGN OF LOYALTY
1. John saw another beast coming up out of what?
Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Understand that “beasts” in prophecy represent nations, and that the “sea” and the “earth” represent, respectively, the eastern and western hemispheres. The nation, therefore, represented by this beast which was “coming up” at the very time that the first beast of Revelation 13 was taken “into captivity” (Revelation 13:11, 10), in a continent uncrowded by “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (Compare Genesis 1:10 with Revelation 17:15), is none other than the United States of America.
2. How is this beast described?
Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
From the start, the United States was characterized by its unique separation of church and state, allowing freedom of religion to all people. But its lamblike bearing is to reverse into a power that speaks as a dragon.
3. How much power will this beast exercise?
Revelation 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
4. He will cause the world to do what?
Revelation 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
5. What great wonders will he do?
Revelation 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
6. What does he do by means of those miracles?
Revelation 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
7. What will he propose that the people shall do?
Revelation 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast.” Revelation 13:15.
During the supremacy of the first beast, the religious decrees of the church were enforced by the strong arm of the state, effecting a union of religious and civil power. When the United States adopts the same course, it will have created an image of the beast.
8. No longer hesitant to enforce religious duties, what will the government attempt to make everyone do?
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
9. What means will be employed to compel all to receive this mark?
Revelation 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
10. What ultimate penalty will be set for violating the law?
Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
11. With a loud voice, a warning is given against those who do what?
Revelation 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
12. Who will have no rest day nor night?
Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
13. A noisome and grievous sore fell upon whom?
Revelation 16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
14. The mark is received in their right hand, or where else?
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
15. John saw an angel ascending from the east having what?
Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
16. The people of God are to be sealed where?
Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
17. What is to be sealed among God’s people?
Isaiah 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
18. How will God seal His law among His disciples?
Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
19. When God’s law is written in our minds, what will be our testimony?
Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
20. What are they called who are sealed in their foreheads?
Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
“Servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 6:6.
21. Christ’s people are described as having what written in their foreheads?
Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
22. When God proclaimed His name to Moses, what characteristics did He mention?
Exodus 34:5,6 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
23. What engraved words were to be displayed upon Aaron’s forehead?
Exodus 28:36-38 And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. 37And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be. 38And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
24. What does God require of us, that we may possess His character?
Leviticus 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God
1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Understand that “sanctify” means to reserve for sacred use, to consecrate, or to make holy.
25. What has the Lord done which reveals His authority as the true God?
1 Chronicles 16:26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
26. At creation, what did God sanctify as the sign of His authority?
Genesis 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
27. What has He given us as a sign that He is the Lord that sanctifies us?
Ezekiel 20:12 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
28. What has He asked us to do as the sign of our allegiance to Him?
Ezekiel 20:20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.
29. In contrast, what has the Beast declared to be the mark of its authority? (See answer in give quotations below.)
“But the Protestant mind does not seem to realize that in . . . observing the Sunday . . . they are accepting the authority of the spokesman for the church, the pope.” — Our Sunday Visitor, Catholic weekly, Feb. 5, 1950.
“Sunday is our mark of authority!. . . The Church is above the Bible, and this transference of sabbath observance is proof of that fact.” — The Catholic Record, London, Ontario, Sept. 1, 1923.
“Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change was her act . . . And the act is a mark of her ecclesiastical power and authority in religious matters.” — Office of Cardinal Gibbons, through Chancellor C. F. Thomas, Nov. 11, 1895.
“The observance of Sunday by protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the church.”— Louis Segur, Plain Talk About the Protestantism of Today, 1868 ed. p. 213.
30. All their worship is in vain who are doing what?
Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
31. When man-made laws go contrary to the law of God, whom ought we to obey?
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
32. Who will stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God?
Revelation 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
33. How were they able to overcome?
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD... (Please respond YES or NO)
I understand that Sabbath observance signifies an acknowledgment of the Creator’s authority.
I desire to obey God with my whole heart, having His image inscribed in my forehead.
1. John saw another beast coming up out of what?
Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Understand that “beasts” in prophecy represent nations, and that the “sea” and the “earth” represent, respectively, the eastern and western hemispheres. The nation, therefore, represented by this beast which was “coming up” at the very time that the first beast of Revelation 13 was taken “into captivity” (Revelation 13:11, 10), in a continent uncrowded by “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (Compare Genesis 1:10 with Revelation 17:15), is none other than the United States of America.
2. How is this beast described?
Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
From the start, the United States was characterized by its unique separation of church and state, allowing freedom of religion to all people. But its lamblike bearing is to reverse into a power that speaks as a dragon.
3. How much power will this beast exercise?
Revelation 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
4. He will cause the world to do what?
Revelation 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
5. What great wonders will he do?
Revelation 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
6. What does he do by means of those miracles?
Revelation 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
7. What will he propose that the people shall do?
Revelation 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast.” Revelation 13:15.
During the supremacy of the first beast, the religious decrees of the church were enforced by the strong arm of the state, effecting a union of religious and civil power. When the United States adopts the same course, it will have created an image of the beast.
8. No longer hesitant to enforce religious duties, what will the government attempt to make everyone do?
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
9. What means will be employed to compel all to receive this mark?
Revelation 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
10. What ultimate penalty will be set for violating the law?
Revelation 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
11. With a loud voice, a warning is given against those who do what?
Revelation 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
12. Who will have no rest day nor night?
Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
13. A noisome and grievous sore fell upon whom?
Revelation 16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
14. The mark is received in their right hand, or where else?
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
15. John saw an angel ascending from the east having what?
Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
16. The people of God are to be sealed where?
Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
17. What is to be sealed among God’s people?
Isaiah 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
18. How will God seal His law among His disciples?
Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
19. When God’s law is written in our minds, what will be our testimony?
Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
20. What are they called who are sealed in their foreheads?
Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
“Servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 6:6.
21. Christ’s people are described as having what written in their foreheads?
Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
22. When God proclaimed His name to Moses, what characteristics did He mention?
Exodus 34:5,6 And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
23. What engraved words were to be displayed upon Aaron’s forehead?
Exodus 28:36-38 And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. 37And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be. 38And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
24. What does God require of us, that we may possess His character?
Leviticus 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God
1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Understand that “sanctify” means to reserve for sacred use, to consecrate, or to make holy.
25. What has the Lord done which reveals His authority as the true God?
1 Chronicles 16:26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
26. At creation, what did God sanctify as the sign of His authority?
Genesis 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
27. What has He given us as a sign that He is the Lord that sanctifies us?
Ezekiel 20:12 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.
28. What has He asked us to do as the sign of our allegiance to Him?
Ezekiel 20:20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.
29. In contrast, what has the Beast declared to be the mark of its authority? (See answer in give quotations below.)
“But the Protestant mind does not seem to realize that in . . . observing the Sunday . . . they are accepting the authority of the spokesman for the church, the pope.” — Our Sunday Visitor, Catholic weekly, Feb. 5, 1950.
“Sunday is our mark of authority!. . . The Church is above the Bible, and this transference of sabbath observance is proof of that fact.” — The Catholic Record, London, Ontario, Sept. 1, 1923.
“Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change was her act . . . And the act is a mark of her ecclesiastical power and authority in religious matters.” — Office of Cardinal Gibbons, through Chancellor C. F. Thomas, Nov. 11, 1895.
“The observance of Sunday by protestants is an homage they pay, in spite of themselves, to the authority of the church.”— Louis Segur, Plain Talk About the Protestantism of Today, 1868 ed. p. 213.
30. All their worship is in vain who are doing what?
Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
31. When man-made laws go contrary to the law of God, whom ought we to obey?
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
32. Who will stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God?
Revelation 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
33. How were they able to overcome?
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD... (Please respond YES or NO)
I understand that Sabbath observance signifies an acknowledgment of the Creator’s authority.
I desire to obey God with my whole heart, having His image inscribed in my forehead.
3. A DAY TO REMEMBER
1. What and what were the first day?
Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
2. What and what were the second day?
Genesis 1:8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
3. From when unto when shall ye celebrate your Sabbath?
Leviticus 23:32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
4. “Even” meant when the sun did what?
Mark 1:32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
5. At what time of day were the gates of Jerusalem shut for the Sabbath?
Nehemiah 13:19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.
6. It is lawful to do what on the Sabbath days?
Matthew 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
7. God tells me that I am to turn away from doing what on His holy day?
Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
8. The Sabbath is called what three things?
Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
9. I shall honor Him not doing what three things on that day?
Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
10. Then what promise is given?
Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
11. What are the first six days of the week called?
Ezekiel 46:1 Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.
12. What are we not to do on the Sabbath?
Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
The rest of the verse indicates that we are not to employ others to do secular work for us on the Sabbath either.
13. What about in harvest time or in other times when there is much urgent work to be done?
Exodus 34:21 Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.
14. What instructions illustrate how certain household details are not to be taken care of during the Sabbath hours?
Exodus 35:3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.
["During the sojourn in the wilderness the kindling of fires upon the seventh day had been strictly prohibited. The prohibition was not to extend to the land of Canaan, where the severity of the climate would often render fires a necessity; but in the wilderness, fire was not needed for warmth." {PP 408.4}
In the desert, it was not necessary to build fires on the Sabbath (climate was warm and manna was provided). The principle here is that we are to avoid all unnecessary work. What is considered necessary work will vary according to the circumstances.]
15. What is Friday called which indicates that all cooking and cleaning for the Sabbath is to be done the day before?
Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. 55And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
16. What did Nehemiah say to those who purchased food and wares from merchants on the Sabbath?
Nehemiah 13:16, 17 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. 17Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
17. What are we not to forsake?
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
18. The Sabbath of rest is for an holy what?
Leviticus 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.
The Hebrew word used here means, “A public meeting... assembly, calling, reading.” (Strong’s Concordance)
19. What did Jesus say about where there are only two or three gathered together in His name?
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
20. The ruler of the synagogue was indignant because Jesus had done what on the Sabbath day?
Luke 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
21. In reply, Jesus declared that those whom Satan has bound may be what on the Sabbath?
Luke 13:16 nd ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
In following our Lord’s example, we may find many ways on the Sabbath day to loose others from Satan’s bonds, bringing encouragement to the lonely, and hope to those in need of comfort and cheer. Some suggestions may be found in Matthew 25:35-40.
22. The Sabbath is to remind us of what?
Genesis 2:1,2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
[Hebrews 4:9-10 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.(NIV)]
Through nature, we may be brought closer to our Creator on the Sabbath day. As a weekly memorial of God’s perfect creation, the Sabbath hours may be appropriately spent in a contemplation of His handiwork, as well as in communion with Him through Bible study and prayer.
23. What has the Lord said about those who can’t wait for the Sabbath to be over?
Amos 8:5,7 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.
24. What will we do in the Lord’s day?
Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25. God’s blessing is upon those who do what?
Isaiah 56:2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
26. In the earth made new, how often will all flesh come to worship before the Lord?
Isaiah 66:22, 23 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. 23And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD... (Please respond YES or NO)
I understand that the Sabbath is 24 hours of holy time which is not to be used for secular purposes.
I choose to keep the Sabbath as God has outlined, and receive the blessing He has promised.
1. What and what were the first day?
Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
2. What and what were the second day?
Genesis 1:8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
3. From when unto when shall ye celebrate your Sabbath?
Leviticus 23:32 It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
4. “Even” meant when the sun did what?
Mark 1:32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
5. At what time of day were the gates of Jerusalem shut for the Sabbath?
Nehemiah 13:19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.
6. It is lawful to do what on the Sabbath days?
Matthew 12:12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.
7. God tells me that I am to turn away from doing what on His holy day?
Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
8. The Sabbath is called what three things?
Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
9. I shall honor Him not doing what three things on that day?
Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
10. Then what promise is given?
Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
11. What are the first six days of the week called?
Ezekiel 46:1 Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.
12. What are we not to do on the Sabbath?
Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
The rest of the verse indicates that we are not to employ others to do secular work for us on the Sabbath either.
13. What about in harvest time or in other times when there is much urgent work to be done?
Exodus 34:21 Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.
14. What instructions illustrate how certain household details are not to be taken care of during the Sabbath hours?
Exodus 35:3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.
["During the sojourn in the wilderness the kindling of fires upon the seventh day had been strictly prohibited. The prohibition was not to extend to the land of Canaan, where the severity of the climate would often render fires a necessity; but in the wilderness, fire was not needed for warmth." {PP 408.4}
In the desert, it was not necessary to build fires on the Sabbath (climate was warm and manna was provided). The principle here is that we are to avoid all unnecessary work. What is considered necessary work will vary according to the circumstances.]
15. What is Friday called which indicates that all cooking and cleaning for the Sabbath is to be done the day before?
Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. 55And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
16. What did Nehemiah say to those who purchased food and wares from merchants on the Sabbath?
Nehemiah 13:16, 17 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. 17Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
17. What are we not to forsake?
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
18. The Sabbath of rest is for an holy what?
Leviticus 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.
The Hebrew word used here means, “A public meeting... assembly, calling, reading.” (Strong’s Concordance)
19. What did Jesus say about where there are only two or three gathered together in His name?
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
20. The ruler of the synagogue was indignant because Jesus had done what on the Sabbath day?
Luke 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
21. In reply, Jesus declared that those whom Satan has bound may be what on the Sabbath?
Luke 13:16 nd ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
In following our Lord’s example, we may find many ways on the Sabbath day to loose others from Satan’s bonds, bringing encouragement to the lonely, and hope to those in need of comfort and cheer. Some suggestions may be found in Matthew 25:35-40.
22. The Sabbath is to remind us of what?
Genesis 2:1,2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
[Hebrews 4:9-10 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.(NIV)]
Through nature, we may be brought closer to our Creator on the Sabbath day. As a weekly memorial of God’s perfect creation, the Sabbath hours may be appropriately spent in a contemplation of His handiwork, as well as in communion with Him through Bible study and prayer.
23. What has the Lord said about those who can’t wait for the Sabbath to be over?
Amos 8:5,7 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.
24. What will we do in the Lord’s day?
Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25. God’s blessing is upon those who do what?
Isaiah 56:2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
26. In the earth made new, how often will all flesh come to worship before the Lord?
Isaiah 66:22, 23 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. 23And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD... (Please respond YES or NO)
I understand that the Sabbath is 24 hours of holy time which is not to be used for secular purposes.
I choose to keep the Sabbath as God has outlined, and receive the blessing He has promised.
PROPHECY'S DAY OF HOPE
THE MISSING TEXT
