Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, May 25, 2024.

Main Theme: In the cleansing of the sanctuary, the sanctuary of the mind is cleansed from Satan’s lies about God’s character, so in the great controversy between God and Satan, people can see the true character of God, and the true nature of sin.

Read in Class: Exodus 25:8-9, 40 and Hebrews 8:1-6. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What two sanctuaries are outlined in these verses?

Apply: What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is in heaven ministering in your behalf, meaning that He is there mediating for you? Why do you need a Mediator in your behalf? Why is this truth good news?

Share: Your friend says he was raised in a home where he saw God as a God who was waiting to strike you down every time you made a mistake. How can you use Christ’s intercession in the sanctuary to demonstrate the true character and love of God? See Was The Atonement to Appease an Angry God or an Angry Race?

Read in Class: Leviticus 23:26-32 and Hebrews 9:23-28. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: Why was the Day of Atonement so important in ancient Israel?

Apply: What is the significance of the Day of Atonement in our lives today? Why should it make a difference in how we live?

Share: Your friend asks you if the thought of living during the judgment and day of atonement is scary to you? What do you tell your friend? See 1 John 4:17-19.

Read in Class: Daniel 7:9-10, Revelation 14:6-7, and Reveltion 22:10-12. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: After the judgment, when Jesus returns, what is the fate of all humanity? What clear declaration is made?

Apply: In the judgment do you see God trying to condemn you or vindicate you?

Share: Your friend says, that we are called to be God’s witnesses. Does God need witnesses because He is on trial? While God is judging the world is the world judging God? In what ways might we as God’s wintess help vindicate His character, causing people to accept Him instead of rejecting Him? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Hebrews 10:9-14. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What difference does this passage reveal between the priest’s ministry in the earthly sanctuary and Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary?

Apply: How does Christ’s death on the cross relate to His intercession in the heavenly sanctuary, and why is the judgment so necessary to the plan of salvation?

Share: Can you think of someone who sees God as a vindictive God wanting to destroy him or her? What illustrations can you share from your study on the sanctuary and the cross to help them to see the love and goodness of God? Can you share with them this coming week?