MEMORY VERSE: ‘What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it?’ Isaiah 5:4, first part.
LESSON AIM: To study how the whole plan for our salvation was provided by God; all we have to do is choose.
‘Accumulated light has shone upon God’s people, but many have neglected to follow the light, and for this reason they are in a state of great spiritual weakness. It is not for lack of knowledge that God’s people are now perishing. They will not be condemned because they do not know the way, the truth, and the life. The truth that has reached their understanding, the light which has shone on the soul, but which has been neglected or refused, will condemn them. Those who never had the light to reject, will not be in condemnation. What more could have been done for God’s vineyard than has been done? Light, precious light, shines upon God’s people; but it will not save them, unless they consent to be saved by it, fully live up to it, and transmit it to others in darkness.’ Testimonies, volume 2, page 123.
1. Who is concerned if we do not acknowledge our sin problem? 1 John 1:10.
NOTE: ‘“If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.” 1 John 1:10. God cannot lie; therefore it is a fearfully wicked thing to make Him out to be a liar. The only thing for us to do is to confess that we have sinned. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. But suppose a man confesses that he is a sinner, and thus removes the charge of falsehood from God, but refuses to believe that God has pardoned his sins. That is just the same as though he had never confessed his sin; for “he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son.” 1 John 5:10. Don’t stop half-way in your acknowledgment that God is true, for that is the same as not beginning. Admit God’s truthfulness, by confessing your sins, and then bear testimony to His righteousness and faithfulness, by declaring with full assurance that your sins are forgiven.’ E. J. Waggoner: Present Truth, December 16, 1897.
2. What is the Bible definition of sin? 1 John 3:4.
NOTE: ‘The only definition for sin that we have in the Bible is that it is the transgression of the law. The law is far-reaching in its claims, and we must bring our hearts into harmony with it. Men may wrap themselves about with their own righteousness, they may reach their own standard of character, but they do not reach the standard that God has given them in His word. We may measure ourselves by ourselves, and compare ourselves among ourselves; we may say we do as well as this one or as that one, but the great question is, Do we meet the claims that Heaven has upon us? The reason why iniquity prevails to such an alarming extent is that the law of God is made void in the earth. His law spoken from Sinai and exemplified in the life of Christ, is perfect, converting the soul. It condemns every sin, and requires every virtue. Not only does it demand a correct outward deportment, but its principles reach even to the thoughts and affections of the heart. “Behold,” said the psalmist, “Thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom.” In the light of the law, covetousness is seen to be idolatry, lust adultery, and anger murder. No wonder that the carnal mind is enmity against God, and not subject to His law.’ Signs of the Times, March 3, 1890.