Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:10-22.
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:18.
1. Who is symbolized by the Lamb in Revelation 5:6? John 1:29.
NOTE: The central character in Revelation is the Lamb of God- mentioned 27 times! When God tested Abraham by telling him to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, Abraham told his son, “God will provide Himself a lamb” (Genesis 22:8). From the Passover lamb in Egypt and throughout the Old Testament, a lamb represented a pure and innocent sacrifice. The Bible’s prophecies highlight this gentle creature as a symbol of Jesus, whose death would be the only hope for humanity.
2. Why was it necessary for Jesus to suffer and die? Romans 3:23-24, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Peter 3:18.
NOTE: The Bible is priceless because it tells us how sin entered the world and how it will be removed. Prophecy says that God will not tolerate the ugly malignancy of sin in His creation for much longer. The penalty for sin is death. And when Adam and Eve sinned, the disease of sin passed to the entire human race. God’s law and the penalty for breaking it could not be changed, so all people were doomed. But God could not stand to be separated from those created in His image. So in an act of incredible love, He sent His Son into the world to suffer and die in our place. Your sins and death penalty were placed upon Him. If you choose to accept and follow Him, you are freed from the penalty.
3. What does Revelation call this plan to save people from death? Revelation 14:6.
NOTE: God’s plan of salvation is called the gospel, which means “good news.” It is the most wonderful news ever delivered to people! Jesus suffered and died for the sins of the whole world to provide a way for anyone to be saved from the awful penalty of sin. But there is something we must do to benefit from His sacrifice. The Bible tells us the problem and the solution.
4. According to the Bible, what is sin- and how do we recognize it? 1 John 3:4, Romans 3:20.
NOTE: The law of God represents His perfect will for humanity. The devil hates the law because it makes us aware of our need for a Savior from sin. Romans 4:15 states, “...for where no law is, there is no transgression.” The law cannot save anyone, but it shows us God’s perfection and our imperfection. Any sin a person commits is condemned by at least one of the Ten Commandments. This is why God’s law is called “broad” (Psalms 119:96) and “perfect” (Psalms 19:7). It covers the “whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). (In this lesson, the term “law” is primarily referencing the Ten Commandments. There were a number of ceremonial laws that pointed to Christ; those requirements ended at His death.)
5. Can God’s moral law be changed or repealed? Luke 16:17, Psalms 89:34, Psalms 111:7-8, Malachi 3:6.
NOTE: No! Under no circumstances can God’s law be amended or repealed. It is as permanent as God Himself.
6. Did Jesus keep the Ten Commandments? John 15:10, 1 Peter 2:22.
NOTE: First and foremost, a Christian is a follower of the teachings and example of Jesus. He perfectly obeyed all Ten commandments as a model for us (John 15:10; 1 John 2:6). If God’s law could be changed, it would not have been necessary for Jesus to die on the cross. The fact that Jesus had to die for our sins is proof that the law is unchangeable.
7. Are New Testament Christians required to keep the Ten Commandments? Matthew 19:17, John 14:15, Revelation 14:12, Revelation 22:14.
NOTE: Yes! The New Testament plainly teaches that God’s people will keep His commandments. We all know that the world is in big trouble today because so many, even some professed Christians, no longer feel it is important to obey God’s law. The Bible speaks of our day by saying, “It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.” (Psalms 119:126).
8. What is the difference between the new and old covenant? Deuteronomy 4:13, Hebrews 8:8-10.
NOTE: The two covenants represent agreements between God and His people. The old covenant failed because it was partially based upon the faulty promises of sinful people to keep the law: “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” (Exodus 24:7). The new covenant succeeded because it is based upon Jesus’ promise to write His law in our hearts. Because a person’s nature is changed, doing God’s will becomes a pleasure. The new covenant is still based on the same law, but it is written in a different place (the heart) and based on better promises (God’s).
9. What is it called when we are converted and given a new heart? John 3:7.
10. What must I do to be forgiven and cleansed from sin? Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9.
NOTE: True repentance means both a sorrow for sin and a willingness to turn away from it (Proverbs 28:13). Confession is a necessary part of repentance. Sins against God should be confessed to Him. Sins against another person should be acknowledged to that person (Matthew 5:24). Nowhere in the Bible are we required to confess sins to a priest.
11. Who enters the heart of a born-again Christian, and what does He do? John 14:17, Philippians 2:13.
12. Why did God make such a fantastic sacrifice for us and how do we accept it? John 1:12, John 3:16, Acts 16:31.
13. Is anyone saved by keeping the law alone? Ephesians 2:8-9.
NOTE: No one is saved by keeping God’s law alone. All are saved by the miracle-working grace of God. But those who are saved, that is, transformed, by the grace of Jesus will want to obey His law as an expression of their love and thanksgiving. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
14. Isn’t it true that once we are saved by grace, it’s no longer necessary to keep the law? Romans 3:31, Romans 6:15.
NOTE: No! God’s grace does not free us to disobey His law but empowers us to keep His commandments. Those who have been forgiven by Jesus for breaking His law are duty-bound to obey Him. And sensing the price He paid to secure their forgiveness, they are more desirous than others to follow Jesus.
15. Can one be a true Christian without keeping His commandments? 1 John 2:3-4, Matthew 7:21.
16. Who does the devil especially hate in the last days? Revelation 12:17.
17. What motivates a person to obey God’s law? Romans 13:10, Matthew 22:37-39, 1 John 5:3.
NOTE: Love is a great motivator. The first four commandments have to do with our duty to God. When you love Him, obeying those commands is a pleasure. The last six commandments embrace our duty to people. If you truly love people, you will not want to do anything to hurt them.
18. What are some of the glorious rewards of accepting Christ and keeping God’s law? John 15:11, Proverbs 29:18, Psalms 119:165.
NOTE: Happiness, joy, peace, and more abundant living come to those who obey God’s law. No wonder David said that God’s commands are more desirable than gold (Psalms 19:10)