the dispensation may be—there is only one way of salvation, even the way of the cross. In Old Testament times, men were saved by looking forward to the cross; in New Testament times and fol lowing, they are saved by looking back ward to the cross. The Cross of Christ stands central in the divine revelation. So during the dark days of the tribula tion yet future many will forsake all man-made methods of salvation and turn to the blood that washes white as snow. Only such as these who walk by the way of the Cross shall ever carry the “ palms” of victory in their hands (v.9). Memory Verse: “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Ho sanna in the highest” (Matt. 21:9). Hundreds of men, women and children in the city of Jerusalem were excited and joyful. The Lord Jesus Christ was coming to their city! Some of them would see Him for the first time. Others would welcome Him again as a loving Friend who had healed or comforted them or their loved ones. As the multi tudes were gathering along the road side, the Lord Jesus and His disciples were walking toward Jerusalem. When The NATIONAL BIBLE INSTITUTE offers curricula leading to the B.A.,the B.R.E., and the T ll.B . Helps for the Children The People Welcome Jesus Matt. 21:1-16
Pointers on the Lesson, H omes A. K ent , T h .D. Helps for the Children, A llison A rrowood
Lesson material is based upon outlines of the International Sunday School Lessons copyrighted by the International Council of Religious Education; used by permission.
April 2, 1950
THE CHURCH SUFFERING AND TRIUMPHANT 1 Pet. 4:12.13: Rev. 7:9-17 Pointers on the Lesson
Salvation From Suffering Rev. 7:9-17
The title of this week’s lesson is a bit misleading in view of the Revelation passage chosen for study. Students of prophecy are practically unanimous in their opinion that the church is not in the picture at all in the seventh chapter of Revelation, but that the tribulation saints are those under consideration. However, it is certainly true that both passages present saints in relation to suffering and victory. Nevertheless, it is always best for the teacher of God’s Word to know where he is dispensation- ally. Note'how believers are addressed in this passage—“beloved.” They are be loved of one another as Peter loved those who were scattered abroad (1:1), and they are beloved of God (1 Jno. 4:10, 11). Peter informs us that the “ be loved” ones should not think it strange if they are visited with “ fiery” trial. It is something to be expected by all of God’s children everywhere and at any time. “ Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). Those who suffer for Christ become in a real sense “ partakers of Christ’s sufferings” and in the day of His coming there will be rejoicing be cause of the privilege. Why is such suffering permitted God’s people? Peter answers, “ to prove you.” It is for the purpose of testing and re fining. Through suffering, the reality of one’s faith is made evident. It purifies, strengthens, and draws the afflicted one closer to the Lord. In chapter one, verse 7, the trial of faith is said to be “more precious than of gold” tried in the fire. In the smelting process, the dross is drawn off the liquid metal until the image of the refiner may be seen in the smelting pot. So in the believers’ trials, the experience ought to result in more of the likeness of Christ evident in those who are tried. The Purpose of Suffering 1 Pet. 4:12,13
It is not the church that is in the pic ture here. These are saints who are saved out of the period of the great tribula tion (v. 14). At this time the church is in Heaven. These saints are on earth where the “temple” is and where there is “ day and night” (v. 15). It is a scene related to the millennial kingdom. Dur ing the dark days of the great tribula tion the multitude of this passage will listen to the testimony of Jewish mis sionaries and will fix their faith upon the Lamb of God. Thus they will enter into the blessings of the millennial king dom. Some of those blessings are set forth in these verses. It should be care- fully noted that these who are saved in this scene are saved by the “ blood of the Lamb.” This is the way all men must be saved. It makes no difference what
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