Chapter 25:
God’s Law Immutable
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Introduction
In the great controversy, we’ve seen Satan attempting to have dominion over the world. His focus has not changed. God’s position on sin has also not changed. When it comes to loyalty and worship, the world will have to decide to either follow God's law or rely on human traditions and philosophies to determine what is right. Two powers are claiming to have authority, but only one is genuine. Ultimately, everyone will have to pay homage to one or the other. There is no third option.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT
The Heavenly Sanctuary is opened (Revelation 11:19)
Door to the Most Holy Place was opened in 1844 and the Ark of God is revealed in Heaven where Jesus is officiating as High priest.
Concept: GOD'S LAW
The Ten Commandments are a transcript of God's character enshrined in the ark.(Matthew 5:18, Psalm 111:7-8)
Concept: APOSTASY
Opposition to the Law. (Revelation 3:7-8; Proverbs 28:9; Daniel 7:25) (GC 435.1)
Apostates attempt to close the door God opens.
They reject the investigative judgment.
Turning away from law is abomination
Changing God’s Commandments
Concept: REMNANT
They keep God’s Commandments and prepare for Christ's return. They fear the Lord and hate sin. (Revelation 12:17; 14:12; Exodus 20:8-11; Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 John 5:3; Ezekiel 20:19-20)
They acknowledge the authority of God as Creator by keeping Sabbath holy. Their obedience to God is their worship.
They have the faith and testimony of Jesus.
Concept: FALSE DOCTRINE
Systems of false doctrine are illustrated in prophecy. (Revelation 12:9; Daniel 7; Revelation 13:11-17)
Concept: THE DRAGON
A symbol of Satan as well as pagan Rome.
They teach all to worship their gods or be destroyed.
(Revelation 12:9)
Concept: THE LEOPARD-LIKE BEAST
A symbol of the papacy.
They teach the world to reverence the authority of men, having a form of godliness but without power.
Concept: THE LAMB-LIKE BEAST
A symbol of apostate Protestantism.
Does great wonders and miracles.
Makes an image to the leopard-like beast.
Causes all to receive the mark of the beast.
Concept: THE THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE
The third angel warns not to worship the beast and his image. (Revelation 14:9-10) (GC 446.1)
Concept: IMAGE TO THE BEAST
The image to the beast stands for the bringing together of church and state.
Receiving the mark of the beast is when you show your allegiance to the papacy by adhering to it’s policies which includes keeping Sunday as sacred. It is a mark of her authority.
The mark is a matter of worship. Worshiping on Sunday as “the Lord’s day” is giving homage to the one who established it.
Breaking God’s Law (Exodus 20:8-12)
Church and State Unite
The apostolic church remained independent from the state until the desire for influence and status caused her to pull away from the truth and join with the state to form policy. (GC 443.4, 445.1)
Today, the apostate Protestant churches unite with the state to gain power for the enforcement of her policies, specifically, to enforce Sunday worship.
Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus declares that He is “Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5) (GC 448.1)
The Catholic Church declares: “we changed the Sabbath to Sunday.” (Daniel 7:25)
Apostate Protestant Churches say: “we will follow tradition.” (Revelation 13:15-18)
What does this have to do with me today?
Is following the Law of God legalism or obedience?
Is there room in my spiritual life staying neutral?
In what ways should God’s remnant church be like the early church?
How can I warn my friends about the true meaning of the mark of the beast?