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Commentary on "The Fruit of the Spirit is Faithfulness"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 6: Thursday, February 18, 2010

 

Overview

Today, the lesson author refers to the ‘Great Disappointment’ out of which evolved the twin Investigative and Sanctuary doctrines, concepts unique to the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. It is then suggested that another disappointment is coming upon us because of a diminished emphasis for the imminent Second Coming (of Jesus Christ) because he was expected to have returned by now.

 

Observations

Our attention is drawn to Matt. 25:1-13, the Parable of the Ten Virgins.

With regards to the return of Jesus Christ which is represented as the groom in this parable, notice that his return is not hindered by the fact that the virgins were asleep, all of them. He returns according to his Father’s timing which is not affected by the sleepiness of the virgins. Being asleep and not alert is not the issue.

How does one prepare for the return of our Savior?

Simple, accept him as your Savior and you will be ready. In verse twelve, he declares “I do not know you” to those who were not ready. The fact that the virgins were asleep illustrates the point that our performance, our works, is not a factor in being ready for the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The lesson then turns to Matt. 24:44-50 but we will include verse 51.

Here, Jesus also declares that we must be ready for his return. Then, the focus is placed upon the evil servant who mistreats his fellow servants because the master has delayed his return. When the master does return, he declares to the evil servant:

…the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 24:50-51 ESV)

Who are the faithful servants but the ones who receive the salvation of Jesus Christ and display the Holy Spirit’s fruit of faithfulness?

Who is the evil servant but the one who mistreats his fellow servants with a false gospel? Know that it is heresy to suggest that the sinless and perfect blood of Jesus Christ could have defiled the Heavenly Sanctuary. The Adventist health message is not part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no Investigative Judgment of the Saints mentioned in Scripture as a basis for entry into the Kingdom of God.

 

Summary

  1. The only work necessary for the return of Jesus Christ is the work he performed upon the cross for the removal of sin and the penalty of sin from our lives. Our readiness for his return is based solely upon him imparting the benefits of his salvation into our lives along with the regeneration of our spirit by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Seal of our salvation, the manifestation of our faith.
  2. Evil servants must be aware of the consequences of preaching another gospel, which is no gospel at all.
  3. Even when we sleep we are ready for the return of the bridegroom because there is plenty of ‘oil for our lamps’.

 

GO TO DAY 7

 

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The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.

 

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