Chapter 19:
Light Through Darkness
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Introduction
God reveals Himself and His will through His Word. Those who want to get to know God’s character and His ways must get to know the Bible. It reveals what God’s kingdom is and how to be a part of it. The disciples and the Millerites had a similar experiences in their walk with God. Their faith was tested with trials to determine if they were worthy of the Kingdom.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: SALVATION
Salvation for souls is revealed by the Holy Spirit in God’s Word.(1 Peter 1)
God’s Instruments
God uses man as His instrument to accomplish His work of mercy. His disciples and prophets deliver the message of His Kingdom. The work of mercy coupled with the gospel message brings redemption. (Romans 6:13)
Obedience to the Work
Obedience is more important than human understanding. The Prophets did not understand everything that they prophesied, yet they continued to prophesy. The disciples of Christ preached what He committed to them even though they were in doubt and uncertainty about His death. (Matthew 13:17)
Concept: KINGDOM OF GRACE
Grace and mercy are extended to mankind for forgiveness of sins through God’s “Throne of grace.” (Hebrews 4:16; Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:4-8)
Grace was set up after the fall of humanity in the garden of Eden and fulfilled at the cross.
Concept: KINGDOM OF GLORY
A future kingdom established at the second coming of Christ.
God’s “Throne of glory” is revealed. (Matthew 25:31-34)
Concept: TRIALS
Trials occur for the purpose of correction for God’s people in order to reveal their faults and imperfections.
The disciples quarreled because of worldly pride and selfish ambition. (Luke 22:24)
The Law and the Prophets
The knowledge and assurance of the truth are found in the Scriptures.
Jesus reminds us that He is revealed in the Scriptures and prophecy. (Luke 24:27)
The revelation of Christ in Scripture gave the disciples assurance of unclouded faith and caused disappointment to turn to joy. (Romans 10:17)
Concept: EVANGELISM
Publicly preaching the Gospel to the world.
The Gospel is to be given to all the world. (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:20; Revelation 14:6)
God promises to be with us always, even if we go through persecution.
The Millerite's Experience
The Millerites preached the second coming of Jesus and were fully committed to Jesus and the Scriptures.
They didn't fully understand the message and still held on to their erroneous ideas.
A test is coming to God’s people today!
The test will reveal the strength of believers. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
It will show the dangers of accepting man-made theories (Matthew 15:9; 1 Timothy 4:1)
Tests cause reliance on Scripture (Romans 15:4)
They reveal what a person’s true foundation of faith is. (Matthew 7:24-29)
What does this have to do with me today?
What should be the difference between the followers of Christ and the followers of the world?
Is grace only found in the New Testament?
Is anyone so far from God that they cannot come to the Throne of Grace?
What is supposed to happen to me when I read God's Word?
How should I regard disappointments and trials in my spiritual life?